Building Red Sand Castles

A Movie that Changed My Opinion About Something

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:24:00 +0000

Since I am not facebooking via the net most of the time, my 30-day movie challenge will have to be continued here in this blog, so I am in day 11 and it should be about "A Movie that Changed My Opinion about Something." I have come up with something and it's really silly so I decided that it shouldn’t be my entry for this (I'd say it anyhow, "The Secret Window. I thought Johnny Depp was HOT!" I have lived my life thinking he's so overrated in terms of crushability but seeing him there, I told myself, "Owkay." Although I still couldn’t rank him next to Jude Law, Robert Downey, Hugh Grant and Hugh Jackman.

So back to my entry, well I don’t know if this fits right but I'd say, I have to give this entry to, "Shake, Rattle, and Roll 1." Man! It changed my opinion on things TWICE IN MY LIFE!

First, I went bananas when I saw it back when I was kid. I have been terrified of refrigerators at night for more than half my lifetime. I had been terrified of old-fashioned ladies living in nipa huts thinking they could be "manananggals." Having lived in the province for almost my entire childhood didn’t make it easy for me.

Second, it was about 6 months back (I guess). I saw on the TV guide that it's gonna be shown in Cinema One so I marked the time and date and had Kaiser watch it --- I said and I quote, "if you miss this movie, pagsisisihan mo talaga, parang na-miss mo rin kalahati ng buhay mo." So he did watch it with me and grrrrrrrrrrrrabe! After some minutes (perhaps about 15 – 20), I told my husband, "can we watch other stuff instead?" and he said, "no, you want me to watch this movie, right? We will finish this." Of course he was grinning.

He tortured me as we watched it from the beginning to the end credits. I was half asleep and he too wasn’t enjoying at all. He just wanted to show me what a movie it is and what on earth made me think that he'd miss half his lifetime letting this movie pass. Yes, this time, it changed my opinion on the 80's movie! (something House 1 and 2 did to me in a less brutal way).

Happy Birthday Bes!

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:10:00 +0000

And of course, unlike you (Jo), I am actually good with dates. The reason to forget your birthday is me having amnesia.

Just like the Hallmark greeting card you gave me some years back, I wish I could clone you too... and I am going to make 10 YOUs, with that, the world would be a much much better place!

You're the only one who can finish my sentences even when the context aren't revealed yet. You think the way I do, like you can read my mind.

You complement my being shy and you took me out of my shell. I know that blogging about this yearly (LOL) wouldn't suffice the magnitude of my thankfulness for your friendship.

You shared me your family, you weren't cruel. You're just. You have always been truthful and you didn't keep me in the dark. You help me with the littlest things in life... even at times I exaggerate my helplessness, you didn't care... as long as I needed you --- you didn't falter. You were selfless and you've always cared for others first.

I know that you don't dig drama so I appreciate when you get all dramatic with me. I appreciate the tiniest sweetness you demonstrate because people don't know that in your world --- it's congruent to getting all Sharon Cuneta on me. I appreciate you showing your weaknesses on the rarest occasions, but I can live with that --- it's an honor having seen that. We both know I hit the jackpot seeing you shed a tear! But always remember I am just here, only a skype away!!!

Today is your day and I pray nothing but happiness for you. I pray for God's continuous blessings and provisions...I pray you grow in Christ and that your relationship with Him gets stronger and stronger.

I pray for your health and your family's too. I pray for prosperity and success. For love and friendship.

You deserve nothing but the best, bes... You are one of a kind and I am glad I have you in my life!

Joanne and Janis

This was a stolen shot (from you) and yet, it came perfectly

What are We?

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:32:00 +0000

I stumbled onto this post and I began thinking, "being a worship leader indeed is hard." Seeing the expectations set forth in this photo gave me goosebumps!

Source: FB (shared by my contacts from Boodz Burce)

But what are we?

We are Christians!

We are not defined by certain articles as to how we should be as worship leaders. We should be defined by the standards set by God --- as to how Christians are and with that; we have the Bible to guide us by.

But what happens if we don’t read the Bible? How can we know where we stand and where should we be standing? What if we don’t regularly pray? How do we constantly communicate with Him? How do we learn further if we skip the sermon? How do we grow? What are these testimonies for if we are just to skip them? Hmmm… might as well have the leaders take it out from the program so to satisfy us, right?

These parts of the program were placed for a purpose and not to be skipped. We are living testimonies, hence the testimony portion. We have to tithe and offer, hence the offertory. Many a times, people enjoy singing --- but do we sing for our churchmates or for the Lord? Is it just a Sunday program to showcase your talents? If we intend to please the Lord, then why leave after praise and worship?

Yes. I am not defined by this picture. People couldn't dictate what and where I stand as a Christian, but God didn’t keep it a secret -- how He wants us to be. Exodus 20:5a says, "You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God." He is a jealous God therefore we shouldn’t bow to other things but Him. Let us not prioritize other things than Him.

Yes, unlike the picture, the verse did not specify Facebook, Online Gaming, or whatsoever, but it says, "we shall not bow to them."

This picture, hard to accept and strict as it may be is true. Yes, I am not to be dictated by a photo or a viral article via facebook, but it doesn’t harm receiving constant reminders, in fact I agree on most of the things enumerated on the article, I just hope reminders are done in better taste.

We shouldn’t focus on the worship leaders alone. We as Christians may throw criticisms on everyone but how do you assess yourself as a Christian? Are we judging the Elders because they are the elders? The Pastors because they are pastors? The Deacons because they are deacons? What about you as a member? A plain member of the church without any responsibilities at all. What have you done? What do you do?

Each of us is accountable for our actions. Only God can read our minds and know our hearts' desires. I am not going to be judged as this and that, I am judged as to what kind of Christian I am.

.

An Interesting Hobby: Pen Collecting (A Guest Post by Nancy Johnson)

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 07:14:00 +0000

If you are looking for a new hobby (and you happen to have a lot of extra cash), pen collecting may be just the thing for you. Much like collecting fine pieces of art, collector pens are sought after at auctions and specialty stores.

I had never heard of this type of collecting until a few weeks ago, when I happened upon a shop that sold stationary, diaries and greeting cards. Locked away in the back of the shop was a peculiar stock of shiny, beautiful objects, which I first thought was fine jewelry. At second glance, I noticed that it was a collection of pens (and not your every day, run-of-the-mill collection of pens).

Handcrafted out of precious metals like 18k gold, sterling silver and bronze, collector fountain and roller pens aren’t your typical handwriting tools. Only a small number of each pen design is produced, making them alltrue works of art; some are even hand painted. Although I found them very beautiful and interesting (especially because I love to write), I don’t think I would ever be able to start my own collection due to the high cost of each pen. However, I think that this form of collecting is intriguing enough to share with others.

Maybe you can start your own collection! Take a look at a few of the designs I saw at the shop:

1. The David Oscarson Celestial Limited Edition - Azure Blue Fountain Pen; $4,900.00.

2. The Tibaldi Dragon & Phoenix Limited Edition - Hand Painted Fountain Pen and Roller Set; $9,995.00

3. The Krone Albert Einstein Limited Edition - Sterling Silver Fountain Pen; $6,950.00

4. The Krone Galileo Limited Edition - Hand Painted Fountain Pen; $4,750.00

5. The Krone Tyrannosaurus Rex Limited Edition – Bronze Fountain; $6,500.00

Amazing, aren’t they?! To learn more about the hobby of pen collecting visit the Pen Collectors of America website. You can also click on each pen to be directed to each pen designers’ official website.

Nancy Johnson works in the health care field and owns the site Medical Billing Degree. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family and write guest blog posts on various topics of interest.

Chulo and Chiquitita

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:33:00 +0000

Kaiser and I had a lot of activities that we didn't have time to blog about Chulo's stuffs, although they remained documented. He's had so many new treats and new tricks! When I get home, I'd post some of Chulo's new chunky treats... He loves them to the max! He is such a sweetheart!

One other new thing is the arrival of Chiqui (short for Chiquitita). A female Chihuahua we adopted --- LAST NIGHT!

Left: Chiqui
Right: Chulo

Kaiser is trying his best to be as Cesar Millan-ish as possible because all Chulo does is try to lock her (Chiqui) down and do his thing. Naughty puppy! Kaiser didn't believe me that Chulo has been showing signs of being "in heat" until he saw it.

One more thing is that Chiqui is a little defensive on her properties. We just got her last night and we saw that she isn't trained on "table manners" like how we have done on Chulo. She would growl by Chulo's mere proximity, threatened he will steal her food, although I don't understand why Chulo wanted to share, despite him having his own bowl! Puppy Nature!!! Arggggh!!!

Today, Kaiser and I went home for our break to check on the 2, they just ransacked our bed.. the chair and all the stuffs we left in it (we didn't fix it since the chair's of height, not knowing Chiqui could climb on it!). Chiqui's poop smells putridly and our house, being contained and doesn't have any open space musn't smell bad, hence, the thought of getting her dewormed again and undergo cleansing diet (of course, we'd seek our vet's advice).

What terrified me is that when we got home earlier, we gave each of them treats. One each but both of them were vying for the same piece of dentabone... in short, they fought and Chiqui attacked Chulo... poor Chulo ended up crying for help and once again, I froze and didnt do anything. Good thing Kaiser Millan went to the rescue, LOL. I laugh now but I was actually super pissed awhile ago. I don't like seeing Chulo getting attacked. I hope we can teach Chiqui some puppy manners in order for us to be able to live happily all together.

More pictures later!

Yay! Denims!

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:08:00 +0000

I never shop at regular price unless:

1. I am buying a party dress
2. Or a really cool make-up
3. A designer purse
4. Comfort shoes
5. Or if it's a gift of my choice

So most of the time, my tops and jeans are under 100 SAR only. I don't mind because sale is everywhere and we don't really run out of it (like how people went crazy over the Bath and Body and Victoria's Secret Sale). Man! That was bananas!!! I never experienced such chaos like that in KSA! People enter in batches! Although I have experienced it in LV Hong Kong.

Anyhoo, yesterday, Joy and Mommy went shopping for my "supposed b-day gift" and they made me choose. It's a shame I am naturally a spendthrift --- my sight completely shuns the glitter of expensiveness! Although my purchase weren't on sale, they weren't too pricey either. But had I chosen a much more expensive deal, I am sure mom and Joy would have succumbed (or NOT?)

Got one like this, from mommy, 129.00 SAR only (H&M)

Image from H&M Website Denim Blazer only for 199.00 SAR from Joy

I think sale season isn't over yet for some stores like Gap, Zara, and others. But I am just glad to have found that denim top which I really love because of the comfort it brings. I chose the Blazer because it is good for channeling Serena Van Der Woodsen (who by the way isn't my favorite Gossip Girl character). And while I am looking for photos, I stumbled on 2 interesting photos from google images:

photo from http://hypeed.com/H-M-Denim-Jacket-tb2-163

photo from Chictopia

Then I asked myself, "If I had the same dress, would I use the same denim jacket?" I guess I won't. Not that I do not like it (I do like it in fact), it's just that oftentimes, I go for contrast...denims won't do it for me.

Bills, Bills, Bills

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:20:00 +0000

One of today's top tweets is from viatumblr: "I wish I was a kid again… no bills, no worries, no broken hearts, happy life and always smiling." #viatumblr

I suddenly had to pause and recalculate my expenses (yes, the ones I've calculated about 100x already). Anyhow, I feel so sad because my bills don’t give me a break --- first, it was the undying credit card bills, next is my share for our car, then share for the house, and too many miscellaneous bills.

Image from: sierraclub @ typepad (via Google Images)

I was daydreaming waking up one day being a child again. My parents are young again (and Joy wasn’t born yet! LOL) Tssk… Owkay, I can return at least at the time Faye's already been born, but not the baby part because I was always the one assigned to baby sit her and she cries a lot!!! I guess the Tom Taus days would be cool enough.

If I knew that growing up will be this hard, I wouldn’t have (at one point) wished to be older. Because when I was younger, I had random wishes especially about getting older, having my own job, and the like!

I guess that's normal. You wish for the things you don’t have and later realizing, "why on earth did I ever want that?!!"

I cannot say anything about one's lifestyle, I too am making choices haphazardly hence, the eternal trials and errors. But there are normal things we should put in mind while doing our budget and here are some points I've written for myself:

1. Tithes and Offering – need I say more?

2. Listing and prioritizing – make a list of needs according to importance. Ignore the unnecessaries

3. Getting rid of old unpleasant habits – if you find yourself trapped into a wasteful habit, cut the cord!

4. No to hoarding – Refraining from collecting things compulsively not only helps budgetwise, it helps your life become more "livable"

5. Tidy up – Perhaps there are tons of valuable items hidden under the massive clutter you haven’t touched in ages. Clean, clean, clean…

I know I am not the only one harassed by the budget pie chart but we can definitely make things better next time.

The price of getting older...

My Cobone Purchase: 3M Full Car Detailing!

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:54:00 +0000

Since I am getting addicted to deals, I feel I had to share our new purchase from COBONE.COM for my Manic Monday entry. I love love love our newly bought Cobone deal! It's the 3M full-car detailing!

3M targets 300 buyers and lucky enough, we were able to buy one voucher for our car and we were able to entice our friend to register and purchase his own since this deal is a cobone-per-person-deal only. Is this awesome or not!?!

The highlights of the service are the following:

• Exterior and interior cleaning

• Hand dried with top quality micro fiber towels and chamois

• Wax coating with compound made from top quality fluorescein and carnauba, giving your car a brilliant and long lasting shine

• Car A/C Anti- Bacterial Treatment kills over 99% of germs in AC ducts

• Expert staff

Conditions

• Valid for date 27/2/2012

• Open from 10:00am to 10:00pm

• Offer valid at King Abdul Aziz Branch

• Valid for Sedan Cars and small SUVs

• SR 50 surcharge applied for large cars and large SUVs

• Prior booking require

Upon browsing my cobone account just now, I saw that the 3M deal is over and was able to meet their target of 300 deals! We're just so glad to have acted fast enough. Goodness gracious! I was even thinking of delaying the order since it's still valid until 27 February 2012. Good thing I didn’t follow my lazy bones. One advice, if the deal you initially liked is on, "act fast" and don’t hesitate especially if it's too awesome like this. Otherwise, you'll end up regretting it.

Rant. Because I Couldn't in Real Life

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

It was a distorted day for me. Well yesterday wasn’t a blast either. You know the feeling of getting claustrophobic when you're getting closer to someone and you feel burdened by the supposed perks of it? I am not a typical friend and most of the people I have kept for ages share the same personality, hence, the long lasting friendship.

1. I am not the kind of friend who responds on routine and scheduled tasks

2. I am not the kind of friend who posts cryptic messages on a friend's wall just because… although I see to it that I greet everyone on Christmas and on their birthdays and yes, I drop them hi – hello messages at times

3. I don’t like being asked, "Do you want to see my new skirt?" --- Because in fact, I don't. I don’t really care. If I am interested, I'd ask for sure

4. I don’t like being asked rhetorically if I want to have coffee and even if I said I don’t, I am expected to join anyhow

5. I don’t like being IM-ed a lot. Unless you're someone from the other side of the world, but if you're in front of me, I just get suffocated

6. I don’t like assigned tasks like:

a. Having to always call the restaurant when ordering for lunch or breakfast

b. Having to do the AVPs on almost all occasions

c. Having to facilitate the catering

d. Having to collect signatures for the guestbook or photo dedications

I mean I could do all these occasionally, but not as a permanent assignment. Because what if I died? Wouldn’t you ever call the restaurant to order food? Won't there be any avps? No catering, no guest books????

So why the blog? Well I just want to say things I want to say aloud but couldn’t because I am afraid to hurt people's feelings. Although I am trying my best to be as plastic as I could, my face betrays my too hard attempt to conceal my irritation. I know I may have hurt other's feelings because of my facial revelation and I am sorry --- but clingy behavior just doesn’t add up. I mean I don’t understand it when others easily promote you to being their friend worse, best friend, when in your context, they are but plain acquaintances. Haisst! Amy Farrah Fowler in the making!!!

Despite my being easily suffocated, it is for sure that in times of need, I mean "real" non-coffee emergency need, I do not leave friends, I listen, I stay, I come to the rescue… sometimes, I even give a hug *grins* I am so glad my friends are almost as "claustrophobic" as I am in terms of friendship. We don’t suffocate one other with tiny marshmallow drops on a hot coco.

Did You Pray?

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

"Lord, I am sorry for all the times I carried burdens I didn’t have to, all because I neglected to bring them to You in prayer. Open my eyes and my heart, and help me see how much You love me and how much You care about every little concern of mine. Whenever I am tempted to shoulder my burdens alone, please remind me to turn to You in prayer and then surround me with Your perfect healing peace." - A repost.

My uncle, who works as a Christian Commitments Specialist at World Vision International reposted the above (via FB) from his good friend, a fellow worker I suppose. My uncle is of my age and we grew up together, went to the same church, his dad was our Pastor for quite some time. His mom and dad, up to now are active workers of God.

My cousins and my young aunts and uncles mostly went to Febias Bible College. They studied (study) Theology, minor in Music, Voice, Evangelism, etc... I feel sad because I was with them planning our future eduction at the Bible school. I know my mom kind of hoped I could have gone there.

My sister, the youngest, an UPCAT passer and is currently enrolled in UST Conservatory of Music had been constantly enticed to shift courses and move to Febias instead, but her heart didn't belong there (neither in UP), although remaining a faithful servant of God, via the Music Ministry. This has been fervently prayed for.

Every single decision affecting our family has been prayed for, knowing that my mother is a prayerful woman and my father, a prayer warrior himself. The ones that failed are the decisions we made ourselves. Having read the reposted message (quoted above) tore me apart knowing that what I considered failure were fruits of my arrogance.

I know I have a standing desire to work for the Lord yet my overconfidence on my Math prowess led me towards a different direction -- "I would be rich someday if I did this right" that's what I used to say. Since my motivation wasn't based on my heart's desire, reality took a toll on me --- I left my course, even realized I wasn't that uber excellent in Math, I was average, perhaps my classmates weren't that good so I excelled.

At that time, I was fixated in taking up English so I took it (English, Letters). I thought someday, I will be writing the speech our president is reading. Moreso, I once dreamt of becoming the President --- my collection of voice tapes when I was a toddler proved so. And again, having not prayed for it led me some other way, I landed to a course that's fun yet I never liked (took it because it's the only course where my units are credited), Psychology. As I studied it (especially, Pseudo-psychology), I know if one isn't a believer, his/her faith could be swayed easily. I graduated with flying colors, had good grades in fact but I took it because I've got nothing else to take.

And I continue to wonder, what would have happened had I prayed for that? If I didn't go my own way -- if I wasn't too confident deciding alone...

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Blog Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:18:00 +0000

I am not free anymore! I wanted to categorize my blogs ever since the world began but I didn’t even attempt to try. I need to dedicate topics that would sort of limit myself when it comes to the scope of my writings.

Before, I just felt like skipping showbiz blogs but I say, "what a hypocrite am I?" I know I love reading showbiz chikkas be it local or from Hollywood. I am committed though to cutting off gossips and the unnecessaries from my life hence the categorization. I am still of course blogging about silly things but at least, it should fall into something.

I don’t mean to blog daily! Hello hardship! But at least, I intend to have control on my keyboard like for example, today's Wednesday and I thought of writing about fashion – oh well I am sorry because it's Twitter Wednesday, I should derive my post from Twitter – but I can of course steal my way in, and find a Twitter source linking to the fashion topic I desire. So the idea is, I cannot blog just because… it has to be within the assigned category… if I feel like writing and it doesn’t suit the day, i.e. Gastro Saturday and I want to blog about a dress or something, nope, I don’t think so, save some room for later and bear the itch!

So here are the general topics I've selected and their scope:

Gastronomic Saturday (Anything edible that you wanted to review, diss', praise, places to recommend, photos of "dine-ins and take outs")
Lord's Day Sunday (Posts about God and the things He's done for us. A testimony of the past day/week/month/year, songs, movies related to God)
Manic Monday (Harebrained and crazy ideas, rants, experiences)
Fab Tuesday (Fashion, beauty, wellness, things related to being sexy and fabulous)
Twitter Wednesday (Something like the you tweet, I blog posts that I've done in the past. Post derived from Twitter)
Recap Thursday (Recap of recent events. Recent movie seen, song heard, book read, food eaten, etc. This serves as a review tool as well)
Freedom Friday (Anything! This is the day when I can post anything I've been longing to post in the last week but couldn’t because it didn’t fall into a category! This is my time to shine!)

and of course I forgot to write a closing... lol... I guess I was just tired.... (palusot?)

Lord's Day Sunday: God's Gift is Our Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:30:00 +0000

The past week was a blur of bad things. The fact that it was my birthday week did not help. I was just blessed that day by the outpouring greetings and gifts I received! I don’t know why I always get lots of gifts! Hahaha! I love the people around me! Inasmuch as I claim that material things aren’t too important for me, I remain fascinated by them and I still feel giddy about them! Thanks friends!

I told myself I will meditate more this week, to speak to God, ponder on things and free my heart from the burdens I am feeling so to achieve inner peace. I collected some Gospel songs that I want to listen for today and I didn’t realize how many gigs I've got. It must be slowing down my PC! :D Thankfully the IT gave me more memory (or at least that's what he said).

Incidentally, one of the tearjerking songs is playing right now, "Lead Me to the Cross," I feel sad whenever I envision what has happened to Jesus when he is about to be crucified, I still cannot take how it happened (although I know it's written). My heart cannot bear the pain He's experienced… These songs were made for us to appreciate day by day, God's wonderful present for us… something more than material things, something you cannot quantify – His Son, Jesus.

It's so wonderful how songs make us flashback to what's happened during His time right? I am such a cry baby! With that, I am listing down around 20 songs that I find pacifying esp. at times that I feel what I feel right now…

1. None but Jesus

2. Worthy is the Lamb

3. Open the Eyes of My Heart (Lord)

4. Lord of lords

5. Spirit Touch Your Church

6. Holy Spirit Rain Down

7. Lead Me to the Cross

8. Glory

9. Heart of Worship

10. Center of My Life

11. One Way

12. Solution

13. My Redeemer Lives

14. Touching Heaven Changing Earth

15. Welcome in this Place

16. Desert Song

17. Mighty to Save

18. Savior King

19. Jesus, What a Beautiful Name

20. Potter's Hand

I know some are so old but having grown up with hymnals and songbooks, believe me, these are NEW! I feel lighter whenever I listen to these songs. Indeed God provides. His mercy endures forever!

I pray oh God that you cleanse my soul. Revive me oh Lord, for you alone can do it! I know I have sinned and you are the only one who could make me righteous in your eyes. Bless me with your protection from adversities. Make my spirit shine with your blessings so that I, too can become a blessing to others. You alone are God. – Amen.

Life could be difficult at times but in His will, everything shall become better.

Shoutout to my friend Ibyang Sanchez, who's celebrating her birthday today! More blessings and more love!

And to Leona Jane, who's been part of my life for quite some time now, I really cherish you friend! God bless you more and more!

For the Joy of the Lord is My Strength

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:15:00 +0000

Facebook friends, I feel so overwhelmed with your greetings and thoughts. Twitterlandia didn’t fail me too, it's just wonderful! God never ceases to amaze me day by day. I never knew I've got too many people who care about me. It's always a blessing knowing you're remembered.

The night before my birthday was not so great. In fact it was rather depressing. I prayed to God that I hope to not feel this pain especially on a moment when I was anticipating happiness. I know there could be solutions to what I am carrying but I still feel that those are temporary. My faith in God's promise is all that's left and for that, I am tightly holding on.

I celebrated my birthday with my officemates (we're 2 celebrators actually), we received 4 cakes, would you believe that? We're like Sarah Geronimo! LOL Thanks to our Support Service Officer, our Dietitian, our Social Worker, and my friend Nada! They were the ones who brought the cakes! Sarah and Ces also did an amazing breakfast celebration for me. They cooked pancit, maja blanca, chicken, and brownies! It was awesome! I loved the chicken so much! I wasn’t able to take a lot of pictures though because I was the "punong abala" hence, the inability to capture the moment. People were taking photos but I don't know if they'd ever get uploaded! You know the drill!

That's Nada giving a peace sign!

A Cake from my Office Celebration

I was able to speak with Bhenie, an old friend who I tend to seek help from whenever I am going bananas! She's always of help and I appreciate that. I received a long reply mail from Joanne too, my best friend in the world! Having received more than a paragraph from her is a world record! I feel so happy having received such a long letter! Indeed I am blessed!

My family, despite my not sticking around long, did cook pancit to celebrate my day --- Faith said she ate cake because of me, and Joy, I wonder what she did! Hahaha!

I had dinner with Kaiser in Piatto. We are having a month-long Italian spree I guess. I don’t know but since Lhen took us to Vapiano, my Italian cravings never stopped taking note that it's the cuisine that I kinda disliked for the longest time (photos are posted on fb). I wasn’t happy, for sure. But my heart is still joyful.

For the joy of the Lord is my strength. And Yes, that's my 2012 mantra!

My Neighbor's Wife, Too Good to Compare.

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:46:00 +0000

After watching No Other Woman, I thought I'd watch My Neighbor's Wife the next day. It was indeed a good choice having just seen the former. I don't get why reviews rave for No Other Woman, when it's obvious --- My Neighbor's Wife is far better.

THE DEPTH
There's nothing I haven't seen in No Other Woman, but in My Neighbor's Wife, we thought, after Lovi Poe and Jake Cuenca slept together, I wonder --- that's it? My husband had to check if it was near the ending na (although super obvious naman na halos kakasimula lang), having skipped the spoilers on line, I know there's a catch, although never did I imagine the catch would be that heavy.

When Dennis dropped Carla outside the school gate and the kid said that he saw Dennis Trillo, I knew he wasn't really looking into having an affair with Carla -- it's more on getting even. He loves Lovi obviously.

Although I felt sad that this movie showed the reality on how sex became so casual and easy to get. Open a bottle of scotch, get drunk, and voila! You're one hot freebie. It's a shame.

EXPOSÉ
This movie exposed the possibilites friends and co-workers are afraid to discuss, that because of too much closeness and familiarity with one another, the gates of infidelity open.

CLICHÉ
The ultimate cliche though is the fact that the girl went wayward, committed adultery that is, she gets to be punished harder. I wasn't talking about Lovi because it was Carla who had a harder punishment which was revealed in the latter part of the film. She had been alone while Jake seemed happy --- Dennis and Lovi were back together and preggy.

I loved this movie!!! (Despite my constant comments because I felt that Lovi and Jake were punished too harshly) I mean if husbands and wives intend to make the cheaters suffer for the rest of their lives, then please do the graceful thing of dismissing them immediately. They need not suffer for nothing -- if nothing can be done to win you back -- nothing must be done at all. It is not up to us to punish people.

Dennis' character was so unfair. Guys nowadays make their women work and still got the nerve to restrict them with regard to their purchase! Like they don't make enough to support their wants!! Ah, it is so frustrating!

Jake's character was a typical Don Juan, I've personally known people like Jake and probably been victimized at one point or another. They've got the perfect package of looks, charisma, and wit --- only forgetting to mention one vital thing.

I give No Other Woman 2.5 Stars and My Neighbor's Wife 4.5 :)

This is a crappy post I know, sorry I've got cramps!

No Other Woman: A 3D Review

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:46:00 +0000

I know it's quite late to write a review for the film No Other Woman. I knew I'd love that movie since the promo started but I resisted any synopsis online and spoilers in order to feel the first time viewing effect.

This was a good movie. Inasmuch as I kinda dislike Derek Ramsay for being a womanizer in real life, I commend his acting. He really is a good actor. Him being convincing and sincere to his lines made it all better. Anne and Cristine were great too although the latter could really improve a lot pronunciation-wise.

I love the good vs evil kind of movies. Hence, being biased about Cristine vs Anne, the wife vs the mistress. Anne was feisty and irritating. Cristine was sweet and trying. But what I liked is that the wife didn’t stay stereotyped to being naïve. Thanks to her mother portrayed by Carmi Martin who I find rather OA than effective. The meet-up setting sent a slight déjà vu. I recall how Maricel Soriano and Aga Muhlach met in A Love Story (where Derek's real life girlfriend, Angelica Panganiban played the wife), they met on the water too right? Aga had an accident and Maricel came to the rescue (being a doctor, she was an Obgyn).

The Wife's Point of View:

Well, Kaiser was definitely irritated by my side and snide comments on almost every scene. I was telling him that I think, the wife was trying too much for her undeserving husband. I mean, she knew he was philandering; instead, she was too kind. She demonstrated more effort just to win her husband back to her, solely hers.

Despite my fancying the story and the wife's character, I won't follow what the mom advised her daughter about being vigilant and feisty, because marriage (or life? or love?) is like Quiapo where there are lots of snatchers so anxious to get "the husbands" for themselves, and for that matter, her husband. I think it's an overreaction.

We, committing into marriage is equivalent to signing up for a lifetime supply of love and loyalty. It is our right and privilege. Hindi natin utang na loob sa asawa natin na paligayahin tayo at mahalin --- tungkulin natin yun bilang mga mag-asawa. Appreciation is key but to always be on the look out is like forever being unsure and living a lifetime of doubts.

If I'd see temptations around my marriage, I intend to pray for it to be gone. Efforts will be done on my side, assessment and evaluation as to where and what went wrong but to be like a hunter isn’t my thing. I owe myself some dignity that if indeed the husband is cheating, I still have some grace left in me, to keep my cool and make wise decisions.

Love is there. It doesn’t disappear overnight on both the husband and the wife. As long as you know you are a good wife, you've got nothing to prove to your philandering husbands.

Pray hard. It's only God who can resolve this, "for your cooking errors could not justify him looking for someone else" --- it's beyond that… it's character, it's weakness. Pray for strength.

The Other Woman's Point of View:

This situation is hard. No one ever imagines becoming one right? Will you include becoming a concubine/mistress in your to-do list? Is it something that you wish for?

Falling in love to someone who is already committed is one of the hardest things in the world. The feeling that you know you're doing the wrong thing and yet you couldn’t stop because it just felt so right. I think being in an affair makes everything sweet. Nothing sour, nothing salty. The guy sees to it that the girl is treated like a princess, the girl considers him her prince! Since every moment is a "stolen moment" --- even a single millisecond is seized. How else can one go wrong?

But the thing is, everything gets BITTER when the wife busts them off. The girl goes gaga the guy gets scared. Why hello! He's the one who's got something to lose – A wife, kids perhaps.

The Philanderer's Point of View:

He loves the wife; he gets excited by the mistress. He falls in love with the mistress. The guy loves them both!

Makes promises to the wife – breaking them.
Makes promises to the mistress – breaking it them too.
Scheduling problems. Telephone communication glitches.
Silly stories.

But when the wife catches him cheating, he most of the time chooses the wife. Sad story for mistresses eh?

*** What's sad is that the wife accepts him with arms wide open. So happy like she's won a prize. Like he's a trophy worth getting proud of.

Oh well.

My Cobone Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:54:00 +0000

Welcome 2012. What other way could we better spend the 1st week of the new year but to eat? My friend Lhen invited us over for a group dinner (Kaiser and I, Diane and Lhen) in Vapiano. I actually am familiar with the place but I am totally clueless about their service, all I know is that it's an Italian Restaurant. Lhen was the one who spent for the dinner using her 8 SAR Vapiano vouchers each worth 80 SAR in real life! Such a steal, right? So Diane and I got curious about it and asked if she could invite us to register and so I did. This morning, I ordered myself 3 vouchers for Beauty Limits to have my haircut (with Joy and mother). I surely would have lotsa photos by tomorrow so my new "do" will be published via a follow-up blog, for now, let me share something about Beauty Limits.

Beauty Limits is managed by sassy Arab women and most attendants are Filipinos. The Manager was kind enough to tour us inside the entire area (despite using Cobone vouchers! LOL). It wasn't too big a space but definitely cozy.

They have a Saturday-Monday 50% promo.

Mani-ped is 50+50 =100 SAR

Moroccan Bath is 150 SAR

1 hr Massage is 75 SAR

Hair Color (an inch or two below shoulder, 180 SAR)

Somehow, I can sense a "suki" (patron) pricing! Is this not a catch!!!??? So hurry up while the Cobone promo is on!

Vapiano is located in Localizer Mall in Tahaliya Street, Riyadh and Beauty Limits is situated in Al Worood Area

I noticed that the map they've provided says it's opposite the Meed store, but somehow, you'd go crazy looking for it because the store actually closed. So basically, if you're from the King Abdullah Road Side, you don't go straight, take the left turn by the roundabout and it's just right beside a Laundry Shop. You don't need to go to the Pet Life Store Road (LOL) like we did!

For the layman directions, you know Jeraisy in Olaya, (the one that used to be Toys R Us?) --- The small strip of road heading Olaya? Just take that road --- go straight until you find Al Rahden Cleaners by your left, it isn't that far from Olaya-Worood Crossing.

And Oh! They do have a contact no. (00966-554026026 01-4500699), better take directions from them as you make your appointment.

Please click this link: http://www.cobone.com/?ref=fms9ehoj_m7 and register

Happy Browsing and Voucher Hunting!

From Our Household to Yours

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:45:00 +0000

Happy Happy New Year!! God bless you and I pray that 2012 will be a fruitful year to all of us..

To God be the Glory!

2011, A Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:18:00 +0000

How was 2011 for me?

Well, technically, I got married in 2010 (tomorrow's our anniversary) meaning, our first few days/weeks of 2011 were spent honeymooning. After our Hongkong-Macau trip, we went to Boracay where I had a dose of my first Zipline experience, a big leap for someone super afraid of heights and all the dangerous and unnecessary things. It had been fun because my husband, being a known thermophobe went out and faced the Boracay heat (he only gets to go to the beaches in the US because despite the heat, his skin doesn’t mutate there like how it was in Pinas). Indeed a phobia because nothing happened to him this time. He was able to enjoy the Paraw and buggy rides. Although we didn’t go diving and snorkeling since he just had his tattoo, it'll be catastrophic getting it all salted.

The latter part of the first quarter had been sad, for me that is, since Faye (my sister), had to leave Riyadh for college. It was a total change for the family since we're used to having her around. It's been 10 months that she's away, though she's here now for her 2-wk vacation and is about to leave on the 1st of January 2012 (whatta way to start the year eh?!). I don’t know if we'd ever be used to her being away. What's sad is that I wasn’t able to go for my annual leave this year. It sucked because I wanna show her how my life had been back when I was gone for college too. I bet it was all different.

It was a weird year to experience my first angio-edema too (remember my facebook post?) I was bitten by a big black ant which incidentally, I am allergic to. Man, you wouldn’t imagine how big my face had been (I might wanna find the photo later, unless already deleted). It gotten worse because come August, I became ultra sensitive to cold. If I touch anything cold, I get red itchy patches that cover the entire body part surface (or the entire body sometimes), yes, I got allergic to cold. I wonder which of my antibodies died to have caused me to be like this. I cannot go out without gloves and socks; otherwise, I'd feel as if I've been attacked by an ant colony.

One of the best things that happened in the latter part of the year is having Chulo, our Chihuahua who had been with us for 3 months now. He is our angel. I now know how it feels being a mom, because I am a mom to Chulo. He's the cutest thing on earth! No matter how he's been trained by Kaiser (gave him too many treats), whenever he says, "come here" tough luck for him, Chulo still goes to me!

Now, I am spending some time with my family, the Paredes' – because we're seizing the days Faith is still here. How understanding my husband could get right? He empathizes with me since he too, has siblings away from home.

For me, 2011 went by so fast. Inasmuch as I want things to be over, I don’t want things to be fast because with that, we get older fast too. We don’t want our folks getting older quickly do we?

So now, I say "ta-ta 2011 and welcome 2012!" Life is good. All good things await!

Year-Ender, You Tweet, I Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:35:00 +0000

I know spot.ph sent out their 50 unforgettable tweets of 2011 *I'm not sure of the exact title* but in my blog, I often post about 10-12 tweets I find interesting to discuss or comment about. I mean, with my busy timeline in twitter, I don't really get to pay too much attention to every single tweet from people I follow, hence, the idea of this blogging the microblogs...

I am pretty sure this will be the last twitter blogging I will make for 2011 and I am still thinking of the concepts I will follow by 2012 to better arrange my blog..

@ilLEWminated Louie Que

@sayalonzo Reminiscence of the best PBB season: when reality TV was still real. :)

#Kiss-ass much? I mean, when was it ever real? Say Alonzo's batch was the time when ABS- CBN's newly-sourced talent, Sam Milby had to enter the house, I mean, who would ever know he was already planned-out to be the next big thing?

@inquirerdotnet Inquirer

Group Dead man found in QC sidewalk tied with telephone cord in hands and feet bit.ly/voeMlM

#I cannot believe that these killings are still rampant in the Philippines. I feel sad, scared, and disheartened

@ItsTeenNotes ItsTeenNotes™

If 2 people are happy together, LEAVE them alone! Move on with your life!

#Hahaha! Tough luck. For teens and young adults, if two people are happy together, it means, "it's time to attack!"

@danetism Danet S Velasco

Woah. RT @ABSCBNNews: Maria Ozawa wants Pinoys in next porn film bit.ly/uIzWq8 |via ABS-CBN Entertainment #I bet too many Pinoys would gladly volunteer. What about Derek Ramsay?

@dronthego R. Ramos

I was a few steps away from the house when I realized that the shirt I'm wearing was the same one I wore last week and the friend I'm meeting today saw me wearing this last week. dyahe. changing shirt now

#I hate it when it happens to me -- and it did, months pa yung gap ng pagkikita, but why did it have to be the same person to bump with?

@shinemontano Sunshine C. Montano

Daddy just made the tres marias happy by granting their wishes.. Thanks Daddy buboy!☺ lockerz.com/s/169149779

#When someone badmouths their husbands in front of everyone --- the Philippine audience that is, we do not forget it easily. Next time, better zip it if you do not plan to end it.

@iamabhie abhie

My heart ♡ cries ☹ how can some people be so selfish? :/

#I myself don't understand how selfish people could get. I really don't. I just pray more selfless and generous hearts appear in action.

@earceo Edwin Arceo

@AngeliPV @obphil s doing 2 med missions & relief distribution in iligan 2day. We still need ur help. go 2 obphil.com/sendong 4 dtails. #Thanks to the kind hearts who continue to help our fellowmen. Despite not experiencing such a calamity, I feel for their pain for their loss. Our church is participating too. We hope to get more forwarders' assistance to enable us to send more.

@tintinlaurel Tintin

That old email made me smile. Thank you. :)

#We always have that one email that makes us smile. As for me, I never delete that email.

@gtongi Giselle Tongi

Callin' all GOLD DIGGERS! This is your theme song for realz!youtube.com/watch?v=2ujzBc… Ya'll need to get a life! #Oh man, I remember a #fashionpulis blind item about G Tongi

@dronthego R. Ramos

“@djmattmontoya: Bakit ang daming magaganda sa shangrila mall? I should make tambay here more often. :)” - sama ako!!

#Kasi maraming mayaman na makinis therefore, maraming maganda

@CNN CNN

Kim Jong Il funeral underway in Pyongyang. #CNNLive

#But this ain't the end of tyranny. I hope it is but it just isn't.

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:49:00 +0000

Greetings from Kaiser, Chulo, and Me...
Merry Blessed Christmas!

3 Days Before Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:02:00 +0000

I've been bugging my aunt who's almost my age about a song she had sung solo years ago, back when we're doing Kids' Christian Cantata. The Song goes like this, "Ano ba ang Pasko sa'yo? Kasayahan ba't aginaldo? Kasuotang bagong-bago...sariling kasiyahan mo? Ang Pasko ay pagsilang ni Kristo, sumilang para sa akin at sayo... sa Kalbaryo'y tinubos tayo... Ang pag-ibig ng ating Dyos, sa akin at sayo, ipinadama ni Kristo, sa bawat tao, salamat at may Pasko." Something like that, I've omitted a lot of lines since I cannot recall it, we were too young to remember the whole song, in Filipino, and is only being sung among Christian congregations.

That song was so nice and I really love it. If I’d know the song and its entirety, I surely would sing it in front of everybody (or not?), or I'd have someone from my sisters to sing it for everyone (I get goosebumps singing solo, LOL)

I am now living with my folks to join my sister for her 2-wk vacation and I feel sad because I miss my husband (though seeing him daily), and of course, my baby Chulo. It felt different not having Chulo by my side as I sleep. I cannot have him in my room (at my folks') because it's too cold and his reverse sneezing might recur. I am just too scared to risk it.

I have been seeing people posting their Christmas wishes (even Muslims, mind you), I don’t want to post anything because if my husband sees it, he will surely buy it, and I don’t want him to buy stuffs again, I don’t know how to contain his buying me a Gucci purse, because I told him I want it, by accident --- yiiiiikes, masisira ang family budget namin pag nagpasaway sya at binili yun, it's something I do not NEED. I hope I can convince him into not buying me one. It's corny to say that I don’t want anything for Christmas, but I am being honest, the things I want are the things I need, the basics.. and regardless, Christmas or not, I wanna buy them – more tights, gloves, funky jackets, and my non-material all year round wish is for me to be slimmer, haha!

So for now, I will list down my top ten all-time fave Christmas Songs (para makiuso):

1. Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) – I most loved Robert Downey's version because he's my ultimate crush since Ally Mc Beal. I smell Christmas whenever I hear this song, although this is a secular song

2. Joy to the World – I most especially remember this song because our conductor in Kids' Choir taught us the Nihongo version of this song

3. Away in a Manger – I don’t get to sing solo but I loved it when Cynthia Canimo (one of the soloists in Kids' Choir) sang this song

4. O Holy Night – One of the oldest songs in the hymnal, I remember every word of this as I tried so hardly belting it out! (LOL)

5. When a Child is Born – A song taught by my grade 6 teacher

6. Christmas in Our Hearts – Filipinos won't ever forget this song by Jose Mari Chan

7. Little Drummer Boy – Well this is a fun song. Although there were renditions that are super slow, I like the fast paced better

8. 12 Days of Christmas – Not the Apo Hiking Society version. I prefer the original one. Such a difficult song to sing if you have asthma like me!

9. Tuloy na Tuloy Pa Rin ang Pasko – Lyrics say it all, "sapat nang si Jesus ang kasama mo, tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko"

10. Araw ng Pasko – An old song that was being sung by the youth choir during our Cantata days, I just sing with it "as an audience" because I was still too young to be part of the youth choir back then.

When I grew up, there were already different versions of the classics and I love it! I always listen to those sung by Mariah and Justin Bieber and would you believe I can still recall the one sung by the Moffatts? Hahaha!

I don’t know, despite of these memories I've written, I still feel my Christmas blues, I just feel awkward and weird. That's why I don’t like the song Auld Lang Syne, it's probably because I always associate it with parting, which shouldn’t be.

Anyhoo. This is it for now, quite long in fact!

Manos Nail Lounge: Heaven on Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:31:00 +0000

from alyannamartinez.com

I haven't seen a nail spa as posh as this one! I am in love with self-pampering like this and I take the opportunity to indulge in these kinds of things whenever I am in the Philippines, because that's the only place I can afford these --- from where I am standing right now, only the royalties would be able to afford spas like these… I could settle with the "lounges for commoners" hahaha!! I will surely pay them a visit once I am in Pinas and I am really excited to get my poor lil' nails done! Be prepared to bleed (yes, I bleed whenever I get my maniped, I think it’s my nail structure?!! LOL)

Anyhoo, for more news about this awesome nail lounge, please follow them via twitter @ManosNailLounge

Their address is below:

Manos Nail Lounge

2/f Crescent Park Residences

30th St. cor. 2nd Ave.,

Bonifacio Global City

00632 478 4057

For the pricelist, please visit this blog, click me!

EDEN Natural Jewelry Open House

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:22:00 +0000

I am reposting this for our friend:

Hello to Riyadh Friends! Week Long Open House due to Popular Demand!

Last Minute Christmas Gifts - Open House

Sunday 18th Dec to Friday 23rd - 5pm to 10pm

Phone or Email for appointment

EDEN: A series of concept art jewellery pieces derived from nature. Encasing Unique Gemstones, Meteorite, Rare Fossils, Real Shell, Leaves and Butterfly wings. Designed in Saudi and handmade in specialised workshops all over the world

Contact Information:

EDEN Natural Jewelry

www.edenscorner.com

00966543768585

00966542988187

Email: info@edenscorner.com

Please phone or email for an appointment

Open House Directions

A) Starting at Sahara Mall 'Point A' on the map, face South along King Abdul-Aziz Rd, before King Abdullah Highway Intersection. 1) Continue South past the Intersection, along King Abdul-Aziz Rd. 2) Change lanes to the left-most lane in order to U-turn North. Careful of the road-works. 3) U-turn North and continue along King Abdul-Aziz Rd toward King Abdullah Highway Intersection. 4) Change lanes to the right-most lane. Turn Right onto King Abdullah Highway. 5) Continue East along King Abdullah Highway and take the (4th) forth right on the corner of Hous Furniture Shop. 6) Continue straight along until you reach the White Mosque with one minaret, indicated with a star on the map. 7) Turn Left after the mosque and Left again, you should now be facing the empty piece of land for football practice on your right. 8) Second house on left, number 19, opposite the goal posts. Point B on Map.

B) Secondary Route - Starting facing North along King Abdul-Aziz Rd, Turn Right after aft Petrol Station. 1) Continue along to Intersection with White Mosque Double Minaret, turn Right. 2) Continue along and take first Left after Health Clinic 3) Continue along to Intersection, turn Right towards the White Mosque with one minaret, indicated with a star on the map, Continue from Step 6 above.

The Church and I..

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:35:00 +0000

Why do I have to hear the song "Kanlungan" this early in the morning? I feel so sad whenever I hear this song, it's like I am reminiscing of something that did not happen. I don’t have anything yesterday to be so nostalgic about. Perhaps it's the essence of the song itself that makes me teary-eyed.

College days. The time of my life. I've started listening to music like that of Noel Cabangon's (although back when I was a kid, I used to listen to him in 702 DZAS, a Christian AM radio station), Cynthia Alexander's and Hungry Young Poets' (Barbie's Cradle). I feel that this part of my life freed me musically and I got to discover artists who are truly worth listening to, apart from my then favorites, Britney Spears, BSB, and NSync.

I received a wallpost from an old friend back in the Sunday School days and I heard he's now a pastor. I feel happy for him (with slight envy) because I've always wanted to be a missionary. My life choices just proved otherwise. I'm glad it's been 3 yrs since I got my groove back to the Ministry.

There he said that who could forget Genesis, his childhood friend, a person so nice --- I immediately poked my husband's attention because it's rare (extinct) that people describe me that way. Then I looked back if I'd been nice during the time I've known him and I think not (LOL). But as I speak to my husband, he told me that I was in fact a nice person and as we talk, we agree that perhaps, because of my strong personality since childhood, people (the elderly) perceived me as bad because I do not conform to the kids in church. Growing up, my life had been Sunday School, VBS, and Christian camps – among the kids there, I was different. Since they thought I was bad, I lived my entire life believing I was in fact, one bad apple, when I wasn’t. They've placed a stereotype that children do not have opinions and so I must shut up. I was in the youth program and I've been asked to shut my mouth as well. There --- I grew up believing I was the antagonist for life.

Despite that, I have become a teacher and a leader; though still feeling the same way. Goodness gracious, we moved elsewhere, hence, the new environment.

There are some things that I still do not enjoy among churches, and I know they've got workers of their own trying to solve them, and funny it is, they're almost the same anywhere and everywhere:

1. Youth don’t have a say (whatever happened to Timothy?)

2. People use church for social rendezvous instead of its real purpose

3. Elders are afraid of losing members thus, hesitant to discipline people (where have all the cowboys gone?!)

4. If you look different, you'd be treated differently (hey, seen the Hillsongs Band?)

5. No rotations in ministry. You'd forever be assigned to throw the garbage (Hey, he can sing too!)

6. One has to cry to be deemed more sincere

7. If you speak in rhymes and rhythms, you are the best

8. Favoritism

9. Not everyone is allowed to criticize constructively

10. Rules are broken by the rulemakers

11. You cannot wear short skirts, but yes, she can.

I maintain -- don’t look at the people; instead, look forward to praising and worshiping the Lord. Hence, churches must not be viewed in bits and pieces, but rather, as a whole. I keep my observations to myself, or sometimes, we raise it as a dining table topic at home… nevertheless, it's not a big deal. It's something normal, like how the government has its "politics in politics."

Wherever we go, we will find the same struggles and challenges that trample not our faith, but our fire and desire. These shouldn’t affect us.

Mango Purse and Wallet

noreply@blogger.com (Genesis Grace Paredes-Dawal) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:53:00 +0000

Of events and Christmas Cheers: As I was just whining about how the prices of my well-loved items zoomed so expensively in the past few years, there I see the Mango store with amazing discounts ever! I haven’t seen them adjust their price this way – I mean when they're on sale; they hardly give 70% off any more compared before where I could buy purses each worth 45 Saudi Riyals only (530.85 PHP). Or they'd give that much a discount but they're only selling the old old old models... It's amazing that I passed by the Mango store this time of the year without knowing it's on SALE!! The people I've exchange gifts with received cute and classy items despite the limited budget requirement since I've shopped in Mango and the Gap.

Here's what I found for myself, thus, breaking the rule of LV only purchases (lol). Referring back to my previous email, I said that I will waive that rule and buy some Donna Karans and now, I've seen something affordable and cool too! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

Purse: 140 SAR and Wallet is 45 SAR

I am such a thriftaholic! LOL