happy new year!

2008 went by in a blur. We were just in a holiday inn suite exactly a year ago with all my feng shui bracelets in tow. I’ve always been more excited with New Year’s Eve. The anticipation is always the best part. But tonight, I’m more introspective than all my other new years’. Somehow, I feel like a giant who just woke up from a looong hibernation. I’ve always said 2008 was my year. Indeed it was. I got engaged, I got mind-blowing life realizations and more but I’m more excited than ever. Last year was a year of preparation…2009 is the culmination. I’m graduating, in more ways than one. ;) HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!!

jamming jamming

I’ve been with Paolo for the last five years and still we discover things from each other. Yesterday I went with him to hang-out with his college friends from dLSU. I’m surprised that Pao knows how to play the drums and guitar really well. Although, less is to be said (arguably) about his vocals. ha-ha. He was the lead vocals yesterday and I was a very willing groupie. ;) I couldn’t help but develop a girly crush on my fiancé all over again. =)

We had breakfast one morning after jogging in our lanai, for the first time. Wished we've done it sooner. IT was a pleasant quiet time with my parents...I'm sure going to miss.

I love, love my Belle de Jour Planner! Paolo surprised me one when I got home last November since he knows all too well that I have collected all the BDJ planners since its conception last 2006 for a 2007 planner. Good thing he pre-ordered my copy for this year and saved me from scouring through powerbooks (One of the many, many reason why i love the man). We had a hard time finding a copy last year since they are printed in limited quantities because of the discount coupons which by the way is one of my absolute faves. The coupons in all actually offsets the price. Its the only journal and planner for me. I don't even bother OD'ing myself with Starbucks anymore for their planner since I'm more of a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf girl. So it's a major bonus for me that the BDJ planner has discount coupons in CBTL! I LOVE IT!

http://belledejourpowerplanner.com/

Pao & I had a very pleasant dinner at Terry's selections in Podium with my bro-in-law, Kuya EJ and his family. Our principal sponsors' line-up is almost complete. =) pee-heew!

I was in a great search for a good frozen yogurt since I'm seriously craving for my good old Yogen fruz in downers. My quest brought me to Podium for a Yogurbud's...It was a good enough alternative, but no ho! its NO yogen fruz. *hay*.

I didn't know how much I missed these dates. Its nice to finally have someone to hold hands with. =)

We went to Calumpit for My Grandpa, Tatay's 76th birthday. Though his Alzheimer's is progressing and he kept on insisting, it's his 72nd birthday, it was so funny an endearing that he still knows a good Lacoste shirt (Pao's gift) inspite of it all. Pao was his favorite for that day. Figures. ;)

Love it, I presume...

One of my pet peeves is reading romantic historical novels with modern dialogues. I can't stand for the life of me reading "You are such a jerk!" line (Johanna Lindsey) set in Regency England. That's one reason why I never really like this genre generally, except for Amanda Quick.

Since I had to take a 17 our flight back to Manila, I decided to bring books that will be a no-brainer and won't require as much mental (and occasionally, emotional) exertion. As much as I would like to look intellectual and bring "smart" books, I opted for my sisters' so-called brain junkfood since I was sad enough as it was. I chose the least evil (Translate: least cheesy) Julia Quinn. I finished reading Mr. Cavendish, I Presume. Lo an Behold, I was pleasantly surprised! I'm beginning to be quite a fan. Ms. Quinn's books are delightful and well-researched in terms of the setting and time. I love the witty dialogues (Although I think Amanda Quick's is still sharper, lucid an more fluid). I'm on to my next one and I hope it'll be as charming. As my Ate honey tells me, the best way to enjoy this kind of books is just to suspend disbelief and just go with the fairytale ride.

wedding updates

Paolo and I met up with our entourage florist the other day. Ms. Jo of Love in Bloom is such a darling. I’m excited with her designs and more so with my bridal bouquet! I realized I wanted something romantic and classic and I’m sure that’s what I’m going to get. I’ve been really OC with my suppliers that’s why when I found out about Love in Bloom and saw their past works; we just had to get them. Paolo was really funny and adorable being clueless and lost in the meeting and all. After all we were talking about peonies, ranunculus, lily of the valley, Ecuadorian roses, and nosegays, (definitely NO gerberas leaves and mums please!) Etc.etc. Something that I’m quite sure he just heard for the first time in his life.
I’m slowly getting back into the wedding groove. It’s been a week today since I got back and so far we have accomplished a lot. We were able to meet up with our photographer and we are presently coming up with our Pre-nup photo shoot concept. Pao and I are really hoping to have the shoot in our Beloved Roxas, Oriental Mindoro. It will be really meaningful and memorable for us and for our family (not to mention, fun) but it is proving to be logistically impossible and way expensive to have whole crew and camera equipments shipped all the way to the southern parts of Mindoro considering it isn’t part of our budget. Although It would mean a lot to his tatay especially since we wanted to have a tribute for him in this wedding as well as my papa who are both true-blue Roxas kids and “magkababata’s.” We are looking at other alternatives and I’m trying not to be a spoiled brat and feel all dire about it. We have also chosen the French wine we will be serving in the wedding. Although I wouldn’t know how to tell the tastes, this area is definitely Pao’s: French, since Paolo loves all things French (for some reason) and wine of course, since he proposed to me on a wine cellar, so it only makes sense. =)
I’m trying to finish everything so I can have the last month as my “fun month” before the wedding. My sisters are coming home as well as my nieces and my would-be nephew. I’m so excited. I feel like I’m in a perpetual state of excitement and I’ll be this way probably for the next few years. =)

I'm still reeling a bit from the change of weather. A day after I arrived and I got a serious case of sniffles. I'm not sure though if it is because of allergy or stress. Either way, I'm still recuperating.

Anyway, I'm officially missing everyone and everything in Downers Grove. Although I wouldn't say I'm not having a nice time now. I've been telling mama I realized I'm a lucky girl 'coz either way (Manila or Chicago), I have a good life. That's why one of my biggest peeves is hearing pinoys in the states talking sh*t about the Philippines. I always believe we should be the ambassadors of our own country. Pinoys are overall smart and can speak English moderately well, compared to ther asians so that's enough to make one stand and wave the flag proudly. I can't stand hearing typical pinoys, especially those who have been in the U.S. for just a while (with a ridiculous american twang, thrown in) talking about how dirty, etc. etc. etc our good old country is...and this to the other non-pinoys. Sometimes I want to whack them hard and let them know that when you speak ugly about the country you are from, it talks volumes about who and what you are.

I was in the airport and the guy mistakenly thought I was Spanish, not Mexican but Spanish ('coz of my name and height). Albeit being extremely flattered, I proudly said I am a Filipina but "Yo comprendo espanol un poco pero no hablo, hehehe." (and no, I didn't learn this from Dora). "I'm a Filipina," I rarely say that but I realized I say it with relish, if not pride.

I may be a bit disparaging with this pseudo-pinoys, after all I have a good life in Manila. My family didn't go to the US to escape poverty or unfortunate conditions so I may not understand. And although I absoultely abhor pinoy showbiz and pop culture, I appreciate well enough the legacy and history of our ways of life. I've been educated in U.P. as well, hence my stout patriotism. I've been taught to give back to the country that gives to me. For some of these pseudo-pinoys that may be the U.S. but I hope they also remember for the first few years if not decades of their lives, it was the Philippines. Just like any other country, there are ugly and dirty parts but I've been fortunate enough to know also about the beautiful parts. And I choose to remember those when someone asks me: where are you from?

Home in Manila

I'm Back!

Work Mode on! (wedding work, that is).

to my next flight

Its 3.26 pm, 6.20 am or 5.30 am, well, depends on your time zone. Since I’m in Korea for my transfer flight, I should say 6.20 am. The 13 hour flight was a breeze. It really helps to have a beautiful flight attendant for a sister; I got the best seat plus an extra seat so space wasn’t a problem. The American businessman wasn’t at all chatty which is a bonus especially travelling alone on long flights. I love to keep to myself and catch up on my trashy, romantic novels. I’m waiting for my boarding to Manila and I’m really hoping I don’t get to seat beside a very chatty mate. But since it is now a Philippine flight, more often than not I always end up on the seat beside elderly pinoys who love reminiscing and occasionally lambasting the good ole’ PI.
I love travelling alone, especially on long flights but not this one. I guess fate was considerate of my turmoils (having to hand-carry a POUNDER wedding dress and all). All I could think of during my 13 hour flight was Cheska’s big eyes and smiles, Yanca’s giggles and adorably chubby legs. I miss my sisters already it hurts.
I guess things will be better once I get to see the parentals, my imbentor mills and my man.

"I'm coming home." This time though with all the changes, home seems a bit vague.

6 hours more.

The past few months are undeniably the most life-changing for me and my family. I got engaged, Cheska arrived, my sister got married and a few months after has gotten pregnant, my other sister moved to another state. The next few months will be even more life-changing. I’ll be leaving life as I know it, I’ll be leaving my childhood home, I’ll be saying farewell (At least for now) to my mama and papa and my imbentor mills… I will be getting married.

It is bittersweet but I am glad I am experiencing this feeling. Not everyone gets to savor life’s intricacies. Amidst all the sadness I was feeling this morning because I will be away again from my sisters, I realized I prefer that life is this way, constantly growing, than be left alone as the world moves on. I am scared and a bit saddened about the changes but more excited than anything else and I wish nothing more than to always feel this way in all the stages of my life.
I must admit it is at times really scary. I guess indefinite and unfamiliar things can be quite unsettling but then changes are always like that. We are all evolving. Life is indeed a cycle. As I look for a new normal in my life I couldn’t help but wonder in awe as I see the last leaves fall in our front lawn: the next time that tree would be in its full glory again, I’ll be a Mrs. Yason.

POSTNOTE: Thanks to my sisters, my soulmates, my bestest friends for life. A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO THE MOST SUPERB PERSON IN MY LIFE, MY ATE VI. I had the greatest time. I will miss you so much. Leaving hurts already but I know that having you guys every step makes everything easier. Having sisters is the best thing in the world. Our dreams are coming true and its 100 times sweeter because we get to share everything with each other.

I love you all so much.

THINGS I WILL MISS MOST ABOUT DOWNERS GROVE

Orange Chicken. Country Buffet. St. Mary of Gostyn nursery pews. York town and Yogen Fruz. Crashing at Kuya Dan’s and Ate Hon’s place. 24/7 net connection. Fridge raiding. Camping out at ate vi’s room. Endless supply of brain junkfood (johanna lindsey, anyone?) Kuya Dan’s famous spaghetti and baked ribs. Tita Tess’ everyday mystery meals (what’s for today?) Cold Case Files Marathon with Ate Vi. Making fun of my very cute, very preggy Tetel. Friday Night Gimiks. Serious laughtrips with my sisters over random take-outs. Saturday getaways. GoodMorning dances with Yanca. All night Cuddles with Cheska. My pink room with a tinkerbelle lamp (cheska’s actually.) Quiet mornings with either babies by the window on a rocking chair (so mommy-mommy.) Kuker and Ate Vi’s 50-inch plasma TV while hogging the best part of the sofa. Being wrapped burritto-style in the best polka-dotted down comforter in the world. Spur-of-the-moment joyrides with my sisters and their alipores (my bros-in-law.)
My Friday allowance. YAY! Snooty Oakbrook mall. Shopping (From Macy’s to Walmart!) CHICAGO, still the best city for me =) Online shopping and those delivery boxes on the frontdoor (feels like Christmas everytime.) Ate Vi’s uber guwapo Pilot SUV. Ate Honey’s closet (still is the best shopping place in the world. LV hand-me-downs, anyone?) Yanca's kisses and wrinkly-nose-smiles. Cheska's baby scent and beautiful doe eyes. Serious life discussions and laugh trips with Ate Vi.

HALF OF MY FAMILY...HALF OF MY HEART.

first wedding in the fam

I saw this from my old files. It was the first wedding in our family, my ate honey's 2005 wedding at Edsa Shangri-la. Makes me nostalgic. I'm going to look for ate vi's pictures and ate hazel's as well...

Our little, big girls!

Taken before Cheska's baptism. =) Surprisingly, she's more behaved now that she had been baptized. She's a happy baby who loves to smile and laugh a lot.

Nearing to the Next...

So must everything, even good things come to an end. In two weeks, I'll be leaving my life here in Downers Grove to go back to Manila. It is a bittersweet goodbye. I feel like I'm saying farewell to many people and many things: My sisters, my singlehood, Cheska's toothless grins and our song duets, Yanca's sleepy pink eyebags and kisses, my fave bed, my little quiet world, my fave, cozy nook in the sofa for dvd nights, my friday yays, panda express, egg harbour, yogen fruz...

It is unlike my other visits, I feel so sad leaving. I guess it is because I know that the last four months will never happen again. It will never be the same way. I feel like I have totally made my stay the best ever. I lived every moment and enjoyed everyday. I've been telling Ate Vi it wasn't as if I was visiting, it was as if I created a totally new life for myself.

Life is a series of goodbyes, but come to think of it...It is also a series of hellos. This adventure is coming to an end, but a new one is waiting, another one is about to begin... =)

Wait for me my little imbentor mills, I'm coming home.

New Baby on Isabel's Block

Love this in Tangerine.

BTB musings

I recently enrolled myself to the Weddings at Work group mail mainly to check out suppliers’ ratings and other brides’ ideas to get me really pumped up for the wedding. Since I’m very bipolar with things like these and able to accomplish lots of things during my pseudo hypomanic episodes, I thought I needed such reminders and thrusts now and then yet it made even more anxious. My yahoo is flooded with an average of 200 mails a day. Whew, I didn’t know there are a LOT of brides (and bridezillas?) in this time and age. I’m talking about brides with the whole wedding spectacle and hoohahs down pat.
Now don’t get me wrong, I think Weddings at Work is really a great well of bridal ideas:white wedding boots, anyone? I guess its just not working for me. Although it made me realize… sadly, weddings became a sort of comercialized displays of unmitigated, in-your-face brouhahas. If that is your style, well and good. But as Jane Austen puts it, “Dress is at all times a frivolous distinction, and excessive solicitude about it often destroys its own aim.” I truly believe same goes for these things. I guess since I’m the kind of girl who is an “all or nothing” sort, simplicity is not my virtue, I’m always conscious about the thin line between being fabulous and tacky. Surprisingly,after all that’s being said and done and the constant unwelcomed suggestions from my suppliers and designers (and other well-meaning relatives and friends), I just want something elegant, romantic and classic.
I found a wedding etiquette site and it says something that really sums up my sentiments. For the guests: “The Couple would like you to have a good time, but the event is not organized to indulge you. The couple and their families have honored you by inviting you to the wedding. Its all about them.” With four months to go before my big day, I’m trying to live by this and choose the elements I want to incorporate in our wedding with what I want and who we are as a couple. I’m always in fear of becoming a bridezilla, its then that I realized that I’m just coming at terms with my own partialities. After all, I will be a bride just once…=)

for change

History is being written...right this very moment.

The excitement is overwhelming, especially here in Illinois, hometown of Abraham Lincoln... Obama's hometown. I can't wait to witness what is going to be a highlight in history. I just feel lucky enough to be able to experience a great story, a highlight of our times.

Treat, definitely

Had a really great halloween last friday. I wore my red sequins devil horns the whole afternoon even when we picked up Kuya Dan from his workplace. We were actually planning to go as witch sisters or sexy nurses but since we bought the accessories the last minute, ate vi just opted for a froufrou crown and ate honey, I think was a bat or a very confused entity, I didn't really get what she was suppoused to be. I also went with my nieces trick or treating around the neighborhood and the best part is...we get to eat the candies since they are still too young for those anyway! Yum!

ooohh ooohh

Dooney is on a 30% off sale...yummy.

Cali calling

I told myself before that I will be the last person on earth to wear those chunky, clunky hideous crocs and cali gear shoes. Then I saw my very sexy, preggy sister Hazel’s picture with our cousin Ate Kissy and I knew I gotta have those babies. I fell in love with her cali gear metallic peaches mary janes. Its sleeker than the usual cali styles. Since I’m forever looking for the perfect ballet flats or mary janes in metallic color, I immediately ordered the same design and exact color online. I’ve been disappointed countless times for the same style I purchased before from so many shops , I lost count already. I have a feeling I’ll be loving this pair. Thank God for internet shopping. I can’t wait for my peaches. =)

Mommy for five days

I was Yanca's mommy for 5 whole days since my sister and bro-in-law went to hawaii for her big 3-0. I love my nieces so much. Being an aunt is just so much fun. I can do the spoiling and I don't have to bother with the disciplining part, hehe. They are still babies anyway. I'm getting married soon but I'm hoping not to have my own babies for a little while. I'm content with just being the "cool" aunt. =)

Yikes

I have been slacking a bit with this blog 'coz I've been so crazy busy the past few weeks. In the next weeks, I'll be even busier. I have to organize and pack my 3 months worth of life and mess to go back home. On top of that, I have to cram for my wedding planning which I have been putting off for the last few weeks. And my, I almost forgot...I have to make up for my lost lectures and rotations in school! (gasp) Just thinking about it makes me tired already...

Imbentor Mills

I'm missing someone very much...

I'm not shallow, just a little vain =)

A frenemy asked me what I have been up to these days. It’s a perfectly normal question other than she interjected with faint sarcasm that I had so much time in my hands to be able to have updated internet accounts and blogs. After feeling somewhat creeped out that she knew and checked all my sites and quoted me on some past entries, I felt rather a little annoyed. I have so much time to write about my OWN life while she has so much time to read about MINE. I don’t write for entertainment. Save for my sisters and bestfriends I never thought anyone cared THAT MUCH. Not even Paolo read my blogs regularly. The frenemy thought I’m a bored loafer who has so much time to do all sorts of gabble. Well, just to be really haughty about it: I can write an entire article in less the time curling my hair and not come off gibberish when inspired and that doesn’t even take up an hour of my day. I love to write and as much as possible I want to write in my blogs as conversational as doable not for any purpose other than so I would know what I was feeling at that time. My English professor in UP and former mentor once told me I was an emotional writer. I feel to visualize, to think. So when I’m trying hard to be philosophical and deep and inject my crude albeit stirred invectives, you are fencing with a master. I can comprehend a heavily cloaked offense when I see one. Such subtle nuances are my life and breath. So yes, some of us just have the panache (not to mention an easier life), not just necessarily the slack-off time. Although I wouldn’t say its one of the worst things; I’m sure anyone in the world would love to have more of that. It would make humanity less prickly.

Which then turns me to my second point: Some friends and acquaintances have been asking me about what I have been up to these days. It’s a perfectly normal question but when I am asked by someone from fourth-degree connection in friendster, I am compelled to feel really puffed-up and important for people to be so fascinated and curious . I guess my occupation that says a semi-charmed life gives the warrant to people to prod more. I am perpetually asked about my work, what my job is, what is my profession that I get so tempted to answer back: Ah-hoo, ah-hoo, ah-hoo; complete with a menacing Spartan look. So once and for all, I would just like to say aside from unapologetically immersing myself in all shimmer,I’m back in the academe while preparing the biggest shindig of my life.

Badger Baby

I’ve always loved lotions, creams and other potions but quite hesitant when its labed “organic.” I can go green with other stuff such as bags, recyclable items even food but when its for slathering to my body, I’m one of those few people who thinks organic is equal to hives and allergy. But I’m really loving my recent discovery: The Badger Line of Balms. Right now I’m into the Healing Balm, Headache Soothing Balm and Sleeping Balm. Maybe half of its efficacy is the thought of using something natural. I’m slowly reversing my aversion towards crude and uncomplicated beauty products . Now, that’s what I call going back to the basics.

http://www.badgerbalm.com/default.aspx

weddings on my mind

Our wedding website is finally up! Still a work in progress though...

http://yason09.weddingannouncer.com/

Don't forget to leave messages in the Guestbook!

they grow up so fast!

I'm all about my nieces these days and they are such a joy! Our little Yanca is the sweetest, funniest little baby and she loves to smile a lot and cuddle. Surprisingly, she also loves kissing and hugging Cheska and never had a jealous tantrum over the new baby on the block. She's a handful these days because she's more curious about her surroundings and explores a lot but when I'm so exasperated with her and reprimand her, she just smiles at me and hugs me that make everything all well. Yanca loves holding my hand while walking. Its so rewarding to feel a tiny, hopeful hand in mine. She is so trusting yet it is also I she was guiding: seeing the world again through fresh eyes. Cheska and Yanca make my world these days a bit chaotic and too domestic for my taste yet they also remind me of the most basic and simple joys in life: those genuine smiles, baby scent and soft cuddles.

my little chinese soup

I'm so in love with my new beautiful niece. I think it helps more that my sister Vi pretty much let me do anything with her that I'm slowly becoming a bit territorial and possesive as if she's my own. Right now, she sleeps in my room and she recognizes my voice.

I kept thinking they'll be having a challenging time once I get back to Manila when they need to adjust again on their own...turns out I'll be the one to have a grand separation anxiety. Sigh*, love is a funny thing in all forms.

nars na nars

Only a day after my post and I stand corrected. My sister Honey, after reading my latest blog entry gave me a NARS lipstick, a brand which I’ve never tried before and which she apparently loves (maybe because she’s a “nars”?—corny!) anyway, this one is a big surprise for a gloss fanatic, yours truly. I found out I love the NARS shade in mind games. It’s truly a big deal for me because the last time I used a lipstick was when I was 19 and that is a Clinique’s discontinued color. Seems like I’ll be owning a lipstick in this lifetime after all (I'm really growing up!)---slathered with a lip gloss on top, of course.

glossy perspective

Lately I’m having quite a dilemma while shopping. Being incurably girly, I always tend to choose various shades of pinks and printed stuff that lately I’m realizing I should purge a little from my closet. Up until two years ago when people ask me how old I was, and I say 22, the usual reply would be I still have the rest of my life ahead of me. Now, I’m beginning to feel a little disturbed that their replies vary from concerned albeit annoying questions like what do I do or If I’m married already.

This particular alarm rang this afternoon while I was out shopping for a lip gloss. Lip glosses are one of those things that have “age-appropriate” categories. For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved lip glosses and used to mix my mama’s lipsticks with a pot of petroleum jelly when I was younger (bacteria culture, hello!). I realized I’ve never owned a lipstick in my life and I don’t intend to in the near future. I notice I always end up looking so chola with matte lipsticks on. While I was browsing thru the make-up racks this afternoon, I observed I always make a beeline to the lip gloss section and flavors will always be a plus factor. This time, I’m obsessed with trying out all the 24 shades of VS’ Beauty Rush. The lg colors are so varied its more like choosing jelly bean candies and I love it! Not as expensive as Lancome Juicy Tubes or MAC Lipglass but good enough. I like how they smell so good as well. I figured I still have a good six more years (at least!) as a lip gloss connoisseur and I intend to enjoy every sticky moment.

Francesca Dominique Perez Lorenzo

She's here! August 21, 2008. At last.

It was an intense and emotional delivery. 2 days of labor for a 9.5 heavyweight. Yet when we finally heard her cry and saw her beautiful face, we knew it was all worth it.

It's still a bit surreal and I must admit, still a little weird witnessing my sisters giving birth. The very ones you grew up with, fought with, played with and shared secrets with are now mommies. This time, I was with my Ate Vi every step of the way. I felt every push and felt every ache with her. I always knew I'll be with her on this yet I was also thinking, my what am I doing here? I was with her at the Operating room and though I've witnessed births before, its different when its your sister. It was rather fast or maybe it was just so for those of us who are at the center of the story. Yet every second was so strong and vivid.

I was the first one to hold my baby niece, first one who called her by her name, first one who changed her diaper and first one who fed her. Though it will still be quite a while before I get one of my own, I somehow understand now with my little nieces Yanca and Chesca how truly magical the whole experience is.

*dawn musings

I have been busy running around in my little world that I feel like I’m so far behind with this blog; That I wasn’t able to document the very exciting things that have happened and are still happening. So here I am back in Downers Grove. My being here entails so many reasons why: the arrival of my new niece, little Cheska, my quest for my dream wedding gown, to take care of little Yanca, to bond with my sisters. But this vacation is unlike any other in the past. It’s actually what I like to believe as a passage before that one great journey I am about to embark: married life. It’s my last jaunt as a single girl. I never thought I could miss so much being a floater with my sisters, having that right amount of freedom and accountability. Being the youngest girl, I can say though I’m always subjected to the seniority rule, it’s a fact that I actually like because then I also have less liability knowing someone is always out there to take care of me, someone is always there more responsible. I know a few months from now, life would be different. Although I have always been the baby in my relationship with Paolo, married life is all about partnership. I have less than 7 months to go. I’m working on so many issues still, yet I’m confident by that time, I’ll be ready.
I have to be. =)

Mowdil Alert!

It has always been a secret joke between Pao and me that he is the MOW-DIL: My private Zoolander. One of my fiancé’s charms is his shyness, I always hate arrogant, “feeling” guys but still he has done bits and pieces of modeling here and there yet he’s not the one to brag, he even loves to make fun of it. So it was more of a joke rather than something to tell with a smudge of pride. Yet I was pleasantly surprised and smugly happy when I saw a larger than life Paolo in a billboard at SLEX. It made me even happier that his was bigger than Anne Curtis across the major highway. =) I was so tempted to get one of his many banner ads along Zapote in Alabang. No one cares, really. It was just like the kind of inexplicable delight mommies feel when their kindergartens have insignificant roles like worms or trees in the school play. Although I must admit he looks way better in person, I cannot complain. I love looking at Paolo and seeing his face magnified at least 30 times more is way even better.

my wedding prophet

I had the most wonderful dinner and coffee with a dear friend I haven’t seen for the last three years; A friend that reminds me of only the best memories. Now at 24, I think I have that certain wisdom in discovering lasting friendships. I’ve met a lot of people in my life but finding a true friend is like sowing seeds and the ones that grow and blossom are the ones which are most nurtured, cared for and loved.

Thanks Therese. Thank you for everything, Thank you for listening all through our STP classes about my “prophecies,” for rushing to my side even if it meant walking through the puddled and smelly streets of pedro gil and padre faura on a rainy day (shudders) just to give me a most-needed hug, for making me tag along with your equally sweet speech path friends just so I could have lunch mates, for keeping my “manifesto” (the one you are still saving for my wedding day, can’t wait to read it again! ;) ) for being there when I needed you most, for always saying the right words and for just reminding me of the goodness in the world.

I am going to miss you again so much.

Comet's come and gone

I rarely watch TV, I could go on for a week not getting a single peep. I would rather read books than watch shows especially super annoying pinoy "biritan" variety shows. So suffice to say I only watch TV when I get to hang out with Josh and sometimes when I watch my crime and detective programs. It was one of those cartoon marathons with my little bro that I chanced upon Avatar, The Last Air Bender series and got seriously hooked. Before I knew it, bought the DVD copy of the complete season series then book 2 then the final book three FIRE. I am amazed. I love it! I love the storyline and the graphics and the fight scenes. I just finished watching the final episode in sidereel courtesy of Tetel and Kuya EJ who are avatar addicts as well. Sometimes I get really surprised when I hear myself talking with Ate Hazel discussing Aang's progress on the same level of passion and excitement with my quest for the perfect wedding coordinator. I'm devastated it has ended at the same time really happy that I was able to finish the whole series. I want to be a real water bender myself.

Hay, I'm gonna miss you, Zuko.

Wishlist Item no. 1,099

I've been busy lately doing things and running around in my little world that I didn't have much time left to dilly-dally with my usual leisurely pursuits. So last night I was browsing around and I came upon these wonderful bags by a young Pinay designer named Cathy de Leon in her website: http://cathysbags.com/ and I must admit I am smitten. I love the fact that it's less pricey than other local designers, like Aranaz, but the quality is just as good. I also love the fact that its limited, and for an old-fashioned modista-loving girl, that's a big come-on for me. Since I love prints and colors and I'm currently purging a bit of it from my wardrobe and stocking on the basics, the temptation to be more outrageous with my accessories is just too much. After all, I need to have some outlet for my color cravings. Unlike my sisters (and yes, I am talking to you ate honey), I am not such a snob with labels and brands especially with bags. I believe when you fall in love, you fall in love, despite what the pricetag says. I am thinking of getting the "isabelle" for some obvious reasons. I'm also infatuated with clutch bags right now which is all the rage. I particularly love Rafe's metallics and the ever-snooty, impossibly expensive Celestina miniaudieres although I think I might just get a similar one at the SM balikbayan/filipiniana department, hehe.

Anyway, less than a month and I'll be back in Chicago and this time, I'm excited, too much actually mainly because of my niece. I'm also off to one of my life's biggest and most important hunts: my wedding dress. I still have no idea what designs and elements I want in my gown. But I'm comforted with the fact that the pursuit is just like finding your true love, when you know, you just know. =)

CUTENESS OVERLOAD!

My cutie-patootie baby niece Yanca-doodle! less than a month and i get to cuddle that little ball of fat.

wedding wisdom

I will never be critical of anyone's wedding ever. After all these planning, meeting, deciding, budgeting, worrying and stressing over, I'm more appreciative of all the brides who have been through the same thing.

So the next time you are just a guest of somebody's wedding, PLEASE BE GRACIOUS, don't mind too much the clashing motif colors or the crumpled table napkins and just be thankful that you were asked to celebrate and be a part of something very big in another person's life.

spa and sniffles

I was down with a flu for the last two days. It was my fault, I guess. I had a bright idea of getting a home-spa massage service with Papa and I guess the therapists carried the virus with them. I mean, I just recently realized, most of the people who avail of home-service massage are those who can't go to a spa because they are sick. Papa and I were the only ones who got sick and I got the worse bill between the two. I was so weak but my mind was racing a mile a minute with things I need to do. I've got a month and a half left before I leave for Chicago and I still need to do a bazillion things for the wedding. Lately, I've been busy with other things aside from wedding and school. I need to finish a few units and duties before I leave and that's enough to occupy a big chunk of my time. I'ts kind of odd when we are sick and can't do anything that's when we want to do everything.

sugar for the brain

After more than a 2 week hiatus from all the wedding planning, I received frantic messages this afternoon from my sister, prompting my butt to get back in action. I guess after all these wedding planning hoohahs, I realized what really matters is I will be marrying the only man I can imagine myself getting married to, my bestfriend. And right now the perfect design for the cascading sugar flowers on nth layers of cake don't seem to matter that much... well, at least for now.

I just finished reading Volume II of Sherlock Holmes stories, I can't wait to start on the first two novels plus the first complete volume published. I know it's a bit too highschool, I'm no classic connoisseur but not everyone has read the complete volume. Unlike my sisters, I can't for the life of me, stand reading historical romance novels unless its Amanda Quick mainly because of the mysteries infused with the love stories. Sorry Ate hon, but I just cant stand too naive (to the point of stupidity) heroines who manage to get (always) the dark and brooding, mysterious, testosterone-laden hero in the end. But I do read these brain junkfood once in a while. Just like candies, sometimes you just need something to chew on mindlessly. I guess what I like about Amanda Quick's girls is the fact that they are a bit older (at least 24) with character: fiery and amusing. They are not necessarily always the prettiest or the most beautiful, in fact they are considered Originals in the ton...and I like that. But at any rate, I'll rather be curled up with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle all afternoon than anyone else for that matter.

back to business

After a momentarily albeit necessary detachment from the usual bumblings in life, I'm happy to report I'm alive and kicking and back in my usual element. Sometimes, I guess, those unwelcome jolts in life somehow are necessary to finetune our groove and just move on with the changes. Right now, I'm in a peaceful and quiet existence for God knows how long. Lately, I'm finding out the truth that A LOT can happen in just two weeks...

Anyway...lately, I've been evolving into this little miss french poodle as how my bestfriend terms it... Not so much on the dramas but more on my being a little lady with my choices these days. I just started recently my newest collection (insert:ahemization) which are kiss-lock purses, the vintage-y the better. I find them quite lovely, especially shiny, haughty minaudieres that I, myself dont even know where and when I'm going to use them exactly. I just like feeling a little more ladylike. I feel so deprived these days with the right creative atmosphere...or even a situation. I'm actually short of inspiration.

I need a change of setting. Preferably one that requires the help of a minaudiere...