The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18)

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Hillsong Concert!

Yesterday, I went to Araneta Coliseum to watch the Hillsong concert with Just (and her mom), Mariel, Luz and Marissa. It was so much fun!! Though I'm not that familiar with their songs, i thoroughly enjoyed myself. From their lineup, I only know 3-4 songs (hehe)... thank goodness there are projected lyrics :P Check out this video of their song, One Way. It's like being in a rock concert:

I really love what Joel Houston said towards the end of the concert: the excitement and eagerness to praise Him should not be contained in one place. We should spread the word! This is aptly expressed in one of their songs:

Tell the world that Jesus lives
Tell the world that, tell the world that
Tell the world that he died for them
Tell the world that he lives again

^_______^

Word of the Day

AYUS! I learn something new everyday.. wehehe :P

LSS: Girl I Wanna Lay You Down

This song has been playing over and over again in my head these past few days. I have had several Mkna-Makati shuttle rides na ito lang pinapakinggan ko (yes, naka-loop -_-). All the while I was imagining my favorite band (ano kaya yun? :P) performing it in one of their gigs. It's funky, it would be great for his voice, plus it's not like anything I've seen them perform before. Anyways, the song is great in itself. I love *love* Animal Liberation Orchestra's version ^__^

Girl I Wanna Lay You Down

I come over early in the morning
I'm like a heat wave, without warning
And when I touch you I can feel your heart flutter
I'm smooth and creamy like peanut butter

Girl I wanna lay you down
(I said) girl I wanna lay you down

Take it away Zach

I'm gonna flood you, like a love river
Awe baby the post man, is about to deliver
Cook you up some dinner, a little pasta
Listen to some music, a little rasta

I said girl I wanna lay you down, oooohhh
I said girl I wanna lay you down, everybody sing it

Aweee, I said girl I wanna lay you down
(I said) girl I wanna lay you down
Girl I wanna lay you down
Girl I wanna lay you down
Girl I wanna lay you down
Girl I wanna lay you down
Girl I wanna lay you down

Frustrating Fourth

Mike and I are having our fourth anniversary this Sunday. It's the first time we're celebrating an anniv apart: he's in Cebu, I'm here in Manila. The more I think about the distance, the more it gets me down. I'm not really sure how it would go, but I'm thinking of ways to make 27th a blur:

- Be out of the house on Sunday. Maybe I can do back-to-back services then go to ATC

- Get stinking drunk on Saturday, and sleep Sunday away

- DVD marathon on Sunday? nah....

- any suggestions? hehe

Nga pala, I also came across this song on my player. I didn't even know I have this song loaded. Kanina ko lang narinig. *siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiggggggggggghhhhhhhh* :(

Gusto Na Kitang Makita Session Road Parang ang bagal ng takbo ng panahon pag wala ka
Alam kong walang dapat sisihin na ako'y
Nandito at nandiyan ka

Refrain:
Pero dahil malayo ka
Ako'y nalulungkot na

Chorus:
Gusto na kitang makita
(Kita kita sa mata)
Gusto na kitang makasama
(Magsama tayong dalawa)

Pininta mong larawan ko
Ang mga una kong nakikita sa umaga
Pagbangon sa kama siguradong
Ang araw ay may bagong pag-asa

Refrain:
Pero dahil malayo ka
Ako'y nalulungkot na

Chorus:
Gusto na kitang makita
(Kita kita sa mata)
Gusto na kitang makasama
(Magsama tayong dalawa)

Refrain:
Pero dahil malayo ka
Ako'y nalulungkot na

Chorus:
Gusto na kitang makita
(Kita kita sa mata)
Gusto na kitang makasama
(Magsama tayong dalawa)
Gusto na kitang makita
(Kita kita sa mata)
Gusto na kitang makasama
(Magsama tayong dalawa)
Gusto na kitang makita
(Kita kita sa mata)
Gusto na kitang makasama
(Magsama tayong dalawa)

Seriously?!

What the heck?!! You have to be kidding me!! -_________-

God is good

Yes, He really is! :D

I have been very blessed - and it is quite sad that I only realize this when I overcome problems. This past week has been really tough for me, and constantly I would ask Him to help me to just get through the day.

Work-wise, I was bombarded with things I was forced to attend to: an early Monday morning meeting (after the very tiring Pagudpud trip), conference calls I could barely understand, problems composing emails to be sent to higher-ups, back-to-back meetings, countless emails, etc. The pressure was too much, I must admit.

On a personal note, my dog Toffee bit my niece Ainah. She's doing OK, though, of course, she has to get at least 4 shots. *sigh*

The big blow was when Mike told me he has to go back to Cebu. The last time he went there, he said he'll only be there for 3 days (which turned out to be 2 months). This time, he said he'll be away for 4 days. Who knows how that would turn out... :( The thing is, we haven't had much time to talk when he was here in Manila.

Anyways... It's a Friday, and in a few minutes I'll be meeting my friends for dinner. All my tasks for the week are done, Ainah had her first shot, and Mike and I are doing great despite the distance. Point is, why does this week had to pass before I thanked the Lord? I was always praying how I wish things will turn out, but after I get all the help I needed I forget to thank Him. *sorry :(*

I'm really happy I can go to church again tomorrow. More than the gig, more than the shopping, more than anything else - the service tomorrow is something I'm really looking forward to.

Thank You for all the help You've given me this week. Know that I appreciate the strength, guidance and blessings You gave me. From now on I'll always remember Your goodness - even if things do not go my way. I'll keep in mind that Your plans for me will always better than I what I dream for myself. Again, thank You!! ^__^

Awww...

"You are so cute!! And you shall now be called Toffee!"

*happy sigh*

That was my first reaction when I saw my new dog, Toffee. He's a Japanese Spitz, about a month old. He's so adorable!



If you guys know how to take care of dogs (vaccines, food, training), please let me know. I need help!
^_________^

Looking back

Joee told me to never look back when I transfer companies. It's a lot easier said than done, especially when you start missing former officemates who are very close to you. I'll just flush this out of my system before it starts eating me up. Here are the things I really miss:

1. Seatmates. In the new office, you could easily fit 2 more people in between me and the person nearest me. What's up with that? Masyadong maluwag. Before, ikot mo lang chair mo, hello seatmate na. Parang feeling ko wala akong makausap dito.

2. IMs. Speaking of kausap, naka-Meebo lang ako, patago pa. haha. I miss my AIM and the retarded YM.

3. Lunches. Working lunches, lunch sa pantry, lunch sa 12th floor, lunch from Andrei, lunch outs - doesn't matter kung saan, I really miss the people I had these lunches with.

4. Merienda breaks. Feeling sad? Overwhelmed with work? Have been debugging for hours? Mag-12th floor muna. A short trip downstairs, lalo na pag may tiangge, relaxes me a lot.

5. AM Meetings. San ka naman nakakita ng meetings na may games? Pano mo ba namang di mamimiss yun?

6. Knowing everyone. I know I am in such an awkward stage right now: getting to know the people, the processes, the works. I know that this will soon pass. I just miss walking in a room full of people I know.

7. Internet browsing. Salbahe lang ba talaga ako or super bait lang nila? I don't see anyone browsing non-work sites.

8. My long sleeves. This seems weird, pero I miss my formal office wear. Feeling ko kasi super porma ako if I wear those here.

9. Chismis and joke time! 2 lang ang naririnig ko ditong ingay: keyboard and mga on-call. Ano ba? Puro work? Namimiss ko yung bigla na lang may manggugulat sa kin, or a group na yung tawanan dinig ng buong project, or jokes meant for everyone to hear...

10. The people. Syempre. Kung pwede ko lang ilipat ang AM C/S dito, I would. Sama mo na RnR. Hay...

I would like to say I miss the Bank Hours, but no. I love using them up, but earning these hours means hair loss, stress and eyebags.

Anyway.. I'm not complaining. I just started, and I'd like to think things will only get better (and they will). I'm just someone who misses her friends. This new job is an opportunity for me to make new ones, and I'll be damned if I don't make the most out of it.

The weekend that was

There's only one word that would describe this weekend: CRAZY!! It started with Saturday afternoon, when I met with Chris at Robinsons Galleria. When I opened the door of the FX on my way out, it bumped into another taxi, leaving two large black gashes on the other vehicle. I vehemently apologized and rushed inside the mall. Baka habulin pa ko ni manong driver, takot ako :(

When we got to Bagaberde Pasig, things got crazier. Akala ko nung una mga timid yung barkada ni Ai. Konting Smirnoff lang ang ingay na! Haha. Buti na lang Aileen's cool with the tuksuhan. Needless to say, naging pansinin yung table namin. Next thing I know, Joey G. was dancing on top of one of our chairs during the gig, Ai had glazed eyes, and they were shouting the guitarist's name every now and then. After the picture taking with Side A, Joey approached us and chatted a bit. Akalain mo yun? hehe. We asked him kung ano sched nila for Feb, and he wasn't sure yet so he asked for our contact details. I gave him my name, email add and cell#. Katawa, naging highlight ng evening ko yung part na yun instead of yung pic with the guitarists.


Anyways... 3am na ko nakauwi from Baga. I have to wake up at 430am for the Corregidor trip with the P&G peeps and UP students. 6am ang dapat na departure, 630 naman umalis. Tokwa... hahaha. I was pleasantly surprised with the people from the company though, kala ko kasi they were snobs, pero friendly pala sila, hehe. From ~9am to 2pm we were walking under the hot sun. The ruins, museums, cannons and displays are amazing! Creepy, yeah, but great nonetheless.
My favorite part was the lighthouse. Iba talaga ang thrill ng heights :D We also went inside the Malinta tunnel for the lights and sounds show. I would have enjoyed it if I wasn't dead tired. May moments kasi na I thought I would fall asleep during the voice overs - and this was a feat considering how creepy that tunnel was :P
We got back to UP at around 4pm. It was really nice to be back. Liza and I went to SC for the yummy FIC. Nung college ako, P15 per scoop lang yun, ngayon P20 na. Grabe, tanda ko na. Hahaha. I walked from SC to Vinzon's Hall na may reminisce factor pa. Hay...

In summary, here are the things I learned for the past 2 days:
- it's great to meet new people: never be afraid to extend your network. Medyo nahiya ako sa friends ni Ai and sa new people from PnG, pero okay rin to get out of your shell minsan ;)
- a smile goes a long LONG way. The FX driver didn't shout at me, a manong guard at the port told me I was cute kasi lagi akong nakasmile, salesladies were a bit nicer, the P&G peeps were starting conversations, Joey G. chatted with us...
- it's okay to dance like noone's watching - as long as the music's really good ;)
- it pays to be on time
- it's okay to ask for a picture, just make sure to tell them which camera they should look at (right Ai?:P)

The ID Quest

OK, here's the deal: I need IDs para makaopen ng payroll account sa new job ko. Thing is, I don't have IDs. Proper IDs. Ones that are government-issued, like:
- SSS ID
- TIN ID
- Passport
- PRC ID
- Driver's license

I don't have any of those, kainis. I'm never having the PRC one kasi CS grad ako, and I have no plans of going back to school. Driver's license, well... maybe in a few years :) So, yung first 3 ang options ko. Nung January 4, I lined up for ~4 hours sa SSS, and I have to wait at least 30 days before I can even start inquiring kung tapos na yung ID. Yung sa TIN, I have to go back Wednesday next week to see if they have the ID ready. For the Passport, I have to have at least 2 valid IDs before I can even apply. Ano ba, sana sinabi yung ng Teleserv before I went to the DFA, di ba?

Sa Feb 1 na start date ko, and I still don't have the frigging IDs. The only one I have is from the Postal office. Hay, pwede na kaya yun?

In Closing

2007 has been a rollercoaster for me. I have so much to be thankful about, a few of which are:

- The super stressful and hairfall-inducing OTs, tight deadlines, countless deliverables. Sure, it was really tough at times, but the challenges brought our team closer. I will be forever proud to say that I work(ed) for Accenture, even if I frequently get asked if I am a call center agent (haha). I worked with the best people and I've made great friends - and that's a far cry from the previous company I worked for. *cough*

- Finding a new job. It gives me hope that things will even be better when I transfer. *sana nga* :) Now, all I have to do is look for openings for my AM teammates *mwahahaha*

- From being in the reds to finally saving up. Hay, salamat Lord :)


- Good health ko and ng family ko, lalo na ni Mama. :)

- Great events/ lakwatsa: Beyonce Experience, Avenue Q, Side A performance (Accenture Party), movie nights, EK, Global Fun, Forest Club, Jewelry classes, etc.

- Free time! Chocolates! Shopping sprees! Accessories! Losing a few pounds!

- Having *great* friends around: NEC_losers, highschool friends, teammates, ex-officemates, cousins and titos/titas, Ma. Cor peeps :D

- Being with Mike for almost 4 years. I really wish you'd be back on Monday. I don't know how to spend New Year without you.

Happy New Year, guys. Enjoy the festivities! Ingat sa fireworks... at sa calories ;)

Parang highschool?

Before hindi ko maintindihan why girls go gaga over bands. I mean, I enjoy the music, yeah, pero to actually wave and scream like a schoolgirl during a concert? It's just not me. Until... I saw this guy at the Accenture party:



Lee Von is the new lead guitarist for Side A. SUPER grabe mag-guitar, ang galing kumanta, ang charming pa. Friendly din sya nung nagpa-picture kami with the band. *hay...* Nakaka-addict! I bought the Side A Gig yesterday, and I'm looking for the gig sched. Ano ba to, stalker? Kadiri. Hahaha...

Sorry, I just have to flush this out of my system -_-; Sana magsawa na ko by the time nabasa ni Mike tong post ko, hehe :P Peace By!! ^___^

Objectives

In myCompany, we are taught that goals that are not put into writing are no good at all. As much as I hate objectives-setting at work, I think it's time I do it for my personal life. So far, I have 3 things I want straightened in my life:

1. MY FAITH
I haven't been to mass for around 2 years(I think). I know I don't want to stay Catholic, but I'm not doing anything to be a Christian either. I have to go to church. I really have to go to church. I can't believe I've been putting God out of my life. I don't even pray at night... tsk, tsk, tsk. Feeling ko ilang beses na kumakatok si Lord sa kin pero I dismiss Him just so I'd have a few more hours of laziness. Bad, Tinnerts, bad :(

2. MY HEALTH
I know I'm not obese, but I could be in much better shape. I don't want to spend my prime years with my body right now. On top of that, I have colds that last for weeks. Ayayay...
I have to lay off the chicharon, junk food and chocolates. *sigh* I don't want to endure "ang taba mo" comments anymore. Pagkatapos nitong milestone sa work, I'm hitting the gym.

3. MY FINANCES
I remember saving money for months just to buy a single book. Before I started working, I'm quite content with what I have. Dati, I would treat myself to a new shirt or bag, whichever I can afford, and I would feel so happy.
Now, even if I buy 5 shirts and 2 bags in one afternoon, I still don't feel gratified. When I look at my year-to-date income I'd just ask myself - san na napunta yung pinaghirapan ko? I really have to save money. I want to save at least 70% of what I'm earning, starting next payday. Sabi nga sa isang magazine, "Just because you can spend P5,000 without hurting your wallet doesn't mean you have to." Oo nga naman.

Hay, pagpray nyo naman na sana matupad yung goals ko. ^___^

Oh dear

I used to think being 25 is old.

I still do. :(

When remember thinking how old the college students were when I was in highschool. They were much taller, they have fuller bodies (if you know what I mean), and they seem to carry themselves very well. Plus, nakaka-gimik na sila madalas sa mall.
Come college, I used to think the students who already graduated are old. My 20s seemed far away, as I was surrounded by teengers like me, getting invites to debut parties, and hearing yuppies say, "Sorry I can't go, I have to work."
When I did graduate, I was "stuck" at 21. I was already 23 then, when I even have to think how old I was, because I was used to telling anyone who asked na "21 na ako". Ngayong 25 na ko, I do feel old. Konti na lang wala na ko sa kalendaryo. Eww :( Yeah, alam kong OA, pero that's how I feel. For some reason, I feel like I have to do something significant soon or else, I'm wasting my youth. Hay. Anyways...

My friends from the office sent me several greetings, with matching pictures pa. From my COBOLmates:

("Everyone else" refers to my 5 male batchmates. And yes, malakas sila kumain ^^)

From my AM Family: (the comment that made my day: "Ang pogi ng lalake mo jan ah.. stateside.. hehehe.. kamukha ni JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE.. wahahhahaha")

From the project: (feeling manginginom :P)

Super salamat sa lahat ng bumati. Na-appreciate ko ang pag-alala nyo sa aking kaarawan. Ang sarap talaga ng maraming kaibigan ^______^

Books!!!!!!!!

I finally organized my books last weekend. I classified them into 2: the "happy books" and "others". "Others" are mostly the romance novels and mystery stuff that I could do without. My "happy books", on the other hand, are the books I would definitely take with me should I move elsewhere. Here's the bulk of my happy books:

I still have the Pure Dead, Oz, and HP series to complete. (Yes, I still don't have HP7 :P) I'm also looking for Burnett's other books. Well, at least I have a boxed set of Narnia books ^__^

Here are my *favorite* books:

I still have a looooooot of Roald Dahl books to buy. Just looking at this page gives me bookgasm: DAHL
Damn... those signed copies are so expensive. Hay :(

Anger Management

I'm moody, I get it.

I'm always told that I cannot control my feelings. I simply cannot smile when someone is being an ass in my presence.

Blatantly and intentionally showing off your stuff, as if it makes you a better person?
Oh, someone is bitching about how big their taxes are due to the salary increase in front of people who did not have any increase at all?
What, you still cannot do something I've explained five times, when each time you affirmed you have it under control?
How about that hideous ass who keep on talking about women as if we're always ready to open our legs for him?

I don't care if it's directed to me, or to my friends, or to my colleagues. I will show you how I feel about you.

What? What was that again? I have to be civil? Like how? Laugh with the insensitive people who seem to find humor in your stupid jokes? Don't take it against me if I don't find you amusing.

What I simply do not get is why they always target those who react, instead of those who made initiated the reaction. So, it's okay to shout out insensitive comments. But hey, if you react, I'm sorry but you simply cannot adapt to your environment. WTF? I don't have to deal with you people.

They say life is too short to be so angry all the time. I agree. I will also tell you that life is too precious to have do deal with morons all the time.

Life is short

Mike stayed at his uncle's house when he worked in Laguna. There was always food on the table, his things were kept clean, and he was never forced to do any chores. His aunt was like his second mom during his stay there. It was early in the morning when her husband came from work, and she collapsed right after she opened the gate for him. She died August 30.

The lady across the street used to iron our clothes. She was very efficient with her work and gets along with the neighbors. My mom told me she was rushed to the hospital around noon last week, but was only given medication late in the afternoon because they didn't have money. She died September 6.

A friend's sister-in-law had goiter for as long as I can remember. Everytime my mom sees her, she'd always asked if she had herself checked up. She was only 26 years old. After being in the shower for more than an hour, her husband forced the door open only to find her lifeless on the floor. She died yesterday, September 9.

"Ang bilis lang ng buhay," my mom said. I'd always sigh when I hear that from her. Death is surreal when it happens to someone you know, more so when you see it 3 times in a span of 2 weeks.

As if defying these deaths, Mike's cousin had their second baby yesterday.

As if defying life, I'm reduced to solving error tickets as if my existence depends on my fixes.

Taxi Adventures

It was Tuesday, 1:15 am, in an MGE taxi. I was then with my officemate, Chris, who is with the taxi with me up to the Sta. Lucia Mall, which is ~5mins from our house. Before we reached the mall, Chris told the driver, "Manong, sa Sta. Lucia lang po."
"Ano yun?"
"Sa Sta. Lucia lang po."
"Bakit?"
"Baba lang po ako."
"Ay, di pwede."
(Chorus kami ni Chris)"Bakit po?"
"Ang niradyo sa kin kanina sa Masinag daw kayo. Sa Masinag pa ko hihinto."
Nagkatinginan kami, with panic and fear in our eyes, sabay hirit si manong... "Hinde... joke lang", sabay cross ng 3 lanes papunta sa gilid ng mall.Pagbaba ni Chris, I told him loud enough for manong driver to hear, "Uy Chris, yung plate number TVF 144 ha!" When I closed the door, the driver really LOLed, then said, "Natakot yung kasama mo ah."
Leche, magtrip ba?

-----------------
Yesterday, around 12:30am, and this time, in a Dollar taxi. Chris was doing OT so I had to go home alone. We were near the Santolan LRT station when Manong driver asked me, "Ineng, wala ka ba talaga kasamang umuuwi? Delikado ang panahon, di ka dapat umuuwi mag-isa ng ganitong oras." He was a bit old, maybe in his late 50s,and he reminded me of my Tito Rolan.
"Yung madalas ko pong kasama pauwi nag-OT pa ho, pero hinatid naman nya ko kanina para merong may alam ng plate number." I then remembered the MGE incident - parang 180 ng personality ng manong driver from the day before.
Baha sa main street going to our place, so I had to ask the driver to take me to the tricycle terminal. He was kind enough to call the tricycle driver for me para di na ko susugod sa ulan. I gave him an extra 50 pesos as a thank you.

-----------------
Ngayon, pasado alas-onse na. I'm *so* tired and I'm not up for any taxi adventures. Baka mamaya yung masakyan ko ngayon baliw naman. I just hope I'll have this migration finished before 12mn para magshuttle na lang ako. -_-

Aning-aning

I know I should have done this a long time ago: take pictures of the accessories I made before I give them to whoever ordered them.

Here are a few things I made lately....

A chocolate brown necklace made of glass beads and "candy" stones (I don't know what they're really called). Made in a jewelry-making class I attended 2 weeks ago.


Black necklace made of pearls, murano beads, Swarovski crystals, etc. The beads are from an officemate's old bracelets (plus a few from my stash), which she requested be made into necklaces.


Experimental bracelet made of Swarovski crystals and glass beads. Made out of boredom...


Another product of my jewelry class, made of silver and freshwater pearls.


Earrings made with Swarovski and murano beads.


The upper 3 I made with left-over beads from the officemate's bracelets. The lower 2 were prizes I got from the class (the teacher gave prizes when he likes the stuff you made).



I would post some more pics when I'm done with the batch I'm working on right now. Hopefully I'd remember to take their pics before I have them dispersed O_o