tug of war with kingking

I was browsing through my non-work files and came across this video of king king and I playing tug of war.  She was barely a year old (5 months to be exact) when this vid was taken.  I learned my lesson the hard way  not to play this game with a dog (even if it's just a puppy) especially if you're using your hair to tug it with!! LOL!! I'm telling you, you'd always lose and feel the pain!! LOL!!  

cuteness overload

With FB being totally blocked in our office and not having much to do, I'm back to reading the blogs of the people I follow.  As expected, Chico Garcia's blog is updated with cute and funny stuff, and that's where I ran into this video of a REALLY cute kid who sings pretty well and he actually knows the lyrics!! I think with enough practice and more vids posted in youtube, this kid can become the next American Idol or the next Justin Bieber.  Anyways, here are some of the vids in youtube so you can see for yourself.

Welcome 2011 (Year of the Rabbit)!!

First of all, I want to greet everybody a Happy New Year (1-1-11 today)!!! I wish everyone a great year ahead full of love, happiness and of course good health :)

Ok, before I post the "forecast" for 2011, let's have a recap for the 2010 forecast and let's see how much of it came true, or at least came close to coming true.  Here's what I posted in FB last time, I will take note of the items that came close or those that are far-fetched :)

From www.moonslipper.com :

"Forecast for 2010 The Year of the Tiger will be an exciting and lively year for the Horse. On the home and family front, there may be some changes with family members moving in, moving out or relocating to another location altogether (CURLYTOPS: yep, there had been some travels for a couple of my family members, but not me). On the social front, the Horse will be in much demand with invitations to parties and gatherings increasing as the year moves on (CURLYTOPS: hmmmm, I don't think I was in demand with invitations...my 2010 wasn't crazed with parties). Health wise, with such a busy year and added pressures, the Horse must ensure that he looks after his diet and gets adequate rest. Otherwise, irritability and heated arguments could arise unnecessarily. Those born under this sign will do exceptionally well career-wise this year (CURLYTOPS: Hmmmm, I don't really think I did anything exceptional... I was my boss' secretary and didn't really do anything earthmoving in our company.  At least I wasn't given a chance to do anything earthmoving! I'd say my career has been quite stagnant for some time now). However, they must follow up leads and career openings with vigor in order to take advantage of the fast paced energy of the Tiger year. A word of caution for the Horse – they need to keep a careful eye on their finances as overspending could happen very easily. August through September will bring fantastic opportunities for those looking for love (CURLYTOPS: HAH!!! What opportunities at love?? I didn't even see its shadow!! Not unless you'd include my love for Gong Yoo and Ian Sommerhalder... but that's like wishing for the stars and 100% one way street, not to mention they don't even know I exist!! So this statement right here didn't happen in 2010! LOL!). March through May will be lucky for changing jobs or careers while November and December will bring fun and lively social gatherings (CURLYTOPS: About the changing jobs and careers, well there definitely had some changes, but they didn't happen or start to happen until latter part of the year. I think the timing of this forecast is pretty off.   Of course there are social gatherings in December, it's the time for Christmas parties, right? Haha!)."

 

Ok, now let's now see what my 2011 holds according to the same website: 

The Horse

Fun, charming and attractive sums up the Horse’s traits perfectly. They love parties and crowds and being the centre of attention. They can also be egotistical, hotheaded and impatient. The Horse is a considerate and protective friend and partner and when in his company, there will always be excitement around the next corner. 

Forecast for 2011 The spotlight will have been on the Horse for much of 2010 with his
sparkling company and friendship being frequently in demand. In 2011, the focus for the Horse will be on his career, with unexpected developments and promotional opportunities on the cards. He should watch events carefully, for when an opening occurs he will need to act fast and be alert. April, May and October and November will be encouraging months for moving ahead in work or indeed finding a new job altogether (CURLYTOPS: The months look pretty off, coz I think the new job will be starting on March.  Oh well). Health and well-being will be on the minds of many Horses in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit and it’s a perfect time to re-think fitness routines and diet (CURLYTOPS: YES!! I definitely need to start re-thinking about the diet part..and also act on it! The execution part is the toughie *sigh*  Where can I buy discipline? LOL). Socially, as always, the Horse will be busy, with May to September and December being full of fun opportunities with friends. Attached Horses will fare better than single ones in 2011 (CURLYTOPS: WHAT!! No lovelife again this year!! UGH!). If a new romance is on horizon, the Horse would be well advised to relax and let the relationship develop slowly and without rushing. (CURLYTOPS: So IF there is romance, I still need to take it slow? Ugh! Can't I just snatch and marry him ASAP?? LOL!)  March, September and October are prime months for finding someone special (CURLYTOPS: Ok, I;m taking note of the months! LOL!). The Horse is an adventurous soul by nature and may do some traveling to far-flung places in the Year of Rabbit (CURLYTOPS: Oooohhhh!! Yes, I'd love to travel this year! 2010 was a no travel year for me and I am so missing plane rides! Far-flung places huh? I'm all for it! Anywhere baby!! I'm excited already!!). Financially there is a definite chance for the Horse to increase his earnings over the year and he should make every effort to manage his money carefully (CURLYTOPS: I'm welcoming increased earnings with big open arms! Give it to me baby!! ;P).

Interesting Horse Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Golden Topaz
Special Flower: Rose
Best Hours: 11am-1pm
Season: Summer
Horoscope Colors: Orange, White, Yellow

Hey, don't get me wrong, I don't let these predictions or forecasts lead my life.   God made each one of us unique and special, and I believe that each person defines their own destiny and future.  It's all about the choices we make with the opportunities given to us.  It's just fun to read how these Chinese astrology stuff sees my 2011 which makes me look forward to the year ahead :) 

I'm hopeful (of course with help of the Lord Almighty) that this year will be a better year for me (and my family), career-wise, health-wise and on the spiritual level.  I'll keep doing my best to be a better person and learn (and try not repeating them) from my mistakes in the past years.  As for the love life... well, I have already lifted that up to the Lord, it's all up to HIM.  In HIS time. :)

Once again, HaPpY NeW YeAr everyone!!!

my Alma Mater after 10 years

Almost 10 years after graduating in 2000, I'm able to pay a visit to my Alma Mater.  I needed to get my transcript of records (TOR) that's why I'm back to the grounds of University of Santo Tomas.  The moment I saw the main building while walking along Dapitan, a lot of memories came rushing back.  I have 5 years worth of memories (though I honestly don't remember all of them now, given how Dory I am!LOL!) in this school... both good and bad.  I think I have memories at almost every corner of this school, from simple walking on the concrete to our regular tambayan.  I suddenly miss my friends... I miss everything during this chapter of my life.

Anyways, after finishing my TOR activity, I decided to visit our building, the Engineering Building and maybe if lucky, I'd get to meet some of my professors again.  As I was walking, I noticed a lot of changes. Inside the campus there's now a huge parking area with a nice exterior design (looks like a mall!) and there are now a lot of restaurants and food choices! These kids are so lucky! I also noticed the new college uniforms worn by the students. I suddenly got jealous when I saw some kids wearing their cool PE uniforms.  I wanted a pair too, both shirt and jogging pants!! How come our uniforms before weren't as cool? :-(

As I got inside the engineering building, more memories came back... I felt giddy and it was like I was back in college all over again! I went to the new IE Faculty room and guess who I saw?  Nestor!! OMG, what a small world!! He's now teaching there part time.  I also saw Mrs Ngo (previously our IE head) and Mrs Nancy Eleria (Economics prof).  They cannot remember my name but they knew I was their student once.  We did a little of catching up and reminiscing... and it was really good to be back.  

The main building series:

the main building.. sepia version

University of Santo Tomas

this is the countdown to 400 year celebration of UST

the pavement leading to the Arch of the Century (and Espana) from the main building

inside the main building... with the UST model design 

who could ever forget the grand staircase??

I want this big Swatch watch!!! Or maybe I should call it a clock?

the Christmas design inside the main building

the really creepy staircase leading to the 2nd floor (registrar's office)

Engineering Building series:

Engineering building... this is where I spent 5 years of my life :)

our usual "tambayan"... if  we can find a vacant spot

this is what you'll see at the lobby, the rest are pretty much the same

this is our usual spot in between classes... *sigh* I suddenly miss my friends

i still look like a college student, right?? LOL!

IE faculty

Of course, I need to have my picture taken! ;)

With Mrs Ngo, I think she still looks the same even after 10 years :)

With Mrs. Nancy Eleria, our Economics teacher

With Mr. Lugay, our PPC (Planning and Production Control??) teacher

ENG'g Uniform series... I saw this glass encased girls' uniforms inside the building, it's good to know the transformation of our uniforms :)

girls' uniforms from the 50's and early 60's

girls' uniforms from the late 60's to 1970's

from the 80's to early 90's

Late 90's and 2010-present -- these were my uniforms during my time in UST

The rest of UST I was able to take pictures of:

The improved UST Hospital

our neighboring building, the Education Building

wow!! a sports complex?!  This used to be the cafeteria in front of the Eng'g building

the Fountain of Knowledge

at the Arch of the Century -- thanks to Nestor for taking this picture

University of Santo Tomas, founded 1611

It was a great (though tiring) day.  I was able to accomplish what I needed to do and was able to see some of my professors again.  It was really good to be back, even for just a little while.

a toothy problem

Today I was reminded again why I don't jump for joy every time I had to visit a dentist. I had my wisdom tooth pulled out via "normal" extraction. Dang! I forgot how this was done, the last time I had a tooth extracted was when I still have milk teeth... there were a lot of pushing and pulling!! And since it's the wisdom tooth (the farthest tooth!), it took a while for the dentist to pull it off...it felt like my brains will come out together with it! Argh!! *sigh* Thank heavens for the anesthesia I didn't feel any pain... only the pressure pain for too much pushing! Oh, it doesn't stop there, I had another tooth pulled out, but since it's already partially chipped off, the normal extraction doesn't apply anymore.  A surgery was done (my first ever)... I won't tell the details anymore, it's kinda gory! Ugh! Now I have stitches and will have to wait for a few days to go back and have the stitches removed.  After the 2 extractions, I had 2 other fillings and a cleanup.  My jaw suffered most of it, since I have to keep my mouth open for these procedures.  I welcomed the no talking for a while part afterwards. And of course, the choco-fudge sundae!! :) 

Right now I'm on a soft and cold diet because of the surgery.  I have to prevent the wound from bleeding and opening up, otherwise, the doc will have to stitch me up again.  I'm also taking in some antibiotics to prevent any possible infection.  Good thing I ate a lot before heading to the dentist!! Now, I miss rice and ulam a lot!!  I want real food!!  I can't wait for Monday, when hopefully things will get back to normal.

Hmmm... I wonder, since one of my wisdom teeth is gone, does it make me less wise?  Hehe!! :P

I love you DK!!!

DK, my counterpart and a very dear friend from Korea, just made my day today!  He gave me gifts (via Chai)!! It's a passport holder and a calling card holder. But mind you, these are not just ordinary passport holder and card holder... Gong Yoo's (Korean handsome guy that starred in Coffee Prince) pictures are the cover!!!! OMG!!! I'm all giddy!! Yes, I'm a big Gong Yoo fan... and I have a big crush on him.  Who wouldn't?  He's such a hottie! And he's got this manly, bad-boy-yet-sweet look that makes him really hot!  Ugh, if only he's in my world.

I took a picture of my very special gifts... thank you very much DK!! Gomabsumnida sunsangnim DK!

my Gong Yoo card and passport holders! i love 'em!

first day of the last month of the year

Wow, I can't believe we're already at the last month of the year!! Time sure passes by soooo fast!! There seems to be no stopping time... and before I know it, I'm old and grey and sagging!!! Waaaahhhhh!!!! Ok, enough of the "old" talk... it makes me sad.  Ugh!! A few more sleep and we'll be saying goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011.

So... Christmas is around the corner... too bad I'm too broke to do serious shopping for gifts.  I'd just give a mental (meaning me remembering it) IOU and will just make up next year, when I'm hopefully at a better financial status.  So for all my inaanaks (godchildren) out there, i owe you this Christmas :) 

Advance Merry Christmas everyone! May you have a blessed holiday seasons with your families and loved ones :)