it's not about the money money money??? for reals?

I had been contemplating on work and finance matters lately.  I work as a therapist for children with special needs and the pay isn't as much.  Actually, it's a much lower pay compared to when I was working as a corporate trainer in a bank few years back.

Argh.. the sacrifices one has to make just to make one's plan work..  I really hope to finish graduate school the soonest and learn as much as I could from my supervisors now so that in about 2 years (hopefully less) I can go solo and earn better.

And as I type this, a song suddenly played on my mind...

Straight from the Universe,
margaret

break! finally!!!

YAY!!!!

First semester of gradschool is officially over!  I've got 3 weeks to recharge and do a little R&R.  Gotta catch up with a lot of movies I missed because I had to prioritize school and work!

I started last night with The Lincoln Lawyer and I what's a movie marathon without these: :)

In the past weeks, I was able to download a whole bunch of movies as I do countless papers from night time until the wee hours!  Lincoln Lawyer was last night, Crazy Stupid Love was a while ago, I'm halfway through Watchmen, and I'm not so sure what I'll watch next.  But I'm just really glad that at least I can not focus more on my job and take a breather for 3 weeks.  Come November, I'll live a zombie life again.

Oh, I find Lincoln Lawyer awesome, Crazy Stupid Love hilarious and sweet, and Watchmen a bit boring - BUT it's interestingly done.  Very symbolic and metaphorical I must say.

Oh, and I'm glad I have time to blog once again :)  (At least for the next 3 weeks)

Straight from the Universe,

margaret

soundtrip: fastcar by boyce avenue & kina grannis

Saw this the 3 nights ago, and this song has been on repeat on my player since!  I super loved listening to it the other night when it was raining.  I was lying on my bed (which is by my bedroom window), and having this song in the background just gave me such a soothing feeling - for some reason.

Well, I have been really stressed juggling work and gradschool for the past 2 weeks.  First sem for this year is almost over (thank God!).  1 more bloody and sleepless week left!  Can't wait to get a full 8-hour sleep from 10pm to 6pm (which I think is the perfect sleeping hours); to watch a latest movie (haven't done this in months!); to go videoke with my crazy friends; hit the bar on either Friday or Saturday night to have a nightlong fun dancing with my girl friends; and spend quality family time on Sundays!


Straight from the Universe,
margaret

genius gone too soon

I may not be an Apple user, and the only Apple product that I am dying to buy is the 13" Macbook Pro (sadly I just couldn't afford it so I settled with an HP), I would like to pay my respects to Mr. Steve Jobs - a genius gone too soon.



Straight from the Universe,
margaret

typhoon pedring

woooow...

Typhoon Pedring is really killing it, huh?!  Intense winds since last night!  I swear you can hear the ghostly sounds of the strong winds even when you're inside your home!

Power went out for about 9 hours in our place.  I think there are still some areas that don't have power supply.  :(

Cellular networks, all 3 of them - Globe Telecom, SMART, and Sun Cellular - went down too for a couple of hours.

Classes were suspended in all levels today.  Some offices have suspended today's work.  To some who still pushed through with their operations, the employers let their employees go home early - 2-3 hours before their usual time off.

Hoping and praying for everyone's safety.


Straight from the Universe,
margaret

my targetted new phone

HA!

Remember in one of my blog entries about technology that had I have the chance to buy a new phone, I might choose either the Blackberry 9900 or the HTC Desire S..

Now, I'm sure of what I want as my new phone.  I wasn't really sure if HTC Desire S IS the phone for me (or would best fit my lifestyle and personality), as for the Blackberry 9900, yet it's sleek and sexy, but looks too stiff for me (design-wise)... and because I went to the HTC website last night and found their new lines. 

Boy did I fell in love with their new HTC Rhyme!!!  I'm sure to get this exact color on the video below :)  I think it'll be out a few weeks from now, in the US.  So probably will be out here in the Philippines a month or 2 months after?

Here's a sneak peak:

Video courtesy of: YouTube - PhoneArena

Straight from the Universe,
margaret

Gonuts with disappointment with these Donuts

About 8 years ago (if I remember it right), before citizens of the Philippines went Krazy over Krispy Kreme, there was GONUTS DONUTS!

Everyone went NUTS (pun intended) over these sweet treats, because it is something new!  For the longest time, the first thing that comes to mind to us Filipinos when we hear the word DOUGHNUT is Dunkin' Donuts!  Because that was the only brand of doughnut available in the Philippines.  So when Gonuts Donuts was introduced, everyone was just eager to try 'em.

I must say, when Gonuts Donuts first launched, their donuts were really yummy!  You can actually tell the freshness of their doughnuts and very flavorful.  It has the right amount of sweetness.  It was bigger in size compared to Dunkin Donuts' and heavier.  THAT was years back.

Now... their donuts are too dry, and too sweet, and has shrunk!  Yes, they may have been selling them cheap (about Php 240, 1 dozen) compared to when they first came out, but the quality is just so poor now. :(

Dunkin' Donuts actually did make smaller donuts too a few years back (during the big recession), but the quality - meaning the texture and the flavor of the donuts are the same.  It just differed in size.  Unlike Gonuts Donuts, not only did they make their donuts smaller, they totally murdered the flavors and the quality of their donuts.

Now that there's Krispy Kreme, and that the recession years have gone by, Dunkin Donuts is back in making donuts the size like their originals from way back circa 1980's.  And oh how I love 'em! :)

Straight from the Universe,

margaret

stressful last weeks before end of sem

1st semester of Gradschool is about to end in less than a month!!!  I sooo can feel it already.  How???  Tons of papers and final projects all with almost the same due dates! 

Gahh!!!!  I'm sooooooo stressed and exhausted already!!!! :(  I could use a breather now.. but I can't!!!  And it makes me feel even worse because my highschool buddy just texted me asking me if I wanna go clubbing with her!  I soooo wanna go!  (coz I love dancing, especially if it's with her. I can be myself you know).  Ugh!!!!

I really hope and pray that I pull everything.. every requirement from all of my classes through.  After all these, I am so gonna party!


Straight from the Universe,
margaret

ra9344 revision: seriously?!



Props to sunstar.com.ph

I kinda' have a problem with their proposal to revise (boxed above) the bill for Juvenile Justice Welfare Act.  Although I haven't thoroughly read the whole bill, I think that they may be overlooking the role of the parents of these children.  I say, give corresponding consequences to the parents of these delinquents too.  And then, provide coaching on parenting to the parents of these young offenders.  Lowering the age criteria won't do much. 

What I know is that these teen delinquents have a tremendous lack of discipline and guidance and simply 'punishing' them would just add insult to injury - all the more those younger kids who are aged 9 to 15!
I just don't get the rationale for such a revision.  Seriously?!  I don't know, I'm not sure if the lawmakers have reeeeally thought about this. 

Straight from the Universe,
margaret

blackberry... the ultimate dessert in the mobile tech world

MY OH MY!!!

I must say Blackberry's new smartphone models are waaaay too sexy!  I sooooo want them!  Even the new Curves!  I am not really fan of the old Blackberry Curves.. They're a lil 'chubby' for me - although my Blackberry is a 9300 and yes, it's a Curve.  I had to settle for that coz it's cheaper compared to Bold 9700 (the one that I really wanted back then; and yes, I had to be practical for the time being because of my many bills! :-s ).  But boy, upon seeing these new Curves - the 9350, 9360, and 9370 respectively, I'd be more than grateful to have one of 'em!

The physical update is W-O-W!  Add to that the upgrade from a 2MP cam without flash, nor autofocus; to a 5MP cam with face detection and flash!  I think they upgraded the graphics as well, plus it's running on OS7, which means a FASTER everything :)

Oh, did I mention that RIM actually have made it a point that these handsets will be available in different colors?!  Well at least the back cover.  Talk about self expression and individuality :)

SEE HOW SLEEK THESE CURVES ARE!?!  RIDICULOUS! 

Photos courtesy of MobileGazette.com

But of course, to have the new Bold 9900 would be HEAVEN!!! (to me at least :p)  I had been keeping an eye on this b-e-a-utiful piece of technology for about 5 months now!  I'm not so sure if this has been already released here in the Philippines.  If not yet, then all good coz I'd still have time to save up for it :) 

WHATTA' HOTTIE!

I have never really laid my eyes on the Blackberry Torch.  I just find it too big and bulky.  But to those who doesn't mind the physical attributes and the size of a gadget, well RIM also has an updated Torch.. not just 1 but 2 kinds of Torch!

Blackberry Torch 9810

Blackberry Torch 9850/9860

Ah... Such works of art :)
RIM may have always been 'serving' last when it comes to innovating their product lines.  I guess it's their strategy.. to offer something new last.  It's like the recency effect in learning/psychology.  Just like when eating out, desserts are usually served last to cap off a nice dinner to give the diners the sweet ending.

Well, I already have told myself that my next mobile phone should only be either a Blackberry or an HTC.  As of now, it's either the Bold 9900 or the Curve 9350 or the HTC Desire S.  Gotta save save save!

Straight from the Universe,
margaret

cognitive psychology isn't really my thing

Here I am again, struggling on what to write for my Cognitive Psychology paper!  I've been sitting here in Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Gateway Mall for the past 3 hours already, still, my word document is empty.  It's freakin' frustrating!

During college, CogPsy is one of the subjects that's challenging to me.  If I remember it right, I got a higher grade in Chem & Zoology (I don't even like these subjects much..) than CogPsy!  Now that I'm in my masters, it still gives my brain cells an exhausting workout!  Gah! 

Just venting out..

blogging partners: junkidoodledoo!

<----- These are my blogging partner!  Not really all the time.. it's MOST of the time :)  The combination of salty (chips) and sweet (brownies from Brownies Unlimited- take note, moist and fudgy and reasonably-priced!) are always always always a killer - figuratively & literally!  Which is why I buy these stuffs less as compared to before.  :(  It's a really sad thing for a junkie like me, you know!  Gah!  Gotta watch my health especially now that I'm not getting any younger - and because Diabetes runs in the family!  My body doesn't function the same way as before.  My metabolism ain't as fast; my joints ain't as flexible anymore; I get tired easily compared to a few years back.. you get the picture.  Oh well, cest la vie!

Straight from the Universe,

margaret

soundtrip: bamboo

My heart flutters whenever I watch and listen to this!  Bamboo is one of the most awesome-EST bands here in the Philippines, and I'm not saying this just because they're one of my ultimate favorite local bands.  Just watch the video and you'll find out why I love 'em! :)  The song is called Himala (Miracle in English).

Oh, this was shot in the Magic 89.9 studios, during DJ Mo's birthday.  Lucky dude! 

Video courtesy of Youtube - jovenamago

Straight from the Universe,

margaret

playground during rainy season

It’s the rainy season here in the Philippines, and THIS MUST NOT refrain anyone from visiting our B-E-A-UTIFUL tropical land!  Nor does it have to be a reason for not hitting the waters!  Because I have the perfect spot that one can actually go to, and truly enjoy despite the rainy weather --- CWC!!!

CWC is an acronym for CamSur Watersports Complex.  It is 9-hour drive, or a 45-minute to an hour flight from Manila.  Very accessible, eh?

If you choose to travel by land, you have the option of driving your own private vehicle, or to hop on a bus going to NAGA.  There are actually 2 types of buses that you may choose from: a regular air-conditioned 60-seater bus (about Php ???), or a 20-seater lazy boy seats air-con bus (about Php900 one way).  We chose the lazy boy bus that leaves Cubao Terminal at 9pm.

CWC is in the province of Naga and is one helluva Watersports Complex!  Told you, it won’t matter if it rains.  The complex boasts its wakepark of internationally approved standards.  There had been numerous international competitions held there from wakeboarding, to wakeskate, etc.

There are actually 2 wakeparks within the complex.  One is for beginners, and the other ‘major’ one is for average to professional wakeboarders.  Ladies, if you’re scouting for hot boys/athletic men, locals or foreigners, THIS is the place to be!  Haha! Some of them are that friendly to lend you a hand by giving you tips on how to maintain your balance or get pass the curve where most beginners have a hard time doing without falling off the water.  Everyone’s very casual there and when you’re by the waiting area either having a snack or just taking a break from wakeboarding, everyone’s talking to everyone!  As if they’ve known each other long, when in fact these people have just met a couple of hours ago!  Wakeboarders, both pro or beginners, have somewhat developed a sense of community in that place and it’s a pretty nice feat of the place. J

The cost of wakeboarding?  If I remember it right, I spent about Php 1,700 for a whole day of wakeboarding (inclusive of board rental + helmet + lifevest + access to the beginner's 'lake')

To be sure, here's a link:
http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com/rates_prices

And it comes with a couple of freebies:

-free impromptu wake lessons / tips from the pros around (if you’re lucky to chance upon really cool pros – which by the way happens most of the time there – at least during my 3-day stay there)

-free unlimited new acquaintances, who some of them may have the potential of becoming friends or business partners or life partners in the near future.  You’ll never know! ;-)

Just don’t ever EVER forget to bring with you a couple tablets of (painkillers), especially if you plan to wakeboard/skate the whole day – FOR THE FIRST TIME!  The first whole day + night that I wakeboarded, man was I sore when I woke up the next day!  I literally couldn’t move!!!  Even a centimetre move of my hand or leg or any part of my body hurts the hell out of me!  Nope, I’m not exaggerating here.  It’s what I actually experienced!  I did take 2 tablets of ibuprofen before I slept during the first night, but it was no good.

NO, this isn't me on the picture (although i wish it is me! - can't do no stunts such as this YET!)
Photo courtesy of cwcwaketv.com



Did I regret wakeboarding like crazy during the first day?  NO!  I may have felt sore the rest of the days we were there and a couple of days after, but I have a huge smile on my face.

They also have a water park where the kiddies and adults alike can enjoy themselves.  The inflatable slides and climbing structures floating the man-made lake may look cute and easy to climb from afar.  Trust me, it’s waaaay harder than wakeboarding!  LOL! 



Photo courtesy of cwcwaketv.com


Accomodations are not a problem..  Just click on this link to get a better view: http://cwcwaketv.com/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=viewcategory&catid=12&Itemid=109

Food you might ask?  They have awesome selection and it's really cheap!  http://cwcwaketv.com/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=viewcategory&catid=14&Itemid=109


JUST A COUPLE OF REMINDERS... MUST BRING ITEMS ARE THE FOLLOWING:

1.      Ibuprofen tabletS/capsuleS (Yes, with a capital ‘S’)
2.      Boardshorts
3.      Rush guard
4.      Swimwear (bikini tops aren’t really recommended, if you have no other swimwear other than bikini tops, RUSHGUARD is A MUST! – unless you want your bossoms to be dangling here and there and your nippies showing forth upon removing your lifevest)
5.      Sunblock
6.      DSLR camera (to perfectly capture that awesome moment when you get to be able to stand or do flips and what nots while wakeboarding)

Doesn't it look fun?  No need to wait for summer!



Straight from the Universe,
margaret

dear PLDT

It's been 39 hours, 15 minutes, and 43 seconds since our phone line went out - not to mention our dsl too.  I've reported this 3 times already, still our phone line's still down.

Normally, this wouldn't have bothered me much.  But since I have tons of school stuffs to do, plus the fact that I haven't get the chance to blog for a couple of days now, and my job search thru internet had been postponed twice already, I AM OFFICIALLY PISSED AT THIS VERY MOMENT!
My patience has ran out.  Seriously, please do better.  I badly badly badly need an internet connection at home.
The only reason that I managed to go online right now is to take a jeepney ride to the nearest mall where there is Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, so I could use their wifi - and it ain't free!  I had to order at least a drink you know.  The drink is fine, but it just sucks now that having to buy this hot coco w/mallows isn't really on my budget for this week!

Oh, and CBTL's internet connection isn't that stable too!  I've been disconnected and reconnected 5x already in the last 3 hours I'm here!

This may be minute to everyone else, but THIS is a biggie for me, especially now that I'm on a really really reeeeeeally tight budget!  GAH!

FIX your darn line please, PLDT.

Still waiting
Straight from the Universe,
margaret

reality-check wedding vs reality-TV wedding

In today's age, getting married can be quite extremely stressful.  Couples had to spend a lot of time meeting the coordinator, bargaining with the suppliers, attending requisite marriage seminars, fitting gowns, and the most stressful of all - blowing away all their savings just to turn all these stressors into a 5-hour kodak moment to be remembered by them (and their guests) for the rest of their lives!

Getting married here in the Philippines would cost a couple about PHP300,000 (USD 7,050).  This estimate (a very modest one I must say) covers everything from gowns, to the venue, the church, entertainment, lights & sounds, tux/barongs, flowers, car rental, photo and video coverage, hair & make-up, and food for about 150-200 guests.  Everything at its simplest form.

An extravagant one would probably cost about PHP700,000 to a million pesos (or even more if couples are undeniably rich!).

Oh, did I mention, the couples have to deal with non-wedding-related expenses too.  There's their daily expenses apart from their upcoming wedding - food, transportation, clothes for work & leisure, water bills, electric bills, credit card bills, etc.  You get the point, right?

That's how it is here in the Philippines.  Middle class couples.  Even local celebrity couples!
Total opposite from Hollywood royalties!

Just like the very recent wedding of Kim Kardashian to Kris Humphries.  They may have spent a 20-30 million dollars, but boy, they were able to get some back by earning a whopping $17 Million by having it televised!!!

I thought it was genius!  Haha!  I mean, they definitely made the most of their (well, mostly Kardashian's) popularity there.  I haven't really seen the whole wedding footage.  Just had a glimpse of it. 
I loved how their theme is very elegant.  Black & White.  What could be more elegant than that!

But the challenge probably for the wedding organizer is how to actually keep everything elegant despite the humongous number of guests (500-1000) + TV network crews all over the event place!
Now, here are a couple of photos to tickle your imagination of how grand the wedding was.

Ellen DeGeneres once owned the Tuscan mansion

I see Black & White Curtains!

That is one HUGE & ELEGANT centerpiece cake!
Photo from http://www.resellyourwedding.com/blog

THAT Headpiece is a statement right there!  Way to go, Kim!  Totally you.  Photo from People Magazine

Photo from E! online

There had been comments that KimK's Wedding dress (by THE Vera Wang) is very similar to
Kate Hudson's in the movie BrideWars - by Vera Wang too of course!
Credit: Claire Folger/20th Century Fox; N/C & usmagazine.com

SOOO ADORABLE! CUUUUTIEPIE Mason!

Grandiose, eh?  I guess it's fitting for a ROYAL Hollywood Family.  But what about the Humphries?  I wonder what's their take on this supposedly family/close friends event only but has become a very public one.

Don't get me wrong.  I love weddings.  I am grateful that some celebrities are ok with the idea of sharing their wedding to the whole world.  Viewers may either like it or hate it.  Some would be inspired to have to work hard to have their very own grand wedding for themselves.  Some would settle for what they have and WHO they have. 

Suppose a TV Network offered you $5Million for them to televise your wedding, would you do let them?

Straight from the Universe,
margaret



why i blog

Despite my hectic schedule, I've decided to start blogging.  The reason for being is that:

1. It's a good way to vent out whatever it is I am feeling - rant or rave.

2. It's a good way for me to practice communication skills in English.  I'm a Filipino and I live in the Philippines, which makes English as my second language because here, we use Filipino to communicate with almost everyone.  I'd like to improve my English and be more comfortable using it.  My main objective is to be able to express myself in English be it in oral or written communication, even as I run ideas and thoughts in my head!

3. Sharing is good.  One may learn a thing or 2 from other people's experiences.

4. In relation to # 3, as one understands and relates to the other person's feelings/experience, there's a connection.. right there!  So connection may somehow lead to acquaintance, which may later on lead to a certain level of friendship :)  Ain't that a good thing?... finding connection with another human being? :)

These are my main reasons why I started blogging online.  What's yours? :)


Straight from the Universe,
margaret

my new toy

I am so looooooooooving it! Below are the product specifications and my thoughts about it (in blue font):

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
Processor:		AMD E-Series Dual Core Processor AMD Brazos E350 (1.60GHz, 1M Cache)
Chipset		AMD A50M Fusion Controller Hub
Memory:		2GB DDR3 [i added another 2GB DDR3 for only Php780 / USD18.44]
Hard Disk Drive:		500GB [pre-partitioned - drive C; HP Recovery; & HP Tools]
Optical Disk Drive:		None
Graphics:		UMA Graphics
Network:		802.11b/g/n WLAN Bluetooth(R) Integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN
Operating System:		Windows 7 Home Basic
Physical:		Dimension: 29cm x 21.4cm x2.1-3.07cm Weight: Approx. 1.60Kg [<3 how lightweight it is!]
Display:		11.6" HD Brightview Display
Webcam:		Integrated Webcam [1.3 MP]
Audio		Altec-Lansing Speaker [my MUST-HAVE for a laptop]
Battery:		6-cell Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery
Ports:		1x VGA port 3x USB 2.0 ports 1x RJ45 ethernet port 1x HDMI Port 1x headphone-out/microphone-in combo jack Multi-in-One Card Reader
Features:		A dual-core AMD Fusion processor E350 for fast Web surfing and smooth HD video Fast, easy, trusted Web browsing with Windows Internet Explorer AMD Radeon HD 6310 discrete-class graphics and support for DX11 Our CoolSense technology, which adjusts the temperature when the PC is not on a stationary surface An 11.6" diagonal high-definition§§ (720p) display[crystal clear, baby!] A full-size island-style keyboard[does not accumulate dusts much :) ] Multi-touch trackpad Support for 1080p HD content playback Dolby advanced audio and Altec Lansing speakers for premium sound A 6-cell battery that keeps you running for up to 9.5 hours 5 free HP games, already loaded on your PC ENERGY STAR® qualification

Perfect for professionals and students alike. I haven't tried hardcore gaming though, so I can't recommend it to gamers. But there are reviews I found on the web that it serves the gamers perfectly fine as well.

Oh, did I mention that I got this new toy for only PHP 21,500 / USD 508.51?!?! :)

Straight from the Universe,
margaret