My First Fun Run

Finally I had my first  fun run last February 17 via PhilHealth Nationwide Run. This is a simultaneous run in 18 sites across the nation for the benefit of The Philippine Children's Medical Center and Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. Hence the event title: Nationwide Run for Mother and Child Protection. We almost didn't make the registration. We decided to join 4 days before the event. The singlets are already sold out and online registration are already closed. We only paid P100.00 for the registration since we are only getting a bib and certificate. I attempted to finish the 5K event...and I did. Gun start for the 5k event is on  5:45am. We were pretty early so we did some picture taking first.

And soon the race begin...

at the starting mark before the gun start

the 5k runners

As I said before, I am not athletic. My husband thinks I'm fragile, I think I'm clumsy. So as the run begins I let my friends go ahead and not wait for me. To reiterate, this is a fun run, not a race. And I'm sure that I can never outrun anyone of them. So I run and I walk and run and walk furthermore. I am more like walking than running. For the first few meters I am already looking for the water station. I know my friends are way ahead of me but I don't care. As long as I will finish this race, it's an achievement already. So when I saw the U-turn marker for the 5K runners I almost jump for joy (but I was so tired, so I didn't).

I finished 5K at 54 minutes and 24 seconds. My husband told me it's not bad at all. Bolero! I know my record is too bad.

Afterwards, we gather our certificates and visit various sponsor booths for some freebies.

And take more pictures...

Here's my certificate and bib...

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Here are the things that's been giving me the smiles for the past week...

1. welcoming Aily to the Christian world 
2. the food at David's Tea House, so delicious! 
3. there's a photo booth at Aily's reception and I had my hefty share of poses
4. my brother is out of the hospital and is getting well
5. and so is my daughter. she is getting better after suffering from flu
6. Aling Charing's palabok, addictive!
7. our simple, yet meaningful, 15th wedding anniversary celebration
8. my downloads are finally finished!
9. Dinah's Cambodia-Vietnam trip pasalubong, I haven't receive it yet but I'm happy already
10. Jollibee chocolate sundae, last Sunday's guilty pleasure

to know how this started and for credits on the image, click here.

PLDT myDSL's Best Commercial For Me Is...

I love all the PLDT myDSL Anna Banana commercials. It's entertaining and teaches family values. But the best in the series for me is the latest commercial...Booster, The Lost Dog. It shows how the whole family worked together to help Daddy says sorry to Mom after Booster got lost since the Dad forgot to lock the gate.It is nice to see that everyone wants to help resolve any disagreement in the family. I can relate to this since we lost our dog once and my father got angry at us. Me and my siblings look for our dog until night falls. And when we found him we are the happiest in the world because we saw the smile on our father's face as we brought him our dog. Of course we are forgiven just like Dad on the commercial. It is really important to have a strong connection at home. Here are the complete series of the PLDT myDSL Anna Banana commercials:

Be up to date with what's happening to the Lorenzo family by subscribing at PLDT myDSL Anna Banana YouTube Channel here.  

"Your home deserves unlimited sharing from the strong, reliable, family sized connection of myDSL. The strongest connections are at home, so visit www.pldthome.com to get your family connected today!"

Music Monday #019: Celine Dion

To celebrate our 15th Wedding Anniversary here's our theme song....

For all those times you stood by me 
For all the truth that you made me see 
For all the joy you brought to my life 
For all the wrong that you made right 
For every dream you made come true 
For all the love I found in you 
I'll be forever thankful baby 
You're the one who held me up 
Never let me fall 
You're the one who saw me through through it all 


You were my strength when I was weak 
You were my voice when I couldn't speak 
You were my eyes when I couldn't see 
You saw the best there was in me 
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach 
You gave me faith 'coz you believed 
I'm everything I am 
Because you loved me 


You gave me wings and made me fly 
You touched my hand I could touch the sky 
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me 
You said no star was out of reach 
You stood by me and I stood tall 
I had your love I had it all 
I'm grateful for each day you gave me 
Maybe I don't know that much 
But I know this much is true 
I was blessed because I was loved by you 


You were my strength when I was weak 
You were my voice when I couldn't speak 
You were my eyes when I couldn't see 
You saw the best there was in me 
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach 
You gave me faith 'coz you believed 
I'm everything I am 
Because you loved me 


You were always there for me 
The tender wind that carried me 
A light in the dark shining your love into my life 
You've been my inspiration 
Through the lies you were the truth 
My world is a better place because of you 


You were my strength when I was weak 
You were my voice when I couldn't speak 
You were my eyes when I couldn't see 
You saw the best there was in me 
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach 
You gave me faith 'coz you believed 
I'm everything I am 
Because you loved me 


I'm everything I am 
Because you loved me 

Nokia Lumia-- New Smart Phones Must Haves

I don't consider myself a techie person, with the prices of the new gadgets these days and my ever increasing family expenses. But once in a while, if the budget permits, I reward myself with the latest gadget with the most advance features at an affordable deals I can get. Most of the phones I used in the past are Nokia phones. They have the most durable, sleek and affordable line of cellphones. After that I tried other products. And then I heard about Nokia Lumia series which is powered by Windows 8. Talk about next generation cellphones. It features a unique camera technology, live tiles, city lenses, wireless charging, swappable shells and a full version of Microsoft Office. Truly a must have for everybody. And since it's Nokia we can be assured of the highest quality standard. And through Abenson owning a Nokia Lumia is so affordable. Abenson offers 0% interest on the latest gadget for their shoppers plus exclusive freebies on purchases. Quiet a deal! One day, I'll surely visit Abenson for a Nokia Lumia experience. 

February 25 Is A School Holiday

As per Proclamation No. 459, the 27th People Power Revolution Anniversary on February 25 is a school holiday...only! Meaning, us employees are working on Monday... with no extra pay. But if you'll ask my husband it's a special holiday for us. It's our 15th Wedding Anniversary. And I am very much looking forward to whatever surprises he would bring. 

source: theblacktwig.wordpress.com

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

This is a late post. I was so preoccupied yesterday I wasn't able to post. But better late than never. Here are the things that's been giving me the smiles for the past week...

1. finished my first fun run via 5K category 
2. my e-books, always keeping me company
3. yesterday's blueberry muffin, my cravings fulfilled
4. new game apps on my phone (e.g. what's the word, sushi swipe, etc.) for the much needed mental challenge and entertainment
5. last week's family valentine dinner, really felt the love
6. Monday 'Family Holiday' (that's how my husband called it), I had my rest after a very busy Sunday. And so is my family. Everybody took a day off on a Monday. We had  a movie marathon and a feast that day.  
7. Leslie is in high spirit after finishing her entrance exam at PUP
8. Aily and I are now best buddies
9. my colleagues for being cool when I'm in my lowest (because of PMS) LOL!
10. happiness is running more, dancing more and (still) eating more and more without the guilt :-)

to know how this started and for credits on the image, click here.

Lies (Poem)

Found this lovely poem here. Just wanna share. Reminds me of someone. 

Lies

You broke my heart in two

And took me like a bet,

with all you put me through

I have so many regrets.

To lose you was worth it,

although I wasn’t sure,

it seemed to make me happy,

but still so insecure.

We always said Forever

we would take it to the end

never give it up

but this time my heart couldn’t mend.

It cut so deep into me

I guess it hurt you too

but when you did it, then you lied

I had to say “we’re through.”

I gave you all I had

I tried to make it last

but now all we have

are memories from the past.

So look me in the eye

and tell me what you see

a girl so broke inside

who’s been through misery.

And now I’m moving on

with the pain that kills inside

but I’m starting to forget

by reminding myself, how you lied!

I have somebody new

someone to treat me right,

to talk to lovingly

and to hold me all night.

He’s there for me when I need him

to give me love and support

to hold me close and wipe away

all my signs of hurt.

To kiss me softly every night

and let me know he’s there

to call me just because,

just to tell me that he cares.

Now here I go again

fallen so hard, so deep

but this time it’s different,

this is one I want to keep!

I'd Rather Go Home and Read Books

That's how I felt after a half day's work. I was so irritated with my boss. He's unreasonable in every sense of the word. Actually, I almost leave as soon as I set foot at the office and he talks to me. There is no reasoning with him though it is obvious that everything he is telling me are a complete nonsense. It won't help with the project we're at. Actually, I can do my job perfectly without him interrupting me. He's just making things worse. I tried ignoring him the whole morning, but it's impossible. I just kept myself busy to avoid being  more irritated. All morning I am thinking about going home and reading my books. It would made more sense than staying here at the office.  I just hope that time would fly the fastest today. 

Read this from somewhere....

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Saturday 9: Pour Some Sugar On Me

Saturday 9: Pour Some Sugar On Me

1. Do you have a favorite "hair metal band"? Yes, Guns n' Roses. Love the hair of Slash and I find Axl Rose sexy.
2. Def Leppard got their start in South Yorkshire, England. Have you ever been to the UK? Nope
3. Who would you rather chat with, one-on-one: Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Prince William or Prince Harry? Prince William because he is the cutest.
4. Do you use real sugar, or a sugar substitute? Real Sugar
5. Valentine's Day is big for candy sales. Did you indulge in any Valentine-themed, sugary treats this week? Yes, I had a can of chocolates from my boss.
6. Do you regularly balanced your checkbook? Nope
7. What was you last impulse purchase? Nothing, I indulge more on food.
8. When Sam was a girl, she had nightmares about snakes under her bed. When did you last have a bad dream? Last night and it was very frightening I don't want to tell.
9. We're ordering pizza. Do you want deep dish or thin crust? Deep dish...more carbs!

How I Spend February 14

Well, I 'm not expecting anything dramatic on Valentine's Day. My husband and I had a minor disagreement on the start of the week. But we resolve it quickly. As always we are busy with our work. He's doing double shifts so there are couple days we didn't see each other. There were no talks or any plans made for the V-day. On the day itself, February 14, I received 3 red roses. Of course, it's from my husband but I did not see him that morning or the day before and the day before that. He went home at midnight, drop the flowers, took a bath and goes to work again. The flowers comes with a text message from him greeting me.

I text back saying my thanks and reminding him that I've told him time and time again that I don't want to receive flowers anymore, especially roses. I have my reasons, don't ask me. After that I prepare for work. As I got to the office I saw this on my table...

It's from my boss. Every Valentine's Day every girls at the office receive chocolates. So again, this is not a surprise. And the day went on as usual. By late afternoon, after office hours, three of my officemates and I went to SM San Lazaro. We decided to have a facial at Dermcare to reward ourselves this Valentine's day. 

Afterwards, we had dinner together at Adobo Connection.  

And then we went home. I find my husband waiting for me at home. As I said, nothing has been planned. He just wait for me because we agreed to answer a questionnaire from a link up that I decided to join to. After that I let him sleep the night off since he look so tired and sleepy. But he promise to make up with me with a dinner the next day. And he did. We had a enjoyable family dinner at home. 

My Valentine's day is very simple but fun. And I am happy. 

Friday Letters

Dear Valentine's Day, It's not an unforgettable day but pleasant enough. Not romantic (since my husband is MIA for couple of days because of his work), but fun enough because of my friends. All in all, there is nothing to complain about. Dear Someone, How's your Valentine's Day? I hope somebody's making you smile your sweetest smile. I will be the most happiest if that happens. Dear Husband, I miss you. And thanks for cooperating when I need some help with my blogging. And thanks for the flowers even though I told you that I don't want to receive flowers, especially roses, anymore. You can't help to be sweet. Dear Daughter, Why always a glum face? Cheer up! Everything will look bright, you just wait. Dear Downloads, When will you finish? I am so bored. Dear Dinah, Arrivederci. Have a safe flight and enjoy Cambodia. Pasalubong ha. Dear Income, Please increase. My expenses are getting high and I need to find some extra income. Dear Legs and Feet, Be strong. You will have your first fun run this Sunday. Let's prove everybody that we can do this.

How Well Does Your Spouse Know You

This is a Valentine's Day Link Up hosted by Melissa. My husband and I had been busy with work that we only answered the questionnaires last night before going to bed. We haven't seen each other for three days and we are still catching up on each other's activities for the week. And our Valentine's Day celebration was postponed and will be celebrated tonight. But here's how we answered the questionnaires...

How long have you been married?
Him:   14 years
Me:    14 years

Where was your first date?
Him:   SM North EDSA
Me:    SM North EDSA

Where was your first kiss?
Him:   Inside a bus, on a ride going home
Me:    I don't remember

Who first said "I Love You"?
Him:   Me
Me:    Him

What were your wedding colors?
Him:  None
Me:   No theme, we had a civil wedding

What is her most commonly used phrase?
Him:  Ewan ko sa'yo!
Me:   Whatever!

Who is her celebrity crush?
Him:  Wentworth Miller/Robbie Williams
Me:   Wentworth Miller

If she was ordering drinks for both of you what would you each get?
Him:   Coke/Ice Tea
Me:    Coke for him, ice tea for me

What is the best meal she has ever cooked for you?
Him:   Sopas
Me:    Sopas

What is the worst meal she has ever cooked for you?
Him:   Nilagang Buto-buto
Me:    Nilagang Buto-buto

What is the most played song on her Ipod?
Him:   Never listened to her music
Me:    As of now it's "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys

What would she say is your most annoying habit?
Him:   Frequent drinker and goes out with friends too much
Me:    Immature

What is the last thing she does before she goes to bed?
Him:   Play games on her cellphone
Me:    Read books or play games on my cellphone

If you could throw out one item of her clothing what would it be?
Him:   Nothing, she doesn't have much, it would be a waste
Me:    I'll kill him if he will try to do such a thing

What would you say is your favorite thing about her?
Him:   When she's happy and not irritated at me, and she's adventurous
Me:    He constantly tell me that he likes the curve on my lower back, it's kinda sexy daw
  
What's her go-to drink at Starbucks?
Him:   Mocha Frap
Me:    Tall Mocha Frappuccino

What's her blog name?
Him:   I don't know
Me:    It's not right, but it's ok (My husband can't answer this)


Well, what do you think? Does he know me enough?

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Let us count the blessings and be thankful for the happiness....

1. super busy at work but (surprisingly) loving it 
2. my lucky bracelet, a gift from a friend
3. first fun run this Sunday, able to register in the nick of time
4. sweet mangoes from Zamboanga
5. Aily's pictorial
6. Mirko's funny reaction as he appreciates my pasalubongs
7. weekend movie marathon with my father
8. talks with Leslie about her upcoming Senior's Night, our girly-bonding time
9. Bob's cooking, my brother keeps on ignoring that I am on a diet
10. my mom helping me with my chores, a great relief!

to know how this started and for credits on the image, click here.

Dragon's Fortune in the Year of the Snake

I read from Yahoo!She a report regarding Feng shui expert Joseph Chau Kam Shing's annual forecast. Master Chau is self-proclaimed geomancer. And his forecast for this year of the Water snake is looking good for us born under the year of the Dragon. Here it is:

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012) The luck of people under this sign has improved. They must be calm to stay away from troubles. In terms of money, they are expected to have a stable income although they are warned against ‘speculative investments and gambling.’ Love is good for Dragons. Single people born under this sign may the opportunity to have blossoming love affairs. In fact it is even considered lucky for them to plan their marriage if they have an exclusive partner for quite some time.

And to add more luck, my wish of a lucky bracelet came true. A friend from the office gave me a gift yesterday. And with it she wishes me good fortune and good health. I feel lucky indeed! Not just because of the gift but because of my friends who cares enough for me.

Saturday 9: The Way We Were

Saturday 9: The Way We Were

1. In honor of Valentine's Day next week, what's the most romantic movie you can think of? Oh, it's battle between 'Just Like Heaven' and '13 Going On 30'. I dream of a guy who would do anything for the girl she loves. And I love Mark Ruffalo.
2. The Way We Were was a tearjerker. Do you think that most real-life love stories end in heartbreak? Or do you believe in happily ever after?  I believe that happiness is what you make of your life. In every relationship you have to go through heartbreaks to make you stronger. So for me it's a combination. Sometimes you have to shed a tear so that you can wear a smile one day. 
3. What's your favorite love song? This is hard. I have lots on my list. But I will choose 'Because You Love Me' by Celine Dion. It's my husband song for me.
4. In 1993, Barbra Streisand married actor James Brolin, who first became famous as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, MD. Who is your favorite TV doctor? Doogie Howser, MD. 
5. In 2012, Streisand renewed her contract with Columbia, where she's been recording since 1963. So she's been with tha same label for fifty years! Where have you worked the longest, and how long was that? Before my current and my previous bosses broke their partnership, I was employed with their old company for 8 years. After that I stayed with my other boss for 3 years with his new venture. And then, my current boss pirated me from my other employer. I've been working with his company for 3 years now.
6. Sam Winters once worked as a hostess in a chic bistro in Worcester, PA. That's why she frequently gets frustrated by bad service in restaurants- she's certain she could make it run more smoothly. Where do you find yourself getting annoyed most often? At work, with my loud and obnoxious officemate.
7. Have you ever taken a polygraph test? No.
8. Crunnchy, smooth or organic peanut butter? Neither. I don't eat peanut butter.
9. Describe your favorite sweater. It's green, with hood and pockets on the front. It's a gift from my mom. 

Giving Life of Pi A Second Chance

Last night I decided to quit reading Life of Pi because it's killing my brain cells. I already started reading my collections of horror stories just to wake my sleeping brain. I stopped on the 36th story because I can feel the fangs of the monster becoming a nightmare once I close my eyes for the night. Well, back to the Life of Pi. The pacing of the story was so slow but I read this comment from Leigh Reznik..."It started really slow, but I'm glad I didn't give up on it. The ending made it well worth it. " I guess I'll continue reading since I never gave up on any book yet. I'll keep you an update about this if it's really worth anything. 

'The reason death sticks to life isn't biological necessity--it's envy.' 

                                                                                    -Life of Pi

Friday Letters

Dear Friday, Thank God you're here! It's been a busy week. And I need a weekend break. I am not complaining about the work, it's a blessing. But I came from an out-of-town vacation full of physical activities that drain me of my strength physically and mentally. Or maybe I just did get lazy and wanting another round of vacation. Dear Northern Mindanao Trip, You are unforgettable! I can't get enough of you. Up until now I love looking at the pictures taken during the trip. I love to relive the moment when our rubber boat capsize and the feeling of the cold rainy afternoon breeze as I fly doing the longest zipline in Asia. I discover that I can be brave if I wanted to. I can conquer my fears if I put my mind into it. Dear Blogging, I know I've been busy with work that is why I can't post about my Mindanao trip yet or anything I want to share with my readers. But I promise to get back into track as soon as my time permits. Dear Work, You're getting in the way of my blogging! Kidding. I love to be busy as long as it will worth something...something like a 'commission'. I do need some financial help since I plan to fill this year with traveling activities with friends and family. Dear Upcoming Trips, OMG!!! We have confirm flights to Davao (for my husband's birthday celebration) and Puerto Princesa, Palawan in the mid and later this year. It would mean additional expenses but as my friend Dinah always say...'Good memories are priceless'. Well, my daughter is entering college soon, so talk about financial things are quite serious. But, what the heck! Dear Daughter, I know it's frustrating not passing the entrance exam for your dream school. But don't fret, there are still good schools out there. And as you said you can transfer to UP sometime in your 2nd year. So don't loose hope. And remember that I love you so much and I'm proud of you. Dear Husband, Thank you for taking a break last Sunday. You choose to be with me rather than working and last Sunday was fun. Dear Lucky/Prosperity Bracelet, I know we will see each other soon. I believe that a good person will give you as a present to me this coming Chinese New Year. Tiwala lang (Just believe). :-)

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Let us count the blessings and be thankful for the happiness....

1. Leslie staying positive inspite of not passing the UPCAT
2. and she's more involve in finding a university for her college course
3. my Sunday jogging at Luneta with my husband...super enjoy!
4. new Zumba choreography at home, thank s to my sis!
5. being in good terms (somehow) with my boss, but he's still in my 'I don't Like This Person' list
6. Juan dela Cruz...hahaha! I love Coco Martin
7. busy but unstressful week at work
8. Aily and Mirko...super kulit! super cute!
9. my husband and his pasalubongs in the morning
10. more tikoy!

to know how this started and for credits on the image, click here.

Enjoying Who God Created You to Be

Start believing today that you are a rare, one-of-a-kind, valuable and precious woman. To help you learn how to be successful at being yourself, I want to give you some easy-to-follow suggestions:

Speak good things about yourself. Declare what God’s Word says about you. For example, say to yourself, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ. I am made acceptable in the Beloved. God formed me with His own hand, He loves me, and God doesn’t make mistakes.”

Avoid comparing yourself with other women. God must love variety, or all of us wouldn’t look so different. He has created each of us differently right down to our fingertips. We can look to certain people as good examples to follow, but even then, good traits if duplicated will manifest differently through our individual personalities.

Focus on your potential instead of your limitations. Refuse to concentrate on your weaknesses except in an effort to turn them into strengths. Keep your flaws in perspective. People with a high level of confidence have just as many weaknesses as those without confidence, but they focus on their strengths instead of their weaknesses.

Learn to cope with criticism. If you dare to be different, you’ll have to expect some criticism. Going along with the crowd when you know in your heart that God is leading you in a different direction is one of the reasons women don’t succeed at being themselves. You won’t be comfortable in your own skin if you go against your own convictions.

You are a woman who is perfected and complete in Him. When you start to believe that, you will no longer feel that you are lacking anything or that there is anything wrong with you.

Remember this: God will never anoint you to be anyone other than yourself. Let now be your time to go forward and be set free from the torments of comparing yourself with others and trying to be someone you’re not. God is proud of who He made you to be!

by: Joyce Meyer