Take two

Will this year be a year of second chances, take two's and yet new experiences? Then again, does that include THAT area? If it does, then technically pretty much nothing will happen... I'd pin my hope on Him and chance though because... You'll never know... You just never know...

HK Revisited: Staying in Kowloon Island

When my mom coaxed me into treating her with a trip abroad, I gave in for several reasons:
1. I finally get to travel abroad again without the hassles of false hopes and failed plans.
2. Countless failed attempts in looking for a group who wanted to travel (with me).
3. I get to choose the destination and I wanted to go somewhere cold.

Thus, even though my mom has been to HK twice and Macau once, since I was the one paying and I had the excuse of never being in Macau, the destination was set.

When I first set foot in HK, we ended up staying in Hong Kong Island at The Wesley Hotel. I don't have much memory of it except that it was decent enough and didn't serve breakfast but was on the small side. In addition, the walk from the hotel to the closer MTR station: admiralty was pretty taxing eventually the longer you stay (assuming you are mostly out during the day exploring HK). So this time around, I decided that we should be staying at Kowloon Island preferably at Tsim Sha Tsui.

all things considered especially the economics of price, location aka proximity to MTR and shops as well as the airport bus, Hotel Benito became the hotel of choice although I had to stretch my budget a little. If I probably booked it say maybe 2-3 months in advance the rate could have been lower. Options included: Imperial Hotel, Salisbury YMCA, Shamrock Hotel, etc. I came close to booking a hostel room at Golden Crown guest house but that was scrimping too much (especially as a treat for a mother) just so I would have more shopping money. Scrutinizing details and reading reviews delayed the booking as well but I guess you could say it was a good decision. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of their rooms but I didn't look under the bed to see if it was well dusted. It's got space enough for two people I must say. I guess what we liked about it compared to The Wesley was: location! Even my mom had to comment on it. It was almost close to everything.
1. It's just a few walks to the TST station.
2. There are familiar food stalls/fast foods (MCDO, KFC, Burger King, Yoshinoya, etc.) nearby for those who end up eating unplanned meals at off-the-usual hours.
3. The airport bus stop at Nathan Road is close by (A21).

4. Silvercord mall (which is one of the locations of H&M), Harbour View, outlet shops such as Esprit, Giordano, Bossini etc are just a few minutes walk.
5. the ferry station is again a few minutes walk (day trip to Macau shouldn't be a bother).
6. As a plus, we got to sample some of the pastries from this bakery right across the hotel:

7. There is a ForEx stall across the street that buys US Dollars at a higher rate than most we saw. It seems it is still better to bring with you US Dollars if have some or if you can buy them from someone and not from a bank. That way, you would still get better value for your money. You can then exchange a few of them at the airport then the rest at downtown areas. Airport rates are usually lower. Of course, be wary of possible scammers. I had my doubts in this particular stall but we didn't run into any issues during our stay there.

8. Surprisingly Arashi had an ad plastered in the TST station (or was it somewhere else?) which I didn't expect. Oh yeah! Big Plus! hahaha

Iphone is love and so are pictures

 ever since I bought Itouch as a replacement for my Ipod Video I was sold on the touch screen of Apple. Of course, there were the apps as well that you can probably say were a lot and getting, accessing them was I guess you could say dumb-friendly. For the geeks out there, they probably prefer Winmo or android over Apple but at that time I already started regretting choosing Omnia over the iphone. But then again, Iphone's features were nothing compared really to Omnia's. However, I was not able to maximize it and the touch screen was somewhat on the resistive side as what my brother referred it to be. And so the itouch was amazing, I had an omnia, I wanted to get an iphone but didn't sound practical and was too redundant so I had to bear with it until I felt my phone was too old. Then a blessing in disguise, my itouch went swimming and I was forced to buy an iphone. Yeah forced haha. Then I had to wait another few months for the official release of the iphone 4 through Globe then I find out I have a bad record due to a business account under my name etc. etc. Good thing Singapore (and Hong Kong) offers officially unlocked iphones so I got mine from there instead through friends and by December I've been inseparable with my iphone. many apps later, I'm still enjoying it particularly the camera and add-on apps for it. If only, there'd be a decent app for blogger I wouldn't probably contemplate of ditching this and moving to tumblr. Or I might probably open one still to cater to my addiction for pictures (not that I'm good at it). The album below sounds like a good tumblr banner or something as well... thinking thinking :D

Oh Snap!

These apps are my favorites (probably must-haves or I got tricked into buying them but I like them anyway.):
1. Lomolomo
2. hipstamatic
3. instagram
4. photoshop express
5. montager
6. facebook, twitter, yahoo messenger
7. Plants vs Zombies
8. Bejeweled
9. Fruit Ninja
10. Stanza
11. Merriam and Webster
12. PhotoShare
13. Spot the difference
14. restaurant story, bakery story

and a whole lot of others but these are good enough for me as of the moment. Possibly tumblr soon.

Online tribute to a Mentor

I just sent out a short note to my previous manager to thank her for her positive impact probably her legacy to me.
In the 5 years that I've been a corporate rat, I've interacted directly with 4 direct supervisors. 3 of those in just a span of 13 months. But time is irrelevant when leaving a lasting positive impact. Sometimes, all it takes is probably one well-handled situation that tells you and shows you the management skill of a person without any pretense. It neither has to be in your favor but the fact that she can convince you, win you over, turn you around without resorting to politician tactics makes you admire the person all the more. A genuine person able to feel but uses her intellect well: well-balanced and well-grounded. A human-being probably who is well aware of Maslow's hierarchy of needs and a whole gamut of others. It is a skill honed and developed allowing her to respond to a whole gamut of situations. Possibly, I was not under her care long enough to see her faults and flaws magnified, exaggerated by others. To me however, what matters is that I left her supervision with an arm full of learnings that continue to inspire me.
I'll say it again, Doms, though I wish you could have mentored me for longer
I'm glad our paths crossed. Thank You!
Sent from my iPhone

Paranoia, Worry and Vanity

If paranoia, worry and vanity could kill, I'd probably be dead by now. Most likely more because of the former two than the latter.

But a little self-indulgence for vanity's sake... Thank you for the compliments. I need it so I can suck the positive vibe they bring bone dry and boost that dwindling reserve of optimism, patience, confidence and faith. I am flattered really. Keep them coming! :)

Sent from my iPhone

What happened?

 

I was at this club last night, and thoughts of you ran through my head. At one point, I kind of searched through the crowd hoping to see you there. Why did I not go crazy like I did last night when I was with you? Why did I not loosen up when I was younger? Oh yeah, because people take advantage of it and it seems my best interest is only safe with my college buddies.

Anyway, it's not like we've gone out a lot but I guess I can't forget the fact that this was how we bonded. Well, aside from the fact that we shared a ride most nights back then. I liked you then, probably a lot to the point that I'd consider those bonding sessions as a little more than that - a way to enjoy your company. Funny how I started to like you over a glass of an alcohol-laden drink. The word still sticks: "analytical".

I guess conversations get me a lot but not to the point that intimidates the hell out of me. Just enough to show your interest and thoughts of what I think of as my complexities.

I had thought there was something there. I wanted for something to be there but maybe I was just dreaming, maybe I was too dense and foolish or maybe I was just put on the spot too early. Or simply maybe it's not really a match and my time has not yet come. Still I wonder what happened?

2011 Reading List

So I finally got to finish The Time Paradox and thanks to powerbooks sale I have new books to devour. Finally! it sure has been a while.

-Incarceron (my first ever hardcover book and I want more! How about a library?)
(-Sapphique : i got the ebook as i couldn't wait)
-Mortal Instruments Trilogy
-Zahir
-Night
-Hunger Games trilogy
-Love in the time of Cholera

Hopefully, there'd be more like Harry Potter (oh yes i haven't read a single book from this series) and The Atlantis Complex.

Call it even(?)

I've moved on
Now I see
You've also moved on
And I am happy (relieved).
Oh yes! We're even!
You have your life back
I have my life
Or do I?
But are these only imaginings
Foolish thoughts
Hopeless
Anxious
Restless
Pathetic
Are we even?

Sent from my iPhone

Death and Dying

I found myself writing notes for three different people to express my condolence on their loss of a loved one. While I am not exactly friends or family with all of them except for maybe my High School teacher who i was fond of back then, all times I struggled to write something other than condolence or copy another's note. Why is it hard to find the right words to express my empathy on a personal level? Somehow condolence doesn't quite capture it and seems overused, generic and impersonal. I am not sure if it's right to mention the words loss, sympathy(which technically expresses pity), sad and difficult time. I guess the best way would be to say that they are in your prayers. Let's take a moment

Eternal Rest grant unto the souls of our loved ones (no longer here with us) Oh Lord
And let perpetual light shine upon them
May they rest in peace
Amen.

And for the living:
Make us strong and Keep us in Your love as we go on our life's journey.

On another note, it is not uncommon for me to think of death or dying. My vanity is a huge factor or so it seems as evidenced by the choice I made or the thought I had when discussing dying by drowning or burned alive. While one was thinking of the suffering involved in either case and another on what will happen to their loved ones, I was thinking that none would look good afterwards. :D However, with my manner of driving I kind of think that my risk of dying is high which would also be a mess. 

I am not suicidal nor I am ready to do so but sometimes it seems an enticing thought, if only to realize your worth or lately if only to make work go away and give you breathing space. Now that's pathetic.

Happy Vday everyone! 

Until I have someone to celebrate it with I guess it's just any another day for me. You could probably say I just don't get it. how about make me then?! :D

Snap for a Tune: Love Like Rockets

sunset at Anna Maria Beach (or Holmes?) 11.28.2009

Love Like Rockets
Angels and Airwaves

I held my head as it left the ground,
The belts grew tight as the blast grew load,
A loving wish whispered in my ear,
Please lead with grace, all the best my dear,
Yeah, It's like

I held your hand as I pulled you in,
Your lips sealed tight, ready to begin,
I kissed you first, then you kissed my ear,
If I ask you once, will you ask me every year?

Do You Feel Alive? (Imagine, Imagine)
Do You Feel Alive? (Imagine, Imagine)

The Sun it set in the night time sky,
The stars they cast a glow upon my eyes,
The Earth itself a burning ball of light, yeah, it's like
And our first love was ignited late that night

Do You Feel Alive? (Imagine, Imagine)
Do You Feel Alive? (Imagine, Imagine)

The stars in your eyes light up the sky with thoughts, light and fire and sound
The stars in your eyes light up the sky with thoughts, light and fire and sound
(Do You Feel Alive? (Imagine, Imagine))
The stars in your eyes light up the sky with thoughts, light and fire and sound
(Do You Feel Alive? (Imagine, Imagine))
The stars in your eyes light up the sky with thoughts, light and fire and sound
(Do You Feel Alive? (Imagine, Imagine))
The stars in your eyes light up the sky with thoughts, light and fire and sound
(Do You Feel Alive? (Imagine, Imagine))
The stars in your eyes light up the sky with thoughts, light and fire and sound

Snap for a Tune: Brand New Day

as the day breaks over Utah's skies on the way to Houston. 12.27.2009

Brand New Day
by: Joshua Radin

Some kind of magic
Happens late at night
When the moon smiles down at me
And bathes me in it's light.

I fell asleep beneath you
In the tall blades of grass.
When I woke the world was new.
I never had to ask.

It's a brand new day.
The sun is shinning.
It's a brand new day.
For the first time in such a long, long time
I know I'll be okay.

Most kind of stories
Save the best part for last.
And most stories have a hero who finds
You make your past your past.
Yeah, you make your past your past.

It's a brand new day.
The sun is shinning.
It's a brand new day.
For the first time in such a long, long time
I know I'll be okay.

This cycle never ends.
You gotta fall in order to mend.

It's a brand new day.
It's a brand new day.
For the first time in such a long, long time
I know I'll be okay.

confidential for a reason

imagine this: everyone knowing the offer and starting salary and the increase(s) after that of batchmates and lower batchmates. In my case that was my reality and it sucked. Salaries are confidential for a reason, I knew that first-hand.
Fast-forward to 2011: salary is shared to a very select few in utmost confidence and security. The slightest hint that somebody might have known it especially a batchmate by accident leads to paranoia. If that accident is your fault, you somehow hope that the other person, more so a senior with treat it with respect and act professionally not enquire about your age, correlate that with your salary and intentionally slip the digits to another colleague from your same circle. yes, it is human nature and apparently he is not that type of person so the only alternative left is to appeal to his discretion directly for the digits to remain a secret and confidential as they should be. It should have been an obvious and given fact but considering the person's nature you hoped that would help drive the message: YOU ARE EXTRA SENSITIVE ABOUT IT, YOU WANT TO DROP THE ISSUE AND KEEP IT A SECRET.
The person then goes on to apologize not for the act of revealing the digits indirectly to someone else with some statement like "XXX is doing well at XX, i mean xx(age)". It's hard to imagine whether or not he/she pities you with that statement but what the heck, why does it matter to you anyway? You are already way up there. The person instead apologizes for placing the payslip on your desk. No apologies for lying publicly of not seeing the digits as well. Did somebody just miss the point?

*it is tempting to report this incident just to let people know that not everything are to be taken as a joke. When I say extra sensitive you have to be serious and professional about it.

getting a taste of outlet store shopping

By now, our counterparts have grown used to our crazed shopping habits at outlets whenever anyone of us are sent on assignment. When asked for our activity for the weekend, it's no longer a surprise for them when we answer in chorus: "shopping".

Cha was asking me how much Coach bags can go for when on sale in the US. That got me reminiscing of my outlet store shopping experience. Being a sucker for deals, I was in for a treat and enjoyed every minute of it. I guess for now I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. And yes, I went crazy. In 4 months, I visited round rock 3x, San Marcos 3x and the one near Bradenton 2x. I don't think I ever went home empty handed though I had to restrain myself during the latter parts of my assignment lest I risk exceeding my baggage limit. I originally thought it was 70-70-50. On the last day I found out, I can actually go for 70-70-70. Too bad!

watch out for the sales!

a 30-minute drive from where we were at

apple store @domain

i thought you'd only see this in binondo! (fyi: trying to joke here)

in a hurry eh?

why hello coach!

after one whole day: the loot

FML Day (1 for 2011)

It's another one of those FML days... Though I've made a decision that there should be less negative vibes this year, this early I'm so having trouble trying to keep up... I need this change so much but the situation is testing me much more than I can handle... 
I hope things start to look up because I'm really drained... To the point that I want to disappear if that's the only way to make everything go away... I guess it's also due to the fact that I have trouble turning my back on it even though I'm worse than an urban poor struggling to make ends meet... i keep wishing for more time but it's such a luxury right now.

Hopefully, this outburst makes things a lot bearable for last me this week. WTF, please be kind... I probably need to seriously consider my options soon...

On another note, somehow I find pictures as a healthy diversion... i love it actually.