Party!!!

What a day! What a night!!!

After going on my weekly pilgrimage to Baclaran, I met my college friend and toured her around the "buildings" in front of Market! Market! at the Fort. They're developing a series of residential units called Serendra. The place is very pretty already, a lot of scenery, really. Imagine going to work, malling, or clubbing without going through traffic! How I would love to see it when it's all done.

I went home in QC only to change for a party at the Embassy at yes, the Fort. It's for a despedida for a church friend who is going to study abroad. Come to think of it, a few of my church friends are going to study abroad next year. They're moving on, I should to. And I will. Anyway, the party rocked!!! And I had a little more to drink than I usually do. Went home at 3AM. Still have the hangover.

It was a long day... and night. But I had the best time!

Time Heals Wounds

More than six months ago I'd never thought healing was possible.

Since then, I've appreciated a little solitude. Okay, maybe a lot. I've amused myself with my Today show fix. I did and am still doing a little pilgrimage on my own. And I got a lot of DSL love.

Now I plan to go out more, see some friends, and of course, pray a little harder.

It's time to be happy.

Christmas Notes

1. I'm trying to wear my Havaianas greetings as often as I could. They just looked pretty, although my feet do not look good right now.

2. I have a new Ipod speaker, a gift from my bro. How cool is that? I've been playing my Ipod shuffle on speaker the whole day, and perhaps, the whole night too.

3. I spent Christmas day at my aunt's place. Ate a lot, went to Starbucks to hang out, ate again. Good luck on my diet next year.

4. Greeted some of my closest friends as I usually do every year. Talking to them alleviated my Christmas blues a bit. I am looking forward to going to Tagaytay this week with my church friends.

That's all for now. Wishing everyone joy, peace and happiness. Merry Christmas!

Fishball Sales / Christmas Shopping List

I have mentioned in this blog before that I will help my bro in his fishball business during the nine-day dawn masses at the Gesu Chapel in Ateneo. Fortunately, I won't have to do the cooking--my mom and bro were in charge of that. I did accounting and I'm not sure if I did my job correctly.

Now that the nine-day masses are done, I am so ready to go Christmas shopping. Never mind if I go to the mall after Christmas--I am actually avoiding the crowd. Besides, I just got my "allowance" today. So here's my list (sort of), and trying to check it twice.

1. GIFT FOR BRO!!! Since he is so generous to me. Haha. I'm thinking of a book about business since he's into books lately. Or I'll just buy Havaianas so I could share my "flip-flops passion" with him.

2. GIFTS FOR FRIENDS. I absolutely have no idea what I'm going to give them. Since I'm trying to be inaccessible these days, I'm limiting the list to a few close friends.

3. GIFTS FOR ME!!! Perhaps the most important of all. Since I'm really really lonely these days. Nothing could cure my Christmas blues other than shopping, with the limited budget that I have. Let's see what's on my list.

Bag. One cannot have too many bags. I just acquired a black Nine West bag at a bargain price, courtesy of my bro.

Shoes. I bought a pair of black velvet kitten heels that are just so cute. And I found a cool multiply site that sells these comfy shoes.

Havaianas. These flip-flops are my guilty pleasure for this year. I've already limited myself to 5 pairs, but there's always a possibility of acquiring another. I hope the Small Flowers models will be available soon.

Top. Let's see what fits me and then I'll decide. Will drop by Apple & Eve since they have sizes.

Books. I will definitely spend my first P1,000 on at least 3 good books. Of course depending on the prizes. Top of the list is Nicholas Sparks' "At First Sight".

CD. I am so into KT Tunstall's music lately, but I have yet to be convinced to buy her CD. Or maybe I'll save for Norah Jones and Carrie Underwood, whose albums will be released next year. Another P1,000 on the budget.

Hay, can't wait to shop!!! Only one day to go before Christmas!!!

Updated Havaianas Inventory and Wishlist

Inventory:
1. Metallics Silver
2. Rosa Branco
3. Christmas Greetings White
4. Slim Beige Golden
5. Christmas Greetings Gold

Wishlist
1. Small Flowers Pink
2. Slim Season Brown
3. Girls Star Lilac
4. High Light Black/Pink
5. Sunny Blush Rose

Mall-hopping / Ebay transactions / Krispy Kreme - All Flip Flops

Yesterday was my weekly trip to Baclaran, which gives me a perfect excuse to go somewhere afterwards. After visiting the Our Lady of Perpetual Help, I proceded to accomplish my other "missions" for the day:

1. Meet-up with an ebayer who won the bidding for my Havaianas Joy

The buyer was very nice. In fact, she was so nice that I can't help but assist her where to find stores that sells Havs. Enjoy the Havs, dear!

2. Ship my Havaianas Summer Brown to another winning bidder

This one went smoothly, even though I shipped the item long before I received payment from the winning bidder. I just got word that she already received the item. Whew!

On hindsight, I hope that all sellers and buyers should observe the rules of online auctions, particularly on ebay. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth when a seller or buyer does not comply with their end. I know, I've been there--on both sides unfortunately.

3. Find Krispy Kreme and All Flip-Flops store in the Fort

This one took a while. I had to walk through Bonifacio Global City, sort of like an enlarged Greenbelt 3 located adjacent of Market! Market!. After a wrong turn and endless walks, I finally found these stores like water in the desert. I love Krispy Kreme! Their glazed doughnuts are so divine! The All Flip-Flops store, although the biggest of all its branches, wasn't worth the trip if there are other stores that sell Havs.

I got home close to 9, just in time to watch Grey's Anatomy. It was all good.

Busy Weeks Ahead

Just when I thought that my money has run out, along came a proposal from my younger brother: that I monitor his new fish-ball business during the anitcipated dawn masses. Yes, he's going to be my boss. And yes, I accepted his proposal. It was a bright idea, after all. I'd better warm up my fishball/squidball/kikiam cooking skills.

Business starts Friday night.

Snoopy!!!

This giant balloon of the Peanuts character was displayed during the 2006 Macy's Annual Thanksgiving Parade, despite heavy showers. Of course, I didn't get to watch the festivities. Culled from Yahoo Photos.

I just love Snoopy!!!

Havaianas, how I love thee...

Slim Beige Golden. There's nothing like it.

Havaianas Inventory:
1. Metallics Silver
2. Joy Pink (06)
3. Rosa Branco
4. Summer Brown
5. Christmas Greetings White
6. Slim Beige Golden*
7. Christmas Greetings Gold*

* acquired today

I am almost cash-strapped. I started the day having cash to spend (not a lot) and ended it with almost none. The culprits: my recently acquired Havaianas Slim Beige Golden and Limited Christmas Greetings in Gold. I am so in Hav-en!!! However, I had to push my haircut plans to next week.

So let's do a bit of accounting:

Cash on Hand: Almost none.
Bank Savings: Just enough to maintain my account
Allowance: Still with Mama
Procceds from Havaianas Bid on Ebay: Expected next week (unless winning bidder does NOT pay)
Pending transactions: None, for now
Pending debts: NONE!!! Just concluded my last multiply transaction for now (hence, the Slim Beige Gold). Yay!

The assessment: Zero balance. Zero money to spend. Must get my "allowance" ASAP.

My sacrifice: No Havaianas purchase until February, my birth month.

It's that wonderful time of the year...

...where I'm supposed to make a list, check it twice, eat and be merry. Ah, the Christmas blues once again. Never seemed to find a cure for it. And instead of rejoicing this year, I find myself stuck in the same place where I was last year. Still lonely. Still uncertain of my future. Still hoping.

I've always been taught that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, as I was schooled in three Cahtolic schools. I've religiously completed the Simbang Gabi (dawn masses for 9 consecutive days before Christmas), and participated in other festivities leading to this special day for many years. Now while Santa remains my childhood fantasy, and I still believe in his spirit, I'm not going to make a list to him this time (besides, he's too busy), but to God (who might not be), through my prayers.

I really do hope things will be better next year for me, for my family's sake.

2007 Havaianas Now On Sale

Small Flowers - Pink

My Top 3 2007 Havaianas Wishlist:

1. Small Flowers Pink
2. High Light Pink
3. Summer Dots Navy Blue

Today I attempted to buy one of the newly-released 2007 Havaianas models in Aura Athletica and Chocolate in Powerplant--only to come out empty-handed. I'd probably regret it later on. Sure there were really nice ones like the Sunny, Stripes, High Light, and even the Golden Beige top, but I really wanted was this Small Flowers model which happens to be available only (not sure about this) at americansole.com. Now if only I could decide which color should I order.

Update on my Slim Beige Golden: I HAVE IT!!!

Update on Limited Edition Golden Havaianas: I HAVE IT TOO!!!

Note to self: Get a pedicure/foot spa and a haircut ASAP.

updated: 12/6/06

Things that I don't really need...

My Christmas Wishlist
1. Havaianas Limited Christmas Edition (gold)
2. Ipod Nano (in pink)
3. Digital Camera (either Kodak V610 or Sony Cybershot)
4. Bath and Body Works stuff
5. More 2007 Edition Havaianas!!!

That's all for now, co'z I already bought a lot...

Diamond Peel works!

I just availed of Diamond Peel services at my regular Facial Center. It's definitely more pleasant than the regular "painful" facial that I usually have (pricks and all). What it mainly does is to scrape dead skin, leaving the face smoother and clearer. And it worked, or at least a lot of the dark spots in my skin is gone. Zilch. Nada. Now I can put make up without attempting to hide anything. Or not put anything on my face for others to see my "true beauty."

I will not get a facial for a very long time. At least, not until next year...

Update: Just went through another Diamond Peel session. I think I'm going to be addicted to this.

Addicted to Multiply / Shopping Online / HELLO Christmas Havs updated

Multiply.com used to be one of my most hated websites. It looked like a modified version of Friendster and Myspace, it always takes forever to load on a dial-up connection, and it clogs my mail. But then since we upgraded to DSL everything is just a breeze. Saw lots of pics of Havaianas, my recent obsession, read blogs, and downloaded some music.

And then I discovered Multiply shopping. I was already into online shopping before, usually through Ebay and its local counterpart, Bidshot. But I found this type of online shopping more accessible, without the dreaded feedback and there's no need to deal with joybidders and hagglers.

On a sadder note, I decided to cancel my Christmas Havs reservation. I am not very happy about this. I realized that I still have pending transactions (of yes, Havaianas) and well, I haven't received them yet. I'm really scared that I couldn't pay for my transactions if they are well... compounded. Anyway, I promised the seller that I will immediately pay for the pair when I receive those flip-flops, if it's still available. Might be too late though. I don't know how I could make up for this move, and I apologize to the seller.

Lola and grandkids

lola and grandkids
Originally uploaded by shaygirl_rose.

I submitted this pic taken with Lola to the Paskong Pinoy site in inq7.net. And they posted it!!!

Here's the link... just click on the photos...

My Family

I would like to introduce my beautiful family.

From top to bottom: Auntie Beth, Lola Tita, Me!, Sonny (cousin), Mitch (younger brother), Mama

This was taken on Christmas 2005.

Havaianas Limited Christmas Edition (Gold)

Am I crazy for wanting this? I got the Havaianas bug so bad that it didn't matter that this pair would cost an arm and a leg. Besides, Christmas is fast approaching and this would be the perfect footwear for the occasion. Anyway, I like the silver one better, but I thought that it would be hard to maintain since that one has a white sole. I hope to raise enough "funds" to buy this golden pair, meaning that I might have to sell some Havs. Anyone interested to buy a pair of old flip-flops?

The Waiting Game

Haven't blogged in a while. Maybe because I stay home too often or that there's nothing going on with my life that I didn't want to keep tabs on certain errands and other domestic stuff that I do nowadays, or the lack of it. I feel like my future is waiting in the wings... so close and yet so far. All I could do is pray and hope for the best. I hate this... the waiting game. You see, I was on the final stage of my quest of becoming a lawyer. And unfortunately, I was "delayed." The good news is that, I'm not bored... yet. The bad news is that I'm in the exact situation the year before. Christmas is fast approaching and I'm cash-strpped--again. Slowly I realize that I've become a dependent--on everything and everyone. It used to be that I have so much confidence in myself that I could do anything if I just put my heart into it. Now I'm just clueless.

Anyway, here's my random take on news and stuff during the past few weeks, in no particular order:

1. Certified Havaianas addict: Should I rehab or rehav? Funny that my Havs are more expensive than most of my apparel. But it's the "signature" item that I could really afford.

2. Multiply shopping: Too much to see and too little to spend. Personally I like what I see in the net nowadays than what I see in malls. Except for clothes, which I really have to try on.

3. Best friend's baby boy: I wanted a girl as my godchild, but who's deciding? Right now I hope it will be a happy and healthy boy. I can't wait to meet him :)

4. Neighbor getting married: Sort of a wake-up call for me. I am only a few months older than the bride to be.

5. I love YouTube: My favorite website. The internet is my bestfriend nowadays, especially now we have DSL. 'Nuff said.

That's it. Until my next entry...

- Get Your Own

Friends In Love

I have rediscovered Dionne Warwick just recently. You know, the voice behind songs like "Walk On By" and "I'll Never Love This Way Again". Thanks to YouTube, I watched some of her live performances, mostly from her hosting stint in Solid Gold in the 80s. Now I really really love her. She's now my favorite "diva".

One of Dionne's songs is a duet with Johnny Mathis called "Friends In Love". I often hear it on the radio, I just never bothered to know who sang it. Since seeing Dionne sing it live on the net a few weeks ago, I started looking for her CD that carries the song. Of course, I had no idea that it was hard to find (even harder to find is any Johnny Mathis CD). Finally, I bought Dionne's CD called Love Songs (UK) yesterday, which has "Friends..." on Track 13. Mission accomplished.

Anyway, this "song-searching" reminded me of a similar search a few years ago. Around 2003, I watched a televised concert of Martin and Regine. One of the songs in their repertoire is "It's You," which I would discover later is a duet of Stevie Wonder and yes, Dionne Warwick. That didn't spur my curiosity on Ms. Warwick then, as a Stevie Wonder fan. Like "Friends...", "It's You" is also a hard to find song. Of course, I'm not really contented on getting local acoustic band U-Turn's version, I have to get the original. I found the song on Kazaa and I was playing it over and over again on my mp3 (bless my ears).

Watching Dionne on YouTube, I agree with the general opinion that she is a perfect pop singer. Of course, I wouldn't classify her as pop, as I associate the genre with the likes of Madonna and Britney Spears. Dionne's voice is flexible that she couldn't be classified on anything else. And definitely, she sings her songs better on live performances. I envied those who watched her concerts over the years.

I'm glad that Dionne is still around to serenade us with her beautiful songs. Truly, she is a legend. By the way, she has a new CD coming up to commemorate her 45th year "in this business called show," as she says.

Happy 24th!!!

Today is my younger brother Mitch's birthday. I have no idea about his plans or whatsoever, but I know that the future's looking good for him. He's already surpassed me in terms of height as well as income stability, maybe in a few years he might be ready to settle down. As for me, I'm just getting old thinking that my little brother has turned into a young man. Cheers bro!

Flip Flops Craze

Let me start this blog by introducing my meager collection of havaianas. My favorite pair right now is the rosa branco. What's so special about the havs? The Brazilian made flip flops come in different color and designs and are known for its patented rubber designed for durability and comfort. The price may be a bit unreasonable for good ol' tsinelas, though. I'll still recommend the Islander for those who are scouting for cheaper ones.

Inventory:
1. Rosa Branco
2. Summer Brown
3. Metallics Silver
4. Joy (pink)
5. Limited Christmas Edition Silver

Soon to acquire:
Slim Beige Gold

Wishlist:
1. Tortoise and Hare
2. Slim Season Dark Brown/White
3. High Metallics Beige Golden
4. Small Flowers White/Pink
5. Girls Flores Bubblegum Rose
6. Rock n Rio Black
7. Limited Christmas Edition Gold

First Post

Hello! I'm Rose, 27 years young, law grad. I have two existing blogs prior to this one, but I decided to "migrate" into this blog site and share my thoughts while still maintaining my anonymity. Why, I'll tell later... I'm still trying to settle in, so to speak. I can't wait to share my stories. I'll start my formal entry tomorrow.