The End. For Real.

For the last two years, this blog has been a witness to my journey back to sanity.

That journey changed me forever.

I almost did not make it.

But I did.

I am...

Grateful that I was able to appreciate the simple things in life, the ones that make me happy.

Blessed that I still have my family and friends who stood by me in my actions and decisions.

Loved, because I have Him even if I felt so alone in my difficult and at times, painful journey.

Whoever read this nonsense, I hope and pray that he/she will be inspired...

To follow a dream...

To learn from mistakes...

And more importantly, to believe.

As I close this blog, a new chapter in my life begins.

I can't wait!

- Atty. Rose

Meet Curry

Click to visit my Haikoo^SM Zoo pet, Curry, on Facebook!

... and yes, she's named after that famous broadcaster.

Lola's Day

It's Lola's birthday today. Unfortunately, she's in the hospital because she had seizures. Thank God it's not stroke.

She will be in the hospital for a few more days, but she's stable now.

Happy birthday, Lola!

Don't mind me

Why did I suddenly feel like 12 again?

I know older people wanted to relive their youth, but for me, NOT the time--

when I had bad breakouts (acne)...

when I had a few friends in high school (except 4th year)...

when I had my first taste of reality...

when a lot of my childhood dreams went bust...

In essence, when I had a lot of insecurities.

I was painfully shy when I was younger. Even now when I have my crappy days, I couldn't help but go back to those pre-teen days. And I thought, I was supposed to overcome my insecurities years ago. Up to this time, I would still encounter some kind of a deja vu and take me back in time.

If I were to turn back the clock, however, I would like to go back to my college years. Somehow, my course/professors brought me the confidence to aspire for greater things. Which helped me decide to take up law.

Initially, my reasons for taking up law are as follows:
1. I want to be like my mother, despite all her quirks.
2. I wanted retaliation from my insecurities of my failed childhood and miserable youth. (Now this is only an exaggeration, but you get the idea.)

These, I know are the wrong reasons.

I think Mama was surprised with my decision. She tried so hard to discourage me. She only permitted me to take the UP and Ateneo Entrance Exam. I did not pass. I took them again the year after. I did not pass. Only this time I took exams in other law schools. I picked UST. Thankfully, I graduated there.

There is however a valid reason why I took up law, or else, I wouldn't have survived--I wanted to challenge myself.

Five years of getting through every semester in law school and three years of uncertainty has taught me well. I had to dig deep on why I really wanted to join the law profession. And it's because I wanted to achieve something unexpected of me. For me, the shy and timid girl who longs for a place to shine. Who chose to take risks and have courage to overcome life's trials. This, I think would be the legacy of my 20s.

I'm 29 now. Been through a lot, really. Oh, I would like to go back and relive some of my happiest moments of my youth. But I'm happy where I am now because this is where I'm supposed to be.

As I approach my 30's soon (well, next year), I would like to have a family, for the right reasons. But for now, I just wanted to concentrate on becoming a good lawyer.

Latest Family Pic

Taken yesterday, 10/10/08, during bro's early birthday lunch in Pasig.

Last Bum Week

So anyway, I'm reporting to work on the 15th.

Things to do 'till then:

1. Make an inventory on the wardrobe

Shoes - Recently bought a new gold pair on a steal. And there's the brown loafers I bought after the results were released. And there's the black boots that I have not even worn formally yet. So there are three. If I can't stand the heels, I'd have to buy a pair of casual ballet flats. The satin rose pair is too pretty and formal.

Slacks/Pants - Last time I checked, I had about five decent ones: brown, a couple of black ones, navy blue (which is hard to pair with), and cream (for informal days). Maybe I should buy another one in dark or further raid Mama's closet.

Blazers - Definitely a must-have for lawyers. I am retiring my old black one I wore as law student. So that leaves the new black blazer I bought in August when I got the job, the pink one I "arbored" from Mama, and the navy blue. I think I still have another one recently bought in the Rustan's sale. Looks like I need to further raid Mama's closet.

Skirts - I have a couple of good black and brown ones. I have no plans on wearing these to work soon.

Blouses - I think I'm going to retire the ones I often wore in my last employment. But I still have a few good ones, including the white blouse I wore when I was vacationing in Cebu.

Accessories - Sadly, I have to say goodbye to my beloved clay food accessories. I still don't know how to dispose some of them. But I have a new pendant made, which I could definitely wear to work. I need to stock up again with more grown-up jewelry since most of my wardrobe are just plain and yes, boring.

Overall, I think I'm still good in the wardrobe department. But I think I might buy a few stuff for safety. Probably a new blouse or ballet flats.

2. Clean Up

This I have yet to do. I will start by cleaning up my desk or even the other side of my bed.

3. Organize Mama's notarial book

This one I sort of promised but have not really gotten into doing it. And it's already October. Shucks.

4. Get out of the house

One last gimmick or getaway. Sadly, due to limited funds, I'd have to do this myself and not go out with my friends 'till... maybe December.

I think this may be my last week as a person on welfare (read: unemployed). From then on, I will be caught up with the life in law and maybe, have an actual life.

Loving Lavender

So I'm loving things all lavender lately. The shade that I like is a mixture of violet and white, sort of light purple.

For three years now, my room is painted with the color:

Recently, I have a liking of clothes and stuff of this shade.


I found out in Wikipedia that lavender comes in many shades, like periwinkle (another popular shade), mauve, amethyst (my birthstone) and even halaya ube!

While I'm still a pink baby, I think lavender is a pretty good grown-up color.

Last Sunday...

...was a blast!!! Had fun cheering for the UST barristers on the final day of the bar exams.

Before the madness start

From mere spectators...

...to the "in" crowd!

A special guest even dropped by to celebrate!

For the barristers, the long wait now begins...

God Bless! See you on the other side, attys...

West Side Story

I have seen Stages' production of West Side Story earlier. Think Romeo and Juliet storyline. Christian Bautista essayed the role of Tony, while West End's Joanna Ampil is Maria.

Why did I have to sit in far away balcony? Waaah.

Overall, it was okay. Joanna Ampil, as expected, gave a stellar performance, everything a West End star should be. So good that her powerful soprano sometimes overshadows Christian in the duets.

I wish I could watch Karylle's performance too, I hear she's quite a revelation.

UPDATE: Bought these personalized chocolates instead of the souvenir program.

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Bar Ops '08

My first Bar Operations as a bar passer/lawyer. I was so happy to see my former classmates again. (Nobody from I-B? Boo.)

Enjoyed each and every minute of the sendoff (Go USTE!).


Didn't do any academic stuff, I just showed up in support of my friend who is battling it out in La Salle. (God Bless!)

Manila Hotel, baby!

Good luck to all 2008 barristers!

BAR

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

When I was a law student, I dread the month of September because it's usually the time when I'll know whether I have the potential to pass or fail a certain law subject. And when I became a barrister, September is a hell month because of the elusive Bar Exams. Last time I would not even dare to write about my experience in La Salle or my preparations for the bar. I would not even talk about it. It's always about the waiting period.

This time around, I will become a spectator again to the most crucial time of an aspiring lawyer. And I'm actually excited to go to La Salle to see my friends and former classmates, if they're still around. Of course they already have their legal careers while mine is just starting. Or about to start.

Anyway, I just want to relive the experience once more.

I have a relative and some former classmates and acquaintances who will be taking the bar exams in a week's time. If I could describe the four Sundays of September in one word, that would be intense. Four years of law school training (or more) and six months of review will be culminated in a matter of seven hours for each Sunday, a total of 28 hours. And intense comes hand in hand with pressure.

I haven't had the slightest idea how I survived last year's bar exam. It was difficult for me physically, emotionally, and maybe, psychologically. Of course any barrister would claim that their bar was difficult from the other years. One thing I would say though. It gets harder and harder every year. And more unpredictable. Not to discourage this year's and future barristers, I'm just relating from experience.

I do hope that no one I know will suffer the same trauma that I carried for the past few years. It's difficult to recover and repeat the process. However, if the worst case scenario happens, I'll just be there for them.

For now, I am crossing my fingers for my friends and colleagues who will be battling it out in La Salle. Godspeed!

Cupcake Heaven

From L to R: Baby Strawberry Cream, Little Goldie, Purple Bloom, Cookies and Cream and Surprise Party

Can't wait to wear 'em!

http://beadlady.multiply.com/

Undomestic Goddess

Sophie Kinsella is my new best friend.

I've just read her book: Undomestic Goddess. It's about Samantha Sweeting, a young lawyer who was forced to work as housekeeper after a major screw-up in a top law firm where she was employed, therefore denying her the most coveted partnership. She therefore went where no career woman has gone before--living in domesticity. In the process, Samantha gained a new perspective about life... and love.

I plan to read more of Kinsella's novels before I head out to work again... hopefully soon.

Hello again

So I'm keeping this blog... for now.

I will post my pa-cute and kikay entries here, while I'll post the more serious and personal stuff in the new blog.

Good deal? I thought so. However, when I get settled in my new home (or when I get really really busy), that's when I'm going to move. It will be a while, I guess.

Multiply Shopping: Favorite Sellers

Ever since we had DSL last year, I surfed the net for more hours, I blogged more often than I should.

And I discovered the joys of Multiply shopping.

It was not my first online transaction. A few years ago, I was always on the lookout for rare Lucy Maud Montgomery books and affordable collectible items on Ebay. But it became a little bit costly, and I didn't really want to use my credit card so often.

My first Multiply transaction was for the Emillie bangle (bottom left) from Baubles, Bangles and Beads.

Since then, I gave the Emillie to my aunt on her birthday last year. It was sort of my "thank you" token for letting me stay at her place when I was reviewing for the Bar Exams last year. (And I passed!) As you can see, I acquired some more bangles and even got my sneakers handpainted.

Now I want their handpainted shoes!

And yes, I bought that cherry bangle too!

My transaction with BBB got me introduced to other noted Multiply sellers. One of them is Stellar by Chynna Ortaleza, and yes, she is the Kapuso talent. I chanced upon the Stellar site because I was then looking for Hello Kitty items. I'm very impressed about the way she sells her items, giving her items a theme and name. I still love the authentic Hello Kitty earings I bought from her. I have met her before, and she's really nice!

And then there's Angeli's Art Beads. I was introduced to her and her polymer clay creations through a "trunkshow". I immediately went gaga over her cupcakes, and purchased her Chocolate Frost (first from left, and yes, I named it.)

Since then, I acquired a lot more cupcakes and sweets than necessary. And I love them all!

And then I became interested in strawberry necklaces (I blame this on Mischa Barton). The search led me to What To Wear by Julie. The site sells the most stylish clothes! Too bad I could not fit in them right now. But I did get the strawberry necklace, as well as her chain link headbands and the cheery cherry necklace that I saw at Serendra before.

When Ms. Julie opened her Havaianas pre-order, I immediately filled out the order form, because I know she's one of the most professional sellers here in Multiply. Here's me going gaga over the Laura Mercier Havaianas:

And then came the search for the Big Owl Necklace. I found it in the Closet Queen. Ms. Malou sells the most affordable finds straight from Bangkok. I got two, for me and Mama. Here's Mama looking fab with her owl:

I have not ordered from Ms. Malou recently, but I plan to get one of her hoodies soon!

I'm really fond of Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body lotions and body splash and I usually ask my relatives from the States to bring some when they come to Manila. I found the alternative in Bath and Body Desserts. My skin feels smoother (and even shinier!) when I apply Ms. Cathy's scrubs and souffles (body butter). Her chocolate scrub and vanilla souffle are simply divine!


Other noted Multiply sellers:

Silly Me Clothing - Wearing Lara's fabric belts does NOT make anyone look silly.

Ichigo Shoes - Comfort is not sacrificed when wearing Charm's whimsical and stylish shoes.

Of course, there are a lot of online sellers in Multiply worth recommending. But I have to say however, that the phrase caveat emptor still applies in buying items online. Not to mention the Civil Law on Sales, however dated that law is, for a lack of a special law in online transactions.

This is... Today!

The Today Show has been my guilty pleasure for quite some time now. (Yes, I know I should watch the local news more. But I do read the papers.) It used to be my escape when I was going through a difficult time, but now, it's something to look forward to when I wake up in the morning.

I do love the show's feature stories, from the inspiring to just plain silly. And right now, I'm enjoying their coverage on the Beijing Olympics. And Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson, Nastia Luikin and all the USA athletes.

I love the camaraderie between the anchors. Matt Lauer is easy on the eyes. Meredith Vieira is always amusing. Ann Curry looks really smart and relaxed, and Al Roker is so funny. I'm so hooked with the show that I even miss Natalie Morales when she's not around.

Yes, I come from the other side of the globe and I watch the show's delayed telecast. No, I do not wish to go to see the show live in NY (It would be nice though).

I need a life, or specifically, a job. On the other hand, this may be a good motivation to wake up a bit earlier than usual.

My Sweet Tooth Bracelet

I made some of my polymer clay finds from Angeli into a bracelet.

I can't wait for my new cupcakes!

Multiply Friends / Bazaar Finds

So I went to the latest bazaar at the Rockwell Tent.

Finally I had my digicam to take shots of my Multiply friends.

With Joyce and Pao of Baubles, Bangles and Beads

With Charm of Ichigo Shoes (center). This pic can be an ad for BBB and Ichigo's collaboration, the handpainted shoes!!!

I love my new Bugs shirt! :)

In my supposed search for new office gear, I bought these instead!

Cuff by Angeli's Art Beads
http://beadlady.multiply.com/

Bangle by Baubles, Bangles and Beads
http://baublesbanglesnbeads.multiply.com/

Shoes by BBB and Ichigo
http://ichigoshoes.multiply.com/

Cupcake Love

Application Update!

My search for that lawyer job ends today.

I think I deserve a treat. :)

Olympics 2008 medals

The gold and silver medals are really really pretty.

Makakahuha kaya ng gold medal ang Pinoy? Or any medal at all?

Photo by Getty Images.

Journalist... Me?

I got to live one of my dreams of being a journalist a few years ago. I had the opportunity to work in an online news publication.

When I was in college--not too long ago--I wanted to pursue a career in journalism. All I had was my limited experience of holding the position of editor-in-chief of a departmental newsletter in my fourth year. But I felt that it was enough experience to apply for a news position.

Years later, after having graduated in law school and have just taken the Bar Examinations, I felt the need to work to pass the time of waiting for the results. That's when the job in Newslink came to me. They needed an editor, and with my limited journalistic experience, they hired me.

But it was not meant to be.

Early on, I already encountered problems in my work. Distance is my number one problem on my list. Then came the work output. Not to mention the insane hours. And then there's that constant nagging scary feeling of waiting for the bar results.

I resigned after only more than two months on the job.

The only thing good about this employment is that I got to bond with my co-employees, including my bosses. We even went out on my last day of work.

I just chatted with a former co-employee and reminisced our experience with the company. Like me, she had long gone to pursue greater opportunities. And she made it.

So anyway, even though I did not become a full-time journalist, at least I got to experience how it was working in news. And I'm so grateful.

Zara

So I went to Trinoma just to kill time... AGAIN.

I don't normally check out the sale in Zara. But surprise, surprise! I bought a light pink Bugs Bunny shirt and Size 10 (woo-hoo!) khaki pants for a steal. Will post a pic of the shirt, it's so cute!!!

Then after having my new pants tailored to my length, I sort of "celebrated" with a foot spa and pedicure.

How good life can be!

Starbucks Fan

Still Waiting

August na. Wala pa rin akong trabaho? F**k!

Oh well, I can still wait.

Note: I'm sick.

Hangout in Trinoma

Despite receiving some sad news earlier in the day, I still met up with Abi in Trinoma. After all, we've been planning this for days already...

Trying out Mango shades

Taking a breather after some serious walking

We had dinner at CYMA but Abi was not able to take shots of the food there. But we had dessert at Five Cows...

Presenting the Flaming Alaska

YUM-O!

Some more family pics from Cebu

Took from Queen's files

Happy family

Crazy Cuzzies

Another Waiting Game

As mentioned in my previous post, I still have a month free.

Good news: This may be my maximum time to bum around. Maybe I should take another vacation.

Bad news: The funds are slowly (but surely) drying up.

And it does not help that the credit card bills have not yet arrived.

The plan for the next month: Try to stretch remaining funds up to two months. And maybe do some studying.

But there MIGHT be a silver lining. I'm still waiting for THAT call. However, if that agency calls, would I be up to the job?

Something tells me that I'm not ready--YET.

So anyway, should I look for other possible government agencies? It seems that I was not shortlisted on my first two job applications.

My hope, if there's any, are the last two.

I cannot screw this up.

Another Reunion Entry

One of my grade school teachers passed away a few days ago. May she rest in peace.

Anyway, I saw some of my former teachers in the funeral mass. So it's a reunion of sorts for them. And I'm glad I was able to attend, since this teacher was once close to our family and probably played a big part of my childhood.

All kind and good words were stated in the testimonials.

Back to the teachers. I saw my Grade 3 adviser (significant time of my life because I transferred schools), some of my other teachers who still remember me in my skinny days and my Grade 6 adviser I mentioned in my earlier blog who is now the principal of the grade school department. I wish I could talk to them a little bit more but we had to leave after the mass.

So it ends here. I do hope that I still have an opportunity to see those teachers in their lifetime since some of them have already retired. It was really good to see them.

Application Update 3

Panel interview.

I think I have the best shot in this latest job application.

However, my neuro exam is scheduled on Sept. 2. So I have to wait for the results of the neuro in order to determine whether I'm mentally fit to work. Shucks.

So I still have a month free. That will also mean that I will have to save up a bit.

Havaianas Inventory and Wishlist Update

Inventory:
1. Rosa Branco
2. Christmas Greetings White
3. Style Pink/Light Blue
4. MYOH 2007
6. Small Flowers Pink
7. Strawberry Pink with White Logo
8. MYOH 2008
9. Laura Mercier (on pic) - I fell in love with this pair instantly. But it's white, so I can't wear this very often (considering what happened to my Rose pair).

Wishlist
1. Trish McEvoy - just because people say it's really really nice.

Career Talk

I enjoyed speaking with the high school kids.

And the best thing is... I got paid! Not much, but enough for me to go to the mall to chill.

Thank God it went well...

Application Update 2

Panel interview with four members of the panel and with almost all the applicant-lawyers.

I am crossing my fingers in this third job application.

Finding Our Savvy

Savvy, a children's book by Ingrid Law, is a tale centered on Mibs Beaumont, who recently just turned thirteen and is about to discover her "savvy", or a supernatural power inherent in her family.

From the Savvy website:
For generations, the Beaumont family has harbored a magical secret. They each possess a "savvy" — a special supernatural power that strikes when they turn thirteen. Grandpa Bomba moves mountains, her older brothers create hurricanes and spark electricity... and now it's the eve of Mibs's big day.

As if waiting weren't hard enough, the family gets scary news two days before Mibs's birthday: Poppa has been in a terrible accident. Mibs develops the singular mission to get to the hospital and prove that her new power can save her dad. So she sneaks onto a salesman's bus... only to find the bus heading in the opposite direction. Suddenly Mibs finds herself on an unforgettable odyssey that will force her to make sense of growing up — and of other people, who might also have a few secrets hidden just beneath the skin.

I blame it on Kathie Lee Gifford and the Today show for referring me to this wonderful read. And during the limited time that I have to devour the e-book (which was free for a limited period), I realized that Savvy is after all, a story about growing up and discovering what you're capable of.

I highly recommend Savvy to the kids and the kids at heart.

Workshop?

Since last year, I've invested more than I should in polymer clay jewelry. They're kinda hard to resist. Should I join a workshop? That seems to be the next step for me. Plus, I want to unleash my creative juices before I work again.

Ring from yummytrinkets.com

UPDATE: I just bought more polymer jewelry. :)

Epiphany

It took a friend to figure out my dilemma in my last workplace.

She thinks that those who worked with the company for quite some time sensed that I will not be working there for very long. Apparently, age groups and seniority (I'm not talking about the food chain) are very big factors to determine whether I will be happy in a workplace.

Shucks, I didn't know. I was kept in the dark for so long. I didn't have that kind of situation with my last two jobs.

S**t sila.

My friend warned me though that I will encounter the same situation in the future, especially when I'm surrounded by "senior people" who have their own thing going on.

Except that I think I know what to do. That I will just work and try not to care anymore. All in a day's work.

I pray that I will not lose my mind and heart as I begin my legal career, being part of my life's journey.

Peanut Butter Kisses

Hershey's Kisses filled with Peanut Butter = HAPPINESS

I just couldn't get enough of these chocolates. Of course they tasted like Reese's cups but like the classic kisses, I could not break away from them until they're gone. And they're almost gone. Anyway, these kisses were given by a neighbor intended as a pasalubong, but for me, as a treat for a job well done (BAR). Yum!

Application Update

I think I did well on my second lawyer exam, except when I got to the law part (the last two sets). Oh well...

I had to get employment certificate to process this application. Hmph!

Gisele Bundchen's Fab Footwear

Wishlist Alert!!!

G2B Limited Edition Ipanema Sandals

http://www.ipanemagiselebundchen.com.br/

Another Q&A

1. Four jobs I have held:

1. Administrative Assistant
2. Editor
3. Case Digest Specialist
4. Any lawyer job (hopefully soon)

2. Four movies I could watch over and over:

1. Sound of Music
2. Somewhere in Time
3. Centerstage
4. Staying Alive

3. Four things you always take with you:

1. Cellphone
2. Wallet
3. Lipgloss
4. Ipod

4. Four TV shows I like:

1. Pushing Daisies
2. House
3. Sex and the City (the movie rocked!)
4. Today Show (ok, this is a news program, but I love their feature stories, as well as the banter between the anchors)

5. Four people who email me regularly:

1. Auntie Isa
2. Papa
3. Tita Nancy, for lector skeds
4. Amazon.com

6. Four favorite foods:

1. Chicken
2. Pasta
3. Cake/Ice Cream
4. Chocolate

7. Four places I’d rather be:

1. Bedroom
2. Any not-so-crowded mall
3. Any swimming pool or beach in the summer
4. Church, only on Sundays though

8. Four places on my vacation list:

1. New York
2. Europe
3. Thailand
4. Boracay

9. Four things I love to do in my free time:

1. Surf the net
2. Watch TV
3. Go malling
4. Read pocketbooks

10. Four things you might hate about me:

1. I'm serious, most of the time.
2. I can be annoying sometimes.
3. I crave for silence.
4. I am not the most organized person.

11. Four things you might love about me:

1. I'm a loyal friend.
2. Failure cannot stop me from achieving my goals.
3. I love food!
4. I'm an American Idol fan.

12. Four people I would like to meet:

1. Brad Pitt!!! And all other papable celebrities
2. Matt Lauer (but will probably talk to Meredith Vieira instead)
3. Ellen Degeneres
4. Joey Albert (long time fan)

13. Four questions I am always asked:

1. Kelan ka magkakaboyfriend/magpapakasal? - What if kung ayaw ko? (note: mas lalong ayaw ko ng girlfriend!!! hehe)
2. Anong grade ng salamin mo? - Di ko na alam eh... nasanay na lang ako.
3. Pang-ilang take mo na sa bar? - P****** I**!!! Anong paki niyo? Believe me, most of the people who ask me this question are NOT lawyers.
4. Saan ka nag-work ngayon? - Wala pa eh, ineenjoy ko pa ang aking pagkakapasa...

14. Four outfits and accessories you couldn’t resist:

1. Any pink top
2. Necklaces!
3. Cutie Bags
4. Havaianas

15. Four descriptions of your personality:

1. Simple
2. Quiet
3. Naive, sometimes
4. Unassuming

Pink Tote Bag

Target's Xhilaration Rope Tote Bag in pink.

UPDATE: Just got the bag. It's nice and I could really use it...

Seven

Seven of Nine, a Borg played by the wonderful Jeri Ryan, was my fave character in Star Trek: Voyager. Her character made me fall in love with the series years ago. I even followed Jeri's career, like when she appeared in post-Voyager shows like Boston Public and Shark. I heard she got married and has a new baby girl.

So it was a pleasant surprise when I saw this life-size doll a few months ago at a comic book event held in Fully-Booked at Boni High Street. Selling for P16,000.00 lang naman. Here's Seven in all her glory...



With her comrades


I do miss Voyager. I actually bought a Seven of Nine ornament and it's still one of my prized possessions.