Warning: Totally girly moment!

I am getting bored with my hair.

I don't like my bangs now because they tend to curl but I need them to hide my flaw.

I don't want to cut it because I want my hair long.

Now, it's so long that it has reached the middle of my back.

My hair isn't straight nor is it curly. It's a little of both. It's wavy. Thick and wavy.

The weird thing is, the inner/ under part of my hair is straight but the outer/ top part of my hair is wavy.

If I leave it down, it's messy.

If I put it up, it is bound to get messy.

Do I go for a rebond? (But what if I wanna curl it when I go to parties?)

Do I get a soft curl perm? (Isn't it hard to maintain?)

Sigh.

I pity my hair.

What to do, what to do?

Have you ever seen these ads on TV?






If you have, then join me in congratulating my boyfriend, A, whose team conceptualized these ads. These ads were finalists during the 2004- 2005 Creative Guild Awards. It may not be the ad of the year, which his agency won also by the way, but it is equally an honor to be recognized.

A, I am truly your biggest, proudest fan!


Oh, and I'd like to share also his agency's ad in the souvenir program:



Copy on top: You'd think that after 20 years the competition would let up.
Copy on bottom: Lowe thanks the Creative Guild of The Philippines for the Challenge.


The guy on the right is my A.

A is finally home and I just spent a grrrreeaaattt weekend with him. I was acting like a giddy lovefool all weekend.


SATURDAY

You see, on the day he arrived, last Saturday to be exact, I was already thinking that there was a possibility we might not see each other. Aside from the two hour sleep he had the night before because the production house threw him a despedida party, he endured a gruelling 7 hour flight and I was pretty sure that A would pass out from tiredness the moment he hit his bed. After all, that's what happened when he came back from Indonesia a few months ago. And so, when he got home, I told him to just text me if he was up to go out or just stay at home and get some rest. In the meantime, since I had nothing left to do in the office, I decided to go to Bench Fix in Podium to get a foot spa. Maaaaan! That was a pretty fast foot spa. I barely had time to relax. I was just settling in and before you could even say "Fuschia Sally Hansen Nail Polish," the treatment was over! Bench Fix in Katipunan is soooo much better! Why am I suddenly talking about salons?!

Anyhow, A tells me that he really wants to meet me and we meet the usual way... at the open parking lot near one of our bars. We usually meet halfway and since parking is free, we leave his car and take mine (because it doesn't guzzle up gas-- among other things). So there I am, waiting in the car. Semi- fearing that he fell asleep while resting for awhile. But nope, A didn't disappoint me. He showed up at the parking lot looking so handsome in his polo. He had his brand new Ipod Shuffle, whom the obsessed owner named after his girlfriend-- namely, me, which was a gift from the production company and a box in his hand hidden behind his back (which I could see naman!) We quickly kissed and hugged for a long time, not minding the cars passing by and when I let go, he showed me his pasalubong. It was a red squeeky toy called a "love bag" that from here and it would say "I love you!" or "You're gorgeous!" when you squeezed it. He also bought me a beautiful three layered silver anklet with a tiny bell that jiggled when I walked (and now everybody can tell when I'm coming. I joke around that it makes me sound like a cat!). We left shortly for Powerplant to watch Sin City. We had dinner at Oliver's Sandwiches. I had a Mediterranean Basil Chicken Sandwich on wheat bread and he had an Herbed Garlic and Cheese Baked Potato, which I loved. Poor A was starting to feel sleepy. I reminded him we didn't have to go out but he insisted and he said, "I just had to see you.." Awww! But oh, well, despite the action packed film and wanting soooo bad to see the film, A still fell asleep. There's always the dvd anyway.

When we got back to the parking lot where we left A's car, A wanted to rest some more so we just stayed in the car, talked some more and watched the cars pass by on the main road. I think we were there for an hour before we headed home separately.


SUNDAY

While my entire family went to another Uncle's house for lunch, I stayed at home and slept the day away. After hearing mass, I met A at my house and we tried out a new restaurant- The Old Spaghetti House. The place was packed and yet cozy (or maybe the corner where we sat was cozy). I had Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken and Honey Mustard Dressing for starters and Eggplant Parmigiana with Penne Napolitan for the main course while A had French Onion Soup to begin with and Seafood Marinara for the main course. (I love mentioning the food we ate in my blog!) Our food sounded expensive but believe me, it wasn't at all! I think we spent P500 plus between us. We just hung out awhile after dinner and did more catching up since A was tired the night before. He was suppose to show me the pictures he took using my camera but it ran out of battery before we even started scanning the pics. A suddenly remembers why he wasn't able to take pictures the last two days he was in Malaysia-- he ran out of battery and forgot to charge them! We returned home after a few hours and watched Return Of The Jedi. And at last, I have finally seen 3 great classics of our time (or so they say!) After the movie, even if it was 3am already, he didn't leave. We hung out outside listening to his music selection in Cat, his Ipod Shuffle. He air- guitared to some, giving me a peek of the rocker boy that he was in high school and I thought he looked adorable. (Babe, are you red with embarrassment now?)

MONDAY

As usual, our day started out late. We met at my house at around sunset and headed to Eastwood to watch Mr. and Mrs. Smith. We had dinner at Teriyaki Boy, watched the movie, then headed home to watch A Very Long Engagement, a French film which we missed out while it was still screening because of our busy schedules. But to my disappointment, the DVD just wouldn't play and kept stopping at the same spot. Grrr! Another dvd to return! We ended up watching the second to the last disc of the 10th season of Friends. I'm thisclose to seeing the Series Finale!


And well, that was it! That was my weekend with A. It's pretty much like any weekend we had but the difference is, it was the little moments that we showed each other how much we missed one another that made the weekend so beautiful, so wonderful, so special. I can't say that you could tell by the number of times we kissed or hugged. But you could tell by the way we were with each other. A kept biting my arm, gently of course but I'd still say "Ow!" and look hurt (it did naman talaga eh). Or the way I would tease him and joke around and be all giddy inside. Or that moment while watching Star Wars 6, I just blurted "Babe, you know? I'm really happy and content right now" while lying in his arms on the couch. I am glad that inspite of being together for 2 years and 6 months, I can still feel the kilig, the giddiness, I felt back when we just got together. You think that after 2 years and 6 months, you'd act like an old married couple already, which we are guilty of sometimes.

So, A, if you're reading this, thank you... for coming home safely, for the time spent together, for the wonderful weekend. I already thanked you enough yet I'm doing it again.

And let me just say that I'm sorry... because my period is due soon and well, we both know what that means. ;p Hehehe! I know, I hate PMS-ing too!

Dear A,

I just had my first weekend without you this year. Right now, you're probably asleep already on your hotel bed, or you're probably shooting a scene at the airport for a deodorant brand, or just maybe, you're checking out the Malaysian night life. 11 days, you will be away but I am not worried because I know the days will just breeze by as we will both be busy for work. I worry, however, about the weekends because as you know, my Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are for you. I know it will be in these days I would miss you the most.

I decided to take the opportunity to fill my schedule with things I haven't done in awhile. See Glady and Jeane, my high school bestfriends. Go on a shopping spree with Cel andRizzie, and hopefully, hang out by having dinner and dessert after. Unfortunately, only one plan fell through and so this is how my weekend went...

Last Friday, I was thinking of having dinner and dessert with Jeane and Glady but that didn't push through. I thought of hanging out in our Ortigas branch with my officemates- Seph, the graphic designer, the accountants and Roby the HR assistant. In the end, only Seph and I could go because every one else was so busy. We eventually lost the mood to hang out but then, I thought about going to Megamall to go shopping but the traffic was just horrendous. It was actually frustrating because I didn't know what I wanted or not wanted to do. In the end, I decided to go to the bar and talk to my uncle. You see, the past few days, gossip has been going around the office. Roby, the HR assistant couldn't take anymore her boss's attitude. Her boss can get quite moody and when she's in a bad mood, she shouts at Roby over the littlest of things. Roby said that even though she loves her work and there is no pressure at all, she can't take her boss's attitude and wants to resign. I felt sorry for Roby because I know she is an efficient and hard worker and I knew I can't let her just go without doing anything. If something was wrong, it had to be righted. And so, I went to talk to my uncle, who is also our boss, to tell him what's been going around the office. I told him that I'm not telling him this to destroy our HR manager's reputation but because I am concerned and so that he knows what's going on in the office when he's not around. Uncle is in the process of finding out the problem and working out a solution. To this day, Roby doesn't know that I told Uncle. After talking to him, I went home and watched videos on my laptop.

On Saturday, I met up with Cel at Net One, where her boyfriend TJ's office is, in The Fort at 2:15 pm, an hour and 15 mins after our meeting time. We headed to Market Market to do some shopping. I bought two pastel colored tube tops to go with my long sleeved knit baby pink bolero, 2 magic wallets, and a light blue halter which I call my "Marissa" top in honor of Mischa Barton's character Marissa Cooper in The OC because it is a top that she would wear. Cel and I also bought a pair of sequined ballet shoes as a gift to Cristy. After shopping, Cel accompanied me at the food court where I ordered barbecue from Inengs. Remember that stall where the barbecue was just sooo good?! Shortly, after eating and catching up, we left. I dropped off Cel at Mcdonald's where her friend picked her up as they had to prepare for a party. I, on the otherhand, drove to the office to prepare the checks-- you know, my weekend ritual. I decided that since I'm near anyway and the day was meant for shopping, I'd go to Megamall.

In Megamall, I bought 2 mini skirts, 5 new pairs of underwear and black high heeled shoes for the office. I spent an awfully lot of time looking for black high heeled shoes that I liked but to no avail. All of them had straps around the ankle. In the end, I decided to buy a pair in the department store and just cut off the straps by the ankle. As I was fitting the shoes, I stepped on the straps and explained to the saleslady that I was planning to cut them off anyway and then she said, "Mas maganda nga siya (na walang straps)! (They look prettier (without the straps)!"

After shopping, I went to the bar in Ortigas to eat dinner. The HR manager was there and she accompanied me while I ate and we talked about work. I feel bad that we talk about her because she is also my friend. I did think about talking to her about her attitude towards her assistant but I felt it wasn't my place to do so. Plus, the last time someone confronted her, she took it out on her assistant! It was better that my uncle handle the situation because I knew he would do a different approach. After dinner, I went home and immersed myself in more videos. I could have stayed on but I had a family luncheon the next day.

Ah, Sunday. I woke up at around 10:15am and rushed to the shower. Camille, who woke up like 2 minutes earlier, found out that my dad and brothers were in the car already! I thought we were leaving at around 11:00 am but it was earlier than I expected. We made the semi- long drive to my uncle's house in Alabang and I was excited to eat! His household help cooked Nilagang Baka and Inihaw na Liempo. My uncle bought crabs and oysters from Seaside and I think he had it cooked there. The oysters were soaked in vinegar and spices. He also had Oriental Prawns from the bar (actually, he bought prawns from Seaside, had it cooked at home and the special garlic mayo with parsley sauce was made in the commissary). He also bought Mechadong Pusit from Rosie's, a resto that my lolo, uncles and dad patronize ever since. There was eggplant salad and green mango salad! For dessert, they bought Dulce De Leche from Conti's. Lunch was soooo good that I wanted to eat even if I was full already.

After lunch, I played with my little cousin, Sophia, who is just the most adorable little two year old girl. I was surprised that she warmed up to me faster than usual. She's usually shy and sometimes I have to bribe her with a glass of Coke. Nobody would think we're cousins because she's so mestiza, thanks to her mom's half German blood and my Uncle Fritz's mestizo looks. We chased after my Uncle's seven month old poodle, Brent, and my Aunt Eileen's two month old Golden Retriever Elektra, who is much bigger than the poodle by the way. I got tired carrying Sophia while chasing the dogs. My favorite moment was when we were in the TV room and I had to go out and Sophia chased after me and grabbed my hand and said, "Stay here." Awww...

I eventually fell asleep on their couch but woke up when we were going to view pictures from their recent US trip on their TV. At around 5PM, we headed home because we still had to go to church. While hearing mass, it rained so hard. People standing outside rushed inside and even after the mass was finished, nobody left. It was that strong. Despite the strong rains, Dad ran to the car and picked us up at the entrance. We ran to the car. Camille was first and I just knew she would step into a huge puddle that's why I didn't stay close behind her. I kept laughing and laughing because her hot pink Chuck Taylors were drenched! After mass, we made a quick trip to Mercury Drug. I stayed in the car to make calls and text people as we had an event that night at our Ortigas branch. It was the culminating party of the Asian 9 Ball Tournament.

When I got home, I got dressed, had dinner and made a mad dash to the bar. The band was already there but not a single soul from San Miguel were there yet. Considering that it was a Sunday, only a few tables were occupied. Lito, the VP Logistics, Tito Henry, the VP Food and Beverage, Froilan, the manager and I, plus the band were hanging out. Some of our regular guests were there with us: Chito, Louie, Chloe and Bally.

People started pouring in at 11pm and that's when the event started. Apparently, they came from the championships at Galleria which explained why they looked so tired and not in the mood to party. The only people partying were us! We were dancing to 80's music. 80's music, could you believe?! We were kidding around and partying like it was a Friday night and not a Sunday night. It was as if we didn't have work the next day! Oh, I meant that day since it was past midnight already. I went home at 2am while the rest stayed on.

And that's my first weekend without you. See? I was a good girl! =p

Now when you come home, promise me that we'll catch up on the latest movies? We have yet to see Sin City, A Lot Like Love, Coach Carter, Mr and Mrs Smith and A Very Long Engagement on DVD.

Come home safe and sound. Hopefully, you're not tired from your travel.

I miss you!



Love,



Your Baby

I had a bizaare way of starting my day and every time I remember what happened this afternoon (yes, I start my days in the afternoon), I can't help but smile or laugh.

You see, when I rode my car this afternoon to go to work, I was wondering why there were so many ants. A few days ago, there were several black ants crawling on the passenger side's door but the next day, they were gone. Today, there were few tiny red ants (but not as big as black ants). I began wondering when was the last time I had food in my car and I remember it was around early May, when I brought Starbucks coffee to A's office to surprise him while he was pulling an all nighter with his team. I knew it couldn't be food. But why did the ants have a home in my car? And where were they coming from???

Our household help, who was helping me bring my things to the car, noticed that they were coming from the driver's side's door so I pulled the door wide open to take a peek at the hinges. True enough, ants were crawling up and down the side of the door. If you notice, there are empty, open spaces above and below the hinges of car door and the bottom space was packed with what seemed like dirt. I called the driver and asked him to get a stick so we can dig out the dirt.

But it wasn't dirt. It was actually dried up Ipil leaves, which are as small as a grain of rice, from our Ipil tree which I park my car close to. Apparently, the leaves fell into the water drainage by the wipers and didnt exactly drain out. So there we were, flushing out the dried leaves.

And then, something caught my eye. At the open space above the hinges, there was something dangling inside. My goodness! It was a plant! Yes! THERE'S A PLANT IN MY CAR!!! In my fender, to be exact! And no, it wasn't dangling, as I originally thought. It had grown already. So we kept flushing it out and eventually, it did. It was about 4 inches long but the stem was thinner than a toothpick and there were 2 yellow leaves on it.

According to the driver, Ipil leaves, when dried out, becomes like soil. A seed probably fell into the water drainage, imbedding itself in the dried up Ipil leaves and well, it eventually grew. But the odd thing is, how did it manage to grow without sunlight??? People have joked that a dwende or dwarf lives in my car.

Imagine if we didn't know about the plant. I might end up driving around Manila with a tree in my car!

Warning: Readers living in the Philippines might not be able to relate to this.

I hardly watch tv. Ask me the latest noon time show and I don't know jack. Ask me what time and what date does your favorite tv show air and I don't know jack. Ask me what's my latest favorite commercial and well, you get the drill. But surprisingly, thanks to Limewire, I am more advance when it comes to US shows being shown here in the Philippines.

Because of Limewire, I have completed and watched the latest seasons of:

Desperate Housewives
The O.C. (Season 2)
Veronica Mars
Joey (The Friends Spin-off)

These shows have only begun airing and while the rest of the viewers are talking about the latest storyline in the show, I already know the ending of the series. Of course, I can't spoil the fun for everyone so the only people I talk to about the shows are my sisters. And I tell yah, the season finales are just killing me!!! I'm practically hanging by a thread because of the suspense. It'll be 3 to 5 months before the next season starts!!! Waaaaah!

Desperate Housewives has many plots, twists and secrets (aka dirty laundry) that somewhere along the way, you can't help but guess what is everyone's dirty laundry and so you're glued to the tv because you wanna know what happens next. Oh, just trust me, people! Watch this show and see why it is a phenomenon in the US! Oh, and the season finale will just make you bawl. I couldn't believe what happened!!! And apparently, many viewers and fans in the US couldn't believe it too! You wouldn't believe the theories that people come up in the message boards.

The OC. Ahhh, need I say more? The last two episodes made me cry too. When God closes a door, He opens a window. And He opened a window, indeed. I may not like how "He" closed the door, but it was necessary for the window to be opened. Hahahaha!!! I am being vague here. Sorry, I didn't want to ruin in for The OC fans who have yet to know what happened.

Veronica Mars is like a sarcastic Nancy Drew/ CSI for teenagers. This show had low ratings in the US and was even on the verge of being cancelled. But thanks to Eonline's Save One Show poll, where people can vote for ONLY ONE show that can be renewed for next season, Veronica Mars got a chance- by a landslide! Apparently, the show has got a sort of cult following going on. Find out why it is so good!

Joey is a spin off from the hit tv show, Friends. It follows the life of Joey Tribbiani as he moves to LA to broaden his horizons as, what else, an actor. At the same time, he will be living with his sexy and hot thirty- something sister, Gina, who is practically the female version of Joey, and her 20 year old rocket scientist of a son. You can imagine the combination and the comedy already. Joey can definitely be funny but sadly, not as hilarious as Friends.

Argh! I'm dying to know what happens to all shows next season! And by next season, I mean 3 to 5 months from now!!! Breathe, Cat, breathe! Patience is a virtue. Patience is a must!!!