~My Year-End Report...Sort of~

This blog needs to be updated but I do not feel like writing. Here are photos to fill you in, instead:

*Playing Santa*

I gave my sister a set of makeup brush which she can use to make herself more glamorous. I also gave her an identical toy which my niece, Maxine, really likes.  I bought my ever-so-loving mother cooking pots and pans to encourage her to prepare more home-cooked meals--I'm kidding. I was happy to see their reactions; It was indeed priceless. 

This was the gift I bought for myself. It took me hours to assemble it but my hard work paid off. I realized not only I can build things, I also have the patience to read and follow instruction manuals. 

not just any drawing table, that's MY drawing table

*Work hard, play hard*

I was really excited to see Memphis on broadway last year. I remembered how heavy the rain was pouring, my shoes were soaked and my feet were cold. I had to buy a new pair of cheap, ugly shoes so my feet wouldn't make funny noises whenever I walk. 

My sister and I were looking forward to see "My Week with Marilyn" so we drove almost an hour to find a theater that was screening the movie. I thought the film was chic and Michelle Williams was stunning. I think she was moving in slow motion the entire movie. 

Twenty eleven (2011) was a busy year and I don't see why 2012 would be any different. I am continuously making an effort to keep my social life going; However, I find myself enjoying and relaxing more in remote and quiet places. I guess I'm getting older. And because life gets shorter as you get older, I try to stuff myself with healthy and junk food on my free days.  

i bet misery loves the company of good food

*Favorite Things*

This is nothing like Oprah's favorites but I do get giddy with inks, pens, paper and books. Most people I know would shop for bags, clothes and shoes; But sad to say, I'm never going to be like most people. 

my cheap thrills

Anyway, I hope everyone had an amazing year; If not, I wish 2012 will be more kind and gentle. God speed! :)

~peace+love~

~Nippy November~

I could be catwoman. meow!

The year is almost over, I am still getting the drift of balancing work and life (and everything else that goes with it). I've found a better way to channel my frustrations–I play video games. A few weeks ago, I started playing the new "Batman: Arkham City" and I must say, I kick ass in this game. Although this game could be totally addicting, I've managed to resist the urge of staying up all night. Hooray to me!

Last week was..uhm..interesting. I went to Chicago and watched the broadway musical, Rock of Ages, at the Ford Oriental Theater. The show was full of energy and the crowd was on fire. The audience was laughing and singing-along to their favorite Journey or Whitesnake songs. The actors were all great and I am very pleased with their performance. The standing ovation was indeed well-deserved. Although I missed the train by ten minutes; waited two hours for the next train; and got a speeding ticket, it was totally worth all the fuzz. I was smiling when I got home, no need to beat up some virtual bad guys in Arkham City. 

 

Another reason to keep me smiling today is when I saw the Empire Magazine:The Harry Potter Tribute arrived in the mail. I pre-ordered the magazine a couple of months ago. With no way of tracking the order, I was already convinced my money was gone and the magazine will never be delivered. When it came today, I couldn't help myself but utter a shrill and maybe danced a little bit. Today was like Christmas morning minus the snow–awesome!

The Perfect Farewell

Hope everyone's having an exciting November so far. Keep warm y'all, winter is just around the corner. 

✌+♥ 

~The Halloween Hounds~

After visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden last Saturday to watch "The Spooky Pooch Parade," I am very much convinced that Halloween is more for children and dogs. Probably, 'coz kids and pooches dressed up as a superhero or any character will always look cute and adorable. If you want to see what I'm talking about, click the photo caption below. 

the rasta man and his special plant

I look forward to the "Spooky Pooch Parade" next year. Hopefully, our two dogs will be able to join the fun. Guys, we have a year to work on your social skills. Other than that, I still think our dogs will look super adorable and irresistible. 

need I say more?

✌ + ♥

~All We Need is Love...and A Daytime Job~

Love could be standing right in front of you.

Today, I was out enjoying the warm ray of sunshine and the cool breeze of Autumn. I can't even remember the last time I sat in a coffee shop listening to the Beatles while reading a good book--my idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon. 

In reality, I am still playing catch up with my life. I guess when you find a regular job, you lose track of things, of people...and it's sad. I am not complaining; In fact, I am thankful. Working in the hospital for more than three months has involuntarily helped me shed a few pounds. I have also experienced mini panic attacks, which reminds me to always carry a brown paper bag in my purse. 

Yes, it is emotionally draining and I'm not even sure if it is worth every penny I earn. I just want to thank my mother, my sister and my friends for being so patient, so understanding and for always making yourselves available. You are all awesome and thank you for making life more bearable. ☺

✌ + ♥

~The Future Had Your Cake And Ate It Too~

Hey Dad!

I was looking for a "Calvin and Hobbes" comic strip dated on the 25th of May and found this published in 1988:

It reminded me of you and how your eyes would quickly enlarge whenever my sister and I upset you. I wonder if you liked reading "Calvin and Hobbes" too or if you ever noticed the comic strip while browsing through the morning paper? You are the reason why I like to read: you never tire of reminding us how watching too much television could result to lack of imagination--thank you. 

By the way, mom mentioned your favorite actor was John Travolta. I wonder if you'd still watch his movies even if he doesn't dance in them like he used to in Saturday Night Fever.

I wonder if you'd take us again grocery shopping and spend hours meticulously going through each aisle because you don't carry a grocery list like mom does. 

I wonder if you're done traveling the world at age 54 and where would you like to take us for a trip. I hope you don't freak out like mom when we walk around an unfamiliar street and realize we are going around in circles for almost an hour. 

I wonder if you'd still ride your red bicycle early in the morning; Maybe you would want to teach mom and sister first so we can go biking together. 

It would have been fun. 

hope you like cheeseburger

Happy Birthday! You'll always be the best dad. Thank you very much. 

✌ + ♥

~Love Many, Trust Few~

...and paddle your own canoe.

One adage, a patient told me, that actually stuck out. I had to learn the meaning of this the hard way but to the people who never disappeared, never stopped believing, never felt tired, I will forever be grateful--know that at your darkest, I (too) will be around.

I've made it! After countless of application letters sent that resulted to only few gruesome interviews, I've managed to land a job that would set off my career. I will be starting this June and I can't wait.

the never-ending job search

In the midst of job hunting, I never forgot how to have fun even if it means I have to do most "fun" things alone. The long drives to a favorite art supply shop never felt tedious. I could roam around the store all day and feel giddy like a kid choosing her first box of crayons. The two-hour train rides to the city never felt dull when I think of the broadway show I came to see. Occasionally, friends come over and I am always psyched when they visit.

Lucky me! I got a toy and I won a shirt on Blick's 100th year event.

I saw two broadway shows in Chicago last weekend.

Everywhere I go, I make sure there's a camera in my bag.

My friend Noy who makes sure I am always full.

Four years of living away from home, I've learned and endured a lot. They say friends come and go; That's sad but we have to let go and just thank god for ones who continue to stay.

✌ + ♥

~Semana Santa~

Last weekend was Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of semana santa or holy week. I have to admit, I do not attend mass every Sunday—which my mum finds unreasonable and disappointing—like any devout Catholic would. Celebrating Holy Week, however, is something I take seriously...like Christmas (hehe). Last Sunday, I woke up eleven in the morning and I was panicking: an hour is never enough to look spic-and-span. I immediately jumped out of bed, took a quick shower, got dressed, and blow-dried my hair. I was ready for the mass at noon but my mother and sister were not. They were in their rooms still sleeping—great. They opted to attend the 5:30pm service only they forgot to inform me. I was upset but it was nothing a bag of Chips Ahoy! white chocolate fudge chunky couldn't fix. 

While I was munching my cookies, I was also chewing over the things I was willing to sacrifice this week—afterall, that is what Lent is about. At first, I thought of giving up the internet but that would be suicide. After the mass, I was partially determined to give up meat for a week. On our way home, the sister said she wanted to eat pork ribs at T.G.I Fridays; I knew then I had to postpone my meatless plan one more day. Monday came, I was adamant that I'd be eating instant noodles and canned tuna till Saturday. I later found out the mother was cooking her irresistible, mouthwatering turkey meatballs. I am doomed; I guess I am too carnivorous to survive a week with no meat so I compromised: no pork and beef; no fastfood; and no soda. Now, that sounded feasible.

I really miss how we celebrate semana santa back in the Philippines, though. It is remarkable how Filipinos still perform the traditional sinakulo (passion plays) and reenact the salubong (easter vigil). When I was little, I remember how excited I was attending the performances with family. I think I enjoyed watching them more than the idea of running around scouring for chocolate eggs and candies.

It really doesn't matter where we are now or how we commemorate; what's important is for us not to forget Lent is about sacrifice, simplicity, and spiritual (Spring) cleaning. I wish everyone a peaceful week. Happy Easter!

✌ + ♥

~ A Series of [Un]Fortunate Events ~

I've always wanted to own the complete book series of Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" but I wasn't willing to pay the full price at any bookstores. Since I don't mind buying slightly used books, I shop at Amazon hoping for a better deal. I found a seller who carries the first three books in an attractive box set. I was thrilled with my purchase; but when the books arrived, I found out they never came in a collectible box set. I was even more disappointed because they sent me books 4 to 6 instead of 1 to 3. I immediately contacted the seller and reported the oversight. They responded quickly and apologized for the confusion. I wanted my money back but they offered to send me the first three books and said I could keep books 4, 5 and 6. It was a sweet deal, I felt lucky. It's funny how I enjoy reading more young adult books at my not-so-young age. I guess it helps me escape from the poignant reality we live in. It also keeps me believing in magic and happy endings. 

the first six books

One of the things that scare me living in the "adult" world is job interviews. I just had one last week at a hospital downtown and I could not believe how much effort I put into one of these events. I thank Catbert, who was eager to prepare me a list of possible questions to be asked during the interview. The day before the "big" day, I stopped at JC Penny in McHenry to shop for a business suit. I could almost barf at how expensive the suits were; after an hour and a half of rummaging the store, I found a chic black blazer and dress pants that was (I think) 75 percent off. Feeling lucky that day, I dished out some extra cash on make up at Sephora. I never liked putting on lipsticks because of how uneasy they make my lips feel but I fell in love with NARS' new velvet matte lip pencils when I saw them. I was a little discouraged because a nasty saleslady refused to show me the other colors available; instead, she offered me to look at the colors online in her shabby computer monitor. I bought the lip pencil anyway but I will never be anywhere near JC Penny's Sephora in McHenry. The perfume sample couldn't simply make up for the rudeness you've shown me--thank you very much. 

goods from sephora and black blazer by MNG

Interview day came, I planned to leave the house two hours before the scheduled meeting so I wouldn't have to rush. I almost didn't make it because Monday traffic was so terrible in Chicago. I panicked when I found out I forgot my little makeup bag where I placed my new lip pencil. Looking for a spot to park was almost close to impossible. When I walked inside the building, my mind was very disorganized and so was my hair. I wanted to leave before the interview even started. I was able to get through the day; I am just thankful it was over. 

post interview sentiment

The past two weeks were hectic but I am ecstatic to spend my three days off doing nothing...

or I could eat a big pizza.

✌ + ♥

~The 30-Day Drawing Challenge~

Eight months ago, I dared myself to draw thirty illustrations in thirty days. I thought it would be a marvelous idea to post something original on my tumblr page. It was an opportunity for me to get back to drawing, which is something I really enjoy. Although it took me a long time to finish the 30 doodles, I was overjoyed when I completed the task. 


Better late than never. Here's a compilation:


1. Myself : This was me last year, busy baby sitting my niece. Coffee helped me a lot. 

2. Favorite Animal : Hippopotamus fascinates me. 

3. Favorite Food : Spaghetti and Meatball always hits the spot. 

4. Favorite Place : The couch where I (also) sleep in is cozy and inviting. 

5. Best Friend : He lives thousands of miles away but I always keep him close to my heart. Hey Mont! 

6. Favorite Book : I started reading the Harry Potter Series since high school. Whenever I read the books again, I still feel the magic in every page. 

7. Favorite Movie : I watch RENT when I feel sad. I remember I saw this on broadway and I wept. The music is so motivating, it reminds all to celebrate life. 

8. Favorite Animated Character : I used to watch "Avatar: The Last Air Bender" with my niece who throws a tantrum every afternoon. It made her calm and quiet, it kept me sane. 

9. Favorite TV Show : Glee is something light and fun to watch. I like shows I can sing along with.

10. Favorite Candy : I like sour candies and Cry Baby is a tearjerker. 

11. Turning Point In Your Life : Living in another country with no friends--that was difficult.

12. Most Recent Accomplishment : Last year, I bought a fixed gear bicycle. I ride my bike to save gas. I'm going green.

13. Comic : I love Calvin and Hobbes. Most life lessons I know, I learned from this cartoon series. 

14. Favorite Fairytale : Beauty and the Beast taught me love is blind. (teehee)

15. Family Picture : Dogs are family too. 

16. Inspiration : Gustav Klimt, my favorite artist.

17. Favorite Plant : Lilies are simply beautiful.

18. Just A Doodle : Trees are my favorite subjects to doodle. This is my first time doodling on an ipad using the SketchPro app. I like sketching on paper better. 

19. Something New : I bought a Mario toy forty percent off its original price.

20. Something Orange : I still do not know what kind of orange flower this is but it looks pretty.

21. Something I Want : I want an LC-A+ camera, please.

22. Something I Miss : I miss spending time with my nieces. My sister's older daughter likes to draw too. 

23. Something I Need : A new source of income.

24. A Couple : Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger look cute together. (awww...)

25. Scenery : The narrow streets of San Juan in Puerto Rico. 

26. Something I Don't Like : Winter seems like forever. 

27. Someone I Love : Who doesn't love cats? 

28. Anything I'd Like : Can somebody please send me some hugs? 

29. A Place I Want To Go : Someday, I will go to Paris and fall in love. ♥

30. A Congrats Banner For Finishing The Challenging : I should have put more effort making my congrats banner but I really wanted to post the last drawing asap.

~fin~

✌ + ♥