Like it? As you can see, this is my "magulong tabulas layout na gumagalaw," hehe. October na kasi kaya I decided to change my template again. Not sure until when this one will be up though. Maybe a week or just a few hours. Fickle mind.

Anyway, the coughing and sneezing have subsided but now it's my tummy that's acting up. I feel like throwing up after eating.

Jiezyl, our friend who's based in Guam but will soon relocate to Italy, is in town for two weeks and we're all so excited to meet her! Planning one special coffee night with her, probably early next week.

Twilight crazy forever! haha! I don't want to pressure myself, but in a month or so, the movie will be released here so I better read, read, read more so I could finish it in time.

What else? Oh I went to Boracay with Paul, Anj, Ramil and tree of Paul's officemates last week and we had a blast! Except for us failing to catch our flight back to Manila, which caused us a few thousand bucks, it has been a wonderful trip. The sun didn't shine its best, but we still had fun. I took Holly and the still nameless and genderless Vivitar PN2011 with me but I was able to use only one roll for each. I hope those few shots that I took turn out okay.

Snorkeling would have been more fun for me if I were not so afraid of the sea. Even with Paul around and a freaking life vest on I still panicked and worried that the undercurrent would take me. Loser.

Oh look at the time. It's already past five. I can't wait to get home! Later everyone.

I did throw up this afternoon before boarding the FX (naks, talagang "boarding." Parang airplane!). Hey, straighten those faces and quit saying "eew" because I did it in the wash room. I thought I'd faint. Wala pa naman si Paul. He went to visit his sick uncle. 

I'm feeling better now.

When I was in kindergarten and just starting to learn how to write my full name and read it, I wondered why I was called differently. I would ask, is this really my name? How come nobody calls me by it? For your information, my full name is actually Virginia Mae. My dad named me after her grandmother's sister Virginia. My mom insisted on adding Mae so it wouldn't sound to old. Now I don't think that plan worked. Thank God my maternal grandfather thought of nicknaming me Ivee. I have no idea where he got that, but I'm just so relieved that I didn't have to suffer being called Virgie.

Anyway, since my parents have not been creative-enough to think of a nicer name for me, as early as now I am already thinking of names to give my future children, especially the girls. Heps. No immediate marriage and/or baby plans. Just wanna ponder on names.

Let's do baby girl names first, shall we?

I really like the name Amelie. It's of French origin and it means “hard working,” which is what I hope my future kid would be. And of course I love Audrey Tautou's character!

Speaking of Audrey, it is already given that I would name one of my future children after Audrey Hepburn characters. I think Eliza Gabrielle is pretty, as in Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady) and Gabrielle Simpson (Paris When it Sizzles). Holly is another option, of course.

On to baby boy names.

Actually, I still haven't thought of any, which is weird because I want my firstborn to be a boy.

Oh well, will update on this later.

What's your name's history?

I need one soon, don't you think?

Cheese Muffin & Cappuccino from Figaro

I'm going to make this one quick.

Finally finished reading Twilight (clap, clap!).

Had breakfast.

Went online.

Dressed up.

Had lunch with Kel and Anj at Recipes in Greenbelt.

Hit Powerbooks with Anj to look for travel books on Cambodia. They didn't have any.

Had coffee with Anj, Ramil and Candice at Figaro.

Checked out the new Apple iPod Nano at the Power Mac Center. I wasn't impressed.

Heard Mass.

Headed home.

Uploaded the Boracay photos from Anj on Multiply and Friendster (for contacts only).

And now I'm blogging away.

But pretty soon I'll be dozing off.

So I'm going to end this now.

I wish you all a happy and productive work week ahead.

*Paul had to look after his sick uncle so I did all these by myself and I deserve another round of applause for that!

Happy 7th!

One month to go before we turn 6.

You are sorely missed by everyone, believe it or not. We did not mean to disappoint you and you have no idea how worried we are that you might never speak to us again...

"Where you are is the right place for me...You're the very best part of my life"

-Bella

I'd like to say the exact same thing to Paul.  Take me anywhere and I would instantly feel at ease, as long as he is with me. He is the very best part of my life.

Oops. I'm getting a little carried away here. It's a bit too early to go on a mush fest. Our sixth anniversary is still a month away.

Speaking of Paul, he was rushed to MMC this afternoon because of allergy attack. His whole face was swollen he looked like a different person! Poor Paul. We had to take the afternoon off (yes, including me. Who else would take him home?) so he could rest. He's feeling better now, thank God. But he really got me worried.

Ouch!

I hate being in the hospital. I can't stand needles and sick people, which is why it never crossed my mind to take up a medical course. Blood is a little more tolerable, but all the stitching and ripping? Ugh!

Anyway, I spent the rest of the afternoon reading New Moon and getting some extra Zzzs. No amount of sleep seems to be enough for me though, so I'm going to hit the sack early tonight. Then again, I might just end up reading New Moon. Oh well, it's quickly turning into another obsession.

For the past few days I have been in high spirits, always happy and feeling extra special no matter how mundane things were. But this morning I woke up wishing it was still night and hoping that for whatever reason work would be suspended. I guess this is what you call the New Moon effect. I am already past the most depressing part of the book (I hope) where Edward left Bella in the woods with a promise never to return. I was a bit surprised that I didn't cry while reading that part, but just imagining myself in Bella's shoes made my heart skip a beat. Feeling talaga eh noh?

And then, thanks to the gloomy weather I now have absolutely no reason to smile. Paul stayed home because he's still not feeling that well, which means I will be going home by my lonesome later today. I hate commuting alone. Though I am not an accident magnet like Bella, I can still be clumsy and trip on my own feet. I need someone to cling to during those Betty La Fea moments that I never know when would happen.

The rain has stopped now but my mood hasn't changed. Better deal with this.

I hope the book does get better and bring me back to my happy mode.

My current desktop wallpaper in the office

Bella and Edward goofing around

Of course this is just a still from the making of the Twilight movie. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are perfect for the roles.

(photo first posted here.)

Paul almost lost his cellphone yesterday. He left it in the van that we rode in on our way home. Fortunately a kind soul found it and gave it back to him when he went looking for it. Meron parin palang mga tapat na tao sa mundo at sinuswerte talaga itong si Paul. That's the nth time that he almost lost his phone. When he had allergy attack and I had to take him home it fell off his pocket and into the back sit of the cab. Buti nalang nakuha ko. Tsk.

It's another rainy day. Wish I could have stayed home to finish reading New Moon, but I have deadlines to beat here in the office. Which reminds me that I should now be getting started on those articles.

Catch you later.

P.s. I might pass on that movie invite (Tropic Thunder) from Anj and Ramil. Don't want to get soaked in this kind of weather. Robert Downey, Jr. will have to wait one more day.

Check your Multiply account's viewing details. He might be viewing you too (under various usernames, which, when you check, have already been deleted).

And he has a blog: http://pablobanila.com

Sorry Clarise. My obsession with the vampires is unstoppable, haha!

Moving on, I missed the new Twilight movie trailer when it was first shown on 2nd Avenue last Friday. Despite Cleo's reminder I still managed to forget all about it, thanks to my eagerness to finish New Moon, which I also failed to do that night.

However, the next morning I chanced upon the rerun of Entertainment Tonight and was able to see the new trailer after all (clap, clap). It was pure instinct that led me to it. I have been reading all day and only stopped to do some house chores. I was helping my mom fold the laundry when I suddenly had the urge to turn the TV on. I went channel surfing as soon as I heard Willie Revillame's "Igiling-giling" song and saw that Eat Bulaga was not yet on. ET was just starting and it was then that I remembered about the trailer. They showed it before the first gap, I think, and I dropped what I was doing so I could really focus on the kissing scene, haha!

I did a couple more chores before I went back to reading the ebook. Paul came later and that was another distraction I didn't mind. By 11:30 p.m. I was on the last few pages of New Moon and when the clock stroke 12, I was about to start with Eclipse. Now I just finished downloading the Breaking Dawn ebook.

Did you also miss the trailer? Well, it's probably all over the Net by now. But here, might as well share it:

"Do you really have any idea how important you are to me? Any concept at all of how much I love you?"

I guess not, even if you keep telling me that you do. But I won't blame it on you. I haven't been good at what I'm doing. I haven't really put much effort to it and I never realized how much more I should be giving...until now.

I hope it's not too late to give you what you truly deserve.

You treat me like I'm a princess
I'm not used to liking that
You ask how my day was

Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole
You're so much braver than I gave you credit for

You are the bearer of unconditional things
You held your breath and the door for me
Thanks for your patience

You're the best listener that I've ever met
You're my best friend

I've never felt this healthy before
I've never wanted something rational
I am aware now

Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it
It's all your fault

...yeah. This one I'm blaming on YOU. It's your fault that I've fallen head over feet.

My seat mate wouldn't stop singing Forget About Me (by Lilttle Bit). No doubt it's her current favorite. When she arrived at the office she was singing so loudly that my other officemates and I started giggling. She had her earphones on. It got even louder when she finally settled in her seat opposite mine.

I really don't mind especially since she actually has a good singing voice. Nakakatawa lang talaga. Feel na feel eh. She reminds me of my roommate in college. One quiet afternoon while we were having our siesta she suddenly started singing Noel Cabangon's Kanlungan (Pana-panahon) out loud while lying in her bed. My other roommates found it weird so they investigated a bit and found out that she had earphone on, listening to the FM radio ('di pa yata uso mp3 players nito, yung mga mumurahing FM receivers palang).

I bet you also encounter people like these in the FX, bus, jeep, MRT or LRT. People who seem to be locked up in their own little world with the soundtrack of their lives playing in their ears. Pretty soon car stereos in public transports will be a thing of the past as the commuters will all be equipped with their own sound machines.

Ah, music is love and singing is definitely the best way to express it. Not for me though. As you know, I can't sing to save my life.

But I keep the music playing. It's what's keeping me sane.

It's a relief to know that there will always be someone who's got your back no matter what happens. Someone who will stand by you and stand up for you during the most trying times.

To some this person is their hero, their protector who shields them from both physical and emotional hurt. To others, this person is simply their soulmate, the one who understands their craziest tendencies without doubting their sanity. Still to some this person is the love of their lives, their significant other who makes their lives complete.

I am proud to say that I have found mine. Back when I was still fragile and a lot clumsier than I am today, this person came into my life to be my hero and protector. He is my soulmate and definitely the love of my life...

photo courtesy of Amy Howe Photography

"Dream happy dreams. You are the only one who has ever touched my heart. It will always be yours. Sleep, my only love."

Why do I keep doing things that cause me agony?

Is it really that hard to quit?

Isn't it supposed to be easy considering that what I do is plain torture?

I guess I'd rather feel the anguish than be totally clueless.

(this entry does not concern my lovelife)

Because Jacob has fleas...

...and the hottest bloodsucker has a shiny Volvo!

photo courtesy of Amy Howe Photography

There's no point to forever without you. I wouldn't want one day without you.

Clutter...

...and chaos.

Will post after photos when I finally find the time and inspiration to fix this huge mess.

And I've wasted enough. I'm sick of it. I've always been a worrywart and it doesn't feel good. It's annoying, sometimes, to be disturbed by something that might not even exist. Yes, paranoia is the more common term for it.

Sheesh. I am once again filled with negative vibes. And to think that I have decided, just this morning when I opened my eyes, to change for the better, again. I've had so many realizations in the past, but the greatest and the most important hit me last night. Problem is, I don't know where and how to start. The when part, I've decided, would be today, but unless I figure out where and how, I'm stuck with my old self and that's what's worrying me at the moment. Tsk, so much for determination.

Anyhoo, I have other stuff to worry about, more time to waste. And it's all going to be about work. I refuse to entertain unpleasant thoughts that are not work-related. I'm going to ignore my instincts this time and focus on the things that would be helpful to my self-renewal.

Hay, pa-kiss na nga lang Edward...

Someone copied my old description here in Tabulas (found on the about me portion of my page) and posted it on the about me section of her FS. Good thing I already changed it.

But this cute dancing Milky is an exception!

O, 'di ba ang cute-cute nya?! I set this as my PC's wallpaper na tile ang position, kaso parang nakakahilo. Ang likot kasi, eh ang dami pa nun kasi nga naka-tile, hehe (try nyo). Kaya ayun, balik Edward & Bella ang desktop ko.

*dedicated to Plasticsatellite. I hope you feel better na.

My sister and I tried to install a wireless router at home in the hope of making it a hotspot. We failed. The laptop could detect the wireless network, but the Internet  won't connect properly so browsing was impossible.

But we're not losing hope. I already consulted with our trusty MIS technician here in the office and we're going to give it one more try tonight. If it still doesn't work, then I might have to contact the provider of my Internet (dis)connection, which is (not so) SmartBro. We're keeping our fingers crossed.

Moving on, I'm still stuck with Eclipse. I guess I'm taking my time again since I am enjoying this better than New Moon. And speaking of the Twilight craze, I heard read (from Cleo's blog) that the Philippine premiere is moved to November 26. I don't really mind because I'm planning to listen to the Twilight audio book before watching the flick and that buys me more time, hehe. Grabe na 'to!

What else? Oh! I received this super funny email and I want to share it with you. Enjoy!

Mga Makabagong Salawikain


Ang buhay ay parang bato, it's hard.

Better late than pregnant.

Behind the clouds are the other clouds.

It's better to cheat than to repeat!

Do unto others ... then run!!!

Kapag puno na ang salop, kumuha na ng ibang salop.

Magbiro ka na sa lasing, magbiro ka na sa bagong gising, huwag lang sa lasing nabagong gising.

When all else fails, follow instructions.

Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, lumaki sa ibang bansa.

To err is human, to errs is humans.

Ang taong nagigipit ... sa bumbay kumakapit

Pag may usok ... may nag-iihaw

Ang taong naglalakad nang matulin ... may utang.

No guts, no glory.. no ID, no entry.

Birds of the same feather that prays together ... stays together.

Kapag may sinuksok at walang madukot, may nandukot.

Walang matigas na tinapay sa gutom na tao.

Ang taong di marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan. ... ay may stiff neck.

Birds of the same feather make a good feather duster.

Kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga. Kapag may taga, may tahi.

Huli man daw at magaling, undertime pa rin.

Ang naglalakad ng matulin, late na sa appointment

Matalino man ang matsing, matsing pa rin.

Better late than later.

Aanhin ang palasyo kung ang nakatira ay kuwago, mabuti pa ang bahay kubo, sa paligid puno ng linga.

Kapag maikli ang kumot, tumangkad ka na!

No man is an island because time is gold.

Hindi lahat ng kumikinang ay ginto ... muta lang yan.

Kapag ang puno mabunga ... mataba ang lupa!

When it rains ... it floods.

Pagkahaba haba man ng prusisyon .. mauubusan din ng kandila.

Ang buhay ay parang gulong, minsan nasa ibabaw, minsan nasa vulcanizing shop.

Batu-bato sa langit, ang tamaan ... sapul.

Try and try until you succeed... or else try another.

Ako ang nagsaing . iba ang kumain. Diet ako eh.

Huwag magbilang ng manok kung alaga mo ay itik.

Kapag maiksi na ang kumot, bumili ka na ng bago.

If you can't beat them, shoot them.

An apple a day is too expensive.

An apple a day makes seven apples a week. (really expensive)

My sister, who has always been the smarter kid (valedictorian in gradeschool and high school), fixed the problem with the wireless router. Hence, our home sweet home in now a hotspot. I can imgagine her jumping up and down in jubilation after seeing "you are now connected" on the screen.

Congratulations sis!

I am not lucky in raffle draws, but just for fun I'm joining Finicky Me's Twilight book giveaway contest. As you know, I've only read the eBook version. While I'm quite satisfied with that (it's the same hot bloodsucker anyway), I think it's cool to own the real thing. I'm actually considering buying the set.

Moving on, I think it's an awesome idea to hold such promo to increase site hits and the Twilight book is definitely the best choice for a prize since it obviously is the new Harry Potter.

Other than her ongoing contest, I find Mia's blog quite interesting. We have some things in common, like being so fickle-minded. I read  in her nth first post that she used to transfer her blog from one host to another, which I also tried to do until I finally made up my mind to stick to my Tabulas blog (and Multiply and Blogspot), before finally settling for Blogspot. Aside from reading books, we also both love lomography and, of course, blogging.

My hopes of winning aren't really high because, like I said, my name isn't very lucky. But I'm sure glad I came across her site. Thanks to Cleo for the link. Man, I've been lurking your site more often than usual, haha! Fishing for more Twilight updates.

To Mia, thanks for helping spread the "Twilight virus" and good luck on that page rank!

Another bitin reunion...

"I promise to love you forever — every single day of forever. Will you marry me?"

Sigh. No pressure, love. No pressure.

I'm not used to leaving the house with an empty stomach, but today was one of those rare days when my mom would let me eat breakfast at the office. I was so worried I'd be late again since that would mean suspension for me and I can't afford an unwanted, unpaid vacation right now, so I was in a big rush to come to work this morning and I didn't bother to eat breakfast.

Good thing I came in early and I did have time for breakfast. So right after punching in I went to Mc Donald's and got myself this BIG breakfast:

Clockwise: Hamdesal, my favorite hash brown, orange juice and hotcakes.

No Sandee, I am NOT turning into another Kid McDo, haha! I just really needed all the energy I could get. I anticipated that a lot of stess would be coming my way today (and the rest of the week) so decide to indulge a bit.

*This breakfast was a little too big for me, thus the Hamdesal remains untouched as of this writing.

I. Need. Sleep.

Somebody sing Ivee's lullaby...

These sets are for Clarise:

I made these months ago. And I just noticed that they're almost the same set, haha!

Polyvore is LVE!