My 35th birthday

I celebrated my birthday with Buboy last weekend. We booked a room at Holiday Inn Galleria and spent Saturday night there. We didn’t have dinner Saturday night because we had a late lunch of steak but we bought a pint of ice cream, chips and soda for some night snack while watching TV. The next day, we celebrated Mass at the Edsa Shrine after a late buffet breakfast at the hotel then had steak again for late lunch at Chilli's. The food trip alone made up for the fact that I had my period that weekend. It was nice, spending the weekend with just the two of us. We had a corner room with two full glass walls. The bed was a bit springy at first but really comfy and I love the pillows. We’re thinking of doing it again next month.

However, the pounds I lost through jogging were instantly back after that weekend. I cannot believe how fast my weight bounced back. I didn’t have a weigh-in before I started jogging, but I noticed some changes in my middle part after several sessions. However, I couldn’t be disappointed about a nice, relaxing weekend, can I? At least it proves that jogging really makes a difference for me. I jogged again last Wednesday and I’m supposed to again tonight, but it’s currently raining. I don’t know how long this rain would last. The weather these days can really be confusing.

-chebong

electronic books

I recently discovered ebooks. Actually, I have a couple of ebooks since last year but I can’t bring myself to read them. I feel it’ll strain my eyes or something. I even printed the whole 182 pages of Good Omens so that I can read it comfortably. Last weekend I downloaded a copy of Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince because for once I wanted to read the book first before I watch it on film. I was actually planning of printing it chapter by chapter but when I started reading it via my pc (in the office) I realized it wasn’t so hard after all. I guess all those net surfing paid off, my eyes can stare at the monitor reading articles for hours.

Thing is I got really excited that I downloaded the complete Harry Potter series (I only read The Goblet of Fire and only because my sister Weng got a free copy from a book fair) and the Twilight series. I guess I’m too cheap to buy the books, he.he. And since Buboy is again working from home, he has his own pc and I can use our pc by myself (to read or watch films) when I’m home. Also, I can read some even at the office when things are not so busy. My appreciation to this age’s technology has just gone up a notch.

-chebong

Running in circles

Today will be my 4th run session. I can’t believe that I actually enjoyed running and walking after work. I know I said I was excited, but still, I was half expecting that I’ll give up after a couple of sessions. Probably it’s because I do it on my own - no trainer, I always run with a friend (except today but it's okay), and it lessens my guilt over eating binges with Buboy during weekends.

Although I’m having fun with my new found activity, I have other things in my mind right now. I’m a bit worried about the traces of blood that I have noticed with my discharge. It’s not every day that I see it, and God knows I keep a watchful eye on that one. I think it’s happened four or five times already in the past two to three weeks. At first I thought it’s just a sign that my period is coming, but it hasn’t come until now. I’m scared that something might be wrong with me down there.. again.

Then of course, the silly me is hoping that the blood-stained discharge might be a sign of pregnancy. So I bought a pregnancy test. The result is negative. And I wonder why I feel so bad when deep inside I know what the test would say even before i had it.

God I hate this! I feel like I’m running in circles and I don’t know how and when to stop.

-chebong

time to do some exercise

Buboy plays basketball with his officemates every Friday. I encourage him because I know the exercise is good for him plus he gets some time with the boys. I need some exercise too, not only because I have to do something while I wait for him on Fridays, but because I’m getting bigger every day. And so last weekend I bought my first rubber (running) shoes in 15 years. I plan to run around the park near our office every Friday… and maybe a bit more often when I get the hang of it.

I did some research on jogging/running and found out that I can burn about 350 calories by running for 30 minutes (hey, i'm not in too much hurry to be rid of all my flabÜ). However, it is not advisable for someone like me to immediately start running. I’ll have to start with intervals of walking, brisk walking, and running. Then of course there’s some stretching I need to do before and after each run. I think I’ll need to really do that so that my body won’t go into too much shock when I start this activity. I can still recall how sore my body was after that caving and hiking thing we did in Sagada a few months ago… argh!

Friday is a good day to start. I can stay in bed the whole day next day should my body beg me to. I’m excited! I just hope this excitement will last long enough for me see some results.. some 20 pound results I hope!

-chebong

Baby blues

Yesterday Buboy and I went to attend the dedication of Kian, Allan and Susan’s baby. Allan is one of Buboy’s friends from college. I was excited to go, not only because Allan has been a good friend of mine too, but because his baby was so cute the last we saw him at Francis’ baby’s christening last year.

We arrived at the venue a little early and went outside to wait. Then Ritchie and Sherrie came and we girls chatted while the boys did the same in the other corner. After a few how are you’s, Sherrie broke the news that she’s already 4 months pregnant. I got really excited and happy for her and I know she actually saw it. Then Nhey and Arlyn came with their daughter Julliene. I noticed that Arlyn is getting bigger and I was later informed that she’s 5 months pregnant with their 2nd baby. I was still okay that time and still happy for the two moms sitting beside me. However, when we were all seated down inside and the ninongs were called to seat in front that I began to feel depressed. Nhey said he’s not a ninong because Allan is already the ninong of their first child and according to superstitions it’s not good. It dawned on me that Buboy is the ninong of all his closest friends from college’s first child. Who will he get to be the ninong when we finally have our baby?

Then during the dedication ceremony, Allan and Susan offered a prayer and they said something like thank you Lord for entrusting us to nurture a life. Big time sadness hits me again. I wonder why God would not trust me to nurture another life. Can’t I do it? Tears started to line my eyes. It hurt so much to push them back so no one would notice. We ended up going earlier than the rest of Buboy’s friends.

I thought I was over this. I thought I have already accepted that God might have other plans for us. I thought wrong...

-chebong

Road trip to Neo

We all visited Neo last weekend, except Nanay, Tatay and Jun-Jun. Nanay and Tatay wanted to come but we didn't think Tatay is up for an 8-hour drive (2-way) yet. He was brought to the ER a week before we went to Neo because of pneumonia and is still a bit weak. And Jun-Jun, well, he’s a different story.

Frankly I was so excited to see Neo again, though I was also nervous that he might not know us anymore. The moment we reached their place, I picked him up from his mother and he started to cry. Of course he did not recognize us, it’s been more than 3 months since he last saw us. But he did warmed up to us eventually, at least before we had to say goodbye again.

Neo, though had been in a hospital, had measles and allergies, is still a bright and happy baby. He was always moving about and playing. He crawl fast and always wanted to be in a sitting position or walking (held, of course). I missed him already. Maybe because I know it’ll be a long time before I get to see him again.

I wish Jun-Jun would realize how lucky he is to have Neo.

Anyway, since we’re already up north, we passed by Clark for some duty free shopping. I bought sweatpants for jogging (which I’ll write about next time) and of course chocolates and pistachios. It was a fun day, not only because we get to see Neo again, but because road trip with my siblings are always fun.

-chebong

hot air balloon fest

Last weekend, Buboy and I went to see lots of things that fly at the 14th hot air balloon festival at Clarkfield, Pampanga. It was a fun and different way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. True enough, we saw a lot of flying things such as small airplanes (2-seater), sky gliders, sky divers, helicopters, loads of kites, and of course hot air balloons in different shapes, sizes, and colors.

Some of the events that we didn’t miss (hey, we need to catch up on some sleep a few hours there in the park) are the hot air balloon flight, aerobatic flight display, Philippine Navy and PNP skydiving show, skydiving exhibition, light airplane balloon busting competition, kite flying, and the hot air balloon night glow. There were also photo exhibits with amazing pictures that makes me want to take up photography too.

The airfield was covered with people of all ages. We saw a lot of baby carriages and granny wheelchairs too. It was good judgment on buboy’s part that we brought a banig as we position ourselves in the middle of the crowds with tents and mats. Being Valentine’s Day, there were two really sweet proposals via sky gliders that day. But it doesn’t change the fact that it was a true family affair. I’m glad buboy took me there.

-chebong

I miss Neo

I miss Neo. I was hoping we could visit him last month but it was a busy month so.. We haven't seen him in three months. I know he's changed a lot. I wish he still remembers us.

I was looking at his photos when he was with us and his face has really changed since he arrived at Pasig in September until he went back to Pangasinan in November. I'll have his photos printed so i can give them copies. I want him to remember his family in Pasig as i know we won't be seeing him that often. I hope we get to visit him next weekend.

-chebong

2008 Summary

Inspired by the blog of my sister-at-heart Mec, I listed down some of the things that sums up my 2008. Here goes:

1. Something new that I did in 2008
- I went on a long road trip with Buboy and we went caving (twice!) which may be the most physical of all my activities in the past five years at least.
2. New year’s resolution
- I actually don’t have one except to try to keep writing on my thank you journal
3. What I want for 2009 that I did not get last year
- Baby

4. Most memorable experience or happening
- It’s still the road trip that Buboy and I did early 2008. It was the best two weeks of our lives together. It proves that we can live alone together, far from family and friends, have lots of fun and not kill each other :o)
5. Achievements
- Adjusted well enough back at work
6. Disappointments
- I don't try hard enough
7. Investments
- Probably the new insurance and retirement fund we bought
8. Splurge
- For me it has to be the dress I wore at Juvie and Benny’s wedding. I still can’t believe I paid that much for a beach dress!
9. Historical event
- Everyone will agree it has to be Obama winning the US presidency
10. Life lesson
- I can’t do everything and it's okay.. God sent someone special to help..

I cannot believe how hard it is to answer some of the items above, to think I chose them items! I guess I wasn’t really being conscious of what was happening to me last year. This is eye-opening! I shouldn’t miss what happens in my own life… I should be on top of it! I really should do better in my 2009 summary.

-chebong

the blog's new face

I was looking for a new look for this blog. I kinda got tired of the old one. I thought maybe a new template every now and then would motivate me to visit the site and blog something every few days or so. I found a lot of pretty templates online but I'm having trouble downloading what I like so I ended up with a custom blogger template. I also love this one because of its clean breezy look.

I'm still waiting for Buboy to pick me up. I bet he's on his way already coming from his 4:00pm meeting at HighStreet. I'm well fed from our afternoon meryenda so I'm still okay, though I hope he gets here soon. I guess i'll have to busy myself with the internet for now. Oh well..

-chebong