Hey There Stranger

Young Women Chat on the Street - Ouro Preto - Minas Gerais - Brazil, originally uploaded by Adam Jones, Ph.D..

Number 6087...as I looked on the screen, the last number called is 6076.  Still got about ten people before me.  Oh well, nothing to do but wait for my turn, so I sat on the long chair along with others.  I needed to have one of my mobile phone lines terminated.  I think I could do with just one mobile contact number now.  Call it part of simplifying my life and cutting away on expenses.

Twenty minutes of waiting, just a couple more transactions and I'm next.  Just then, someone tapped my shoulder and as I turned to look, the person mentioned my full name, in a tone that is kind of confirming if I was indeed the person she knew.  I said yes and she asked if I remember her.  I blinked just once and said her name.  Good Lord!  Thank You that you gave me an excellent memory for matching faces with names, otherwise, it would have been an embarrassing moment for me.

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Hunger Management...

Human behaviour., originally uploaded by Zawezome.

I'm not really going to talk about how to end hunger in the world. Just telling here an amusing story that could have turned tragic, but I thank God that I was reminded of important lessons instead.

I've mentioned before that on weekdays, I have breakfast with my colleagues at around 9 am. It's the breakfast club, as I would call it. On ordinary days, one of us, whoever couldn't contain the pang of hunger, would call out and say the magic words: "Let's eat!" That is then followed by a frenzy of preparing the plates, spoons, forks and not to forget my cup of coffee. No breakfast is ever complete without that. This morning is a little bit different from the usual.

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July 26 Earthquake

To be honest, I never knew about the 5.9 (or 6.2) magnitude earthquake that occurred at past 1 am today.  I had my usual morning trip to the clinic at past 6 am and it was only then that I learned from the nurse that there was an earthquake.  Wow, I thank God I lived to hear the news, considering that this was a stronger earthquake than that of the July 16, 1991 quake that was reported to have a more devastating effect.  Those working on night shift and the night owls who were still awake felt it.  So this one occurred while I was sleeping.  Whew!  Maybe it was better that way than being awakened by the shaking as I am on the 3rd floor.  Good Lord!  The 1991 quake at only a magnitude of 4.0 left me feeling a bit dizzy already, what more this one?

For more details, just read it on this news article: 

Magnitude 6.2 Earthquake Stikes Parts of NCR, Luzon

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Thumbs Up!

This year's first of July made quite a mark on me, literally.  It was a Friday morning, exactly two weeks ago when I was cutting papers to be used for labeling.  I was using a crude contraption of a cutter blade and a plastic ruler to make sure the cut is straight.  I cringe now as I thought of the force I was applying on the cutter to cut through the layers of paper.  The cutter went past the ruler and cut right to the thumb that was pressing down the ruler. 

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Just Some Sentimental Thoughts....

girl with coffee, originally uploaded by lotzmana.

I wish life were just as simple as having a nice cup of coffee on a lazy day.  And yet, even as my schedule is not that hectic and I do have time to enjoy my morning brew, it's not as calm and relaxing as it looks.  My head spins with lots of thoughts lately.  Family stuff, my own personal stuff, work and things in between.  Sometimes, I wonder if I think too much...but a better question is, am I thinking of worthy stuff?  I suppose, sometimes, I do...hehehe.  

I find my thoughts are mostly driven by my emotional responses.  Like lately, I am saddened about the prospects of losing some of my good staff.  Well, that's life.  You cannot hold them forever as they embark on a different career path, or simply a different working environment.  I have always told my staff to be honest with me, no surprises whatsoever as I don't like the kind of surprises that leave me fumbling at work. A proper turn over should be in order.  It's always my principle that you don't hold good people by the collar...you let them fly and become even better at what they choose to do. 

I probably just suck at goodbyes.  Sometimes, I hate goodbyes, because usually, I am the one left behind.  Tough luck. I've had a lot of colleagues who are good friends and who have already left the company for the proverbial "greener pastures."  I realize, it isn't so tough to see people go if you don't like those people.  But if you've grown attached to them, sometimes treating them already as second family, then somehow, it kind of rips you up somewhere inside.  Maybe it's just the sentimental person in me...but I do know how to let go whenever I have to.  


Meanwhile, sentimental as I am, I manage to stay collected and composed.  I am not the wailing kind hehehe.  I try to make the matter as light as possible.  I seldom cry in front of anyone.  I guess it's partly my pride and I have always reservations about pouring out my emotions.  There are probably only a handful of people in this whole wide world who have had the privilege or the misfortune of seeing me break down and cry on extremely rare occasions.  Outside, I am tough as nails. 

Life is indeed full of comings and goings, of hellos and goodbyes...I guess, we just have to appreciate the in-betweens while we have the chance. 

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Switchfoot's Hello Hurricane Tour

I am so exited!  Four days more to go and I'll be sitting around this time in Phil Sports Arena to watch Switchfoot!  Did I say I was excited?  Oh yeah I did.  I can't wait!  Got tickets already so, just counting the days to Saturday.  I'm going out with my colleagues, that's why there's three tickets here.  Switchfoot's going to have four shows in four countries in four straight days:  Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia from April 28 to May 01. Wow!  Busy busy people huh?  Hurricane Tour indeed!

Read more and listen to some songs here : Switchfoot: Hello Hurricane Tour

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April 25

Sunflower, originally uploaded by Ramona.Forcella.

In the office and just pondering about today. This has always been a significant day for me for so many reasons. It's a day I celebrate a great friendship with my bestfriend. Too bad that BFF is away and we can't hang out together. But near or far, we are always close at heart and as we always say, we are still under the same skies, we look at the same sun, moon, and stars.

Some years ago, this date is also significant, as I remember crying my heart out to God. I was at one of my lowest points and I realize that there are times, even friends cannot comfort me. I found my peace simply by opening my heart to Him in prayer. He got me through that and I can't believe it's been eight years already. Healing very well, stronger and a better person now.

So what's with the sunflowers? It has always been a symbol of hope and happiness for me. Remember that it follows the sun? So it focuses on the light instead of the shadows. I'd like to be as cheery as the sunflower, no matter what the circumstances maybe. Rain or shine, the sun is always up there. We just have to keep the faith that it will always shine after the rain.

The sunflower also gives me many reasons to smile about. Someday, I'll tell the sunflower story.  For now, I'll just keep it to myself.

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Wishing For a Late Night Walk

Las Arenas Rosadas, originally uploaded by Ramona.Forcella.

I've been wanting to make myself write something. And yet I couldn't do that lately. I am just simply not in the mood to write. But now I am actually writing and updating this blog! However, I don't like the reason why I am finally writing down this particular post.

I wish to go out for a walk just to let steam pass. But it's quite late already and I really have no where to go. I thought of visiting my little corner here and just vent out a bit. I walked out of a group discussion. I was upset. And knowing myself, I need to deal with the first blast of emotions first before I start to open my mouth. Writing seems a good way to sort out thoughts and emotions, so here goes.

Was I angry? No, I don't think so. It takes a lot to really get me angry. I am just simply upset. I know that they did not mean it. I was just hurt that some of my friends forgot something that I specifically said and not too long ago.

I have been known to be a good secret keeper. I suppose I expect that from my friends as well. But circumstances and in all this hustle and bustle, they just simply forgot and blurted out what I have been protecting for quite sometime now.

I suppose it's not a big deal that while I wanted to write anonymously, some people eventually found out something in some twists of events. My identity is not really the big issue with me. But it should have occurred to my friends that I may have some perfectly good reason to hide under a pseudonym. I even had to change the URL of this blog. You know what changing the URL could mean to search engines and all of that.

Anyway, what has been said cannot be undone. And the only thing left for me is to get over with this and move on...and that is what I intend to do...but I probably need some time.

For now, I think it's time to hit the sack. Feel sleepy already. I'll have that walk some other time.

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When You Say Nothing at All

Oh I just stumbled on this in Facebook.  A friend posted this video and there I go again, playing it over and over and over.  I just love how Alison Krauss sings so effortlessly.  I didn't know she plays the violin.  Excellent!  When I go home later, I'll be playing this on my guitar for sure.  Got to print the chords! I'll have a singing spree once again.  I hope the neighbors won't mind my mini concert hahaha!

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Ouchy Ouch!

Looking for her happy place, originally uploaded by cheryl.dudley.

I was preparing to go to church yesterday when I felt this slight pain in my tummy. I thought it was nothing but the pain keeps getting more intense every time. It's like being jabbed in the stomach. Glad that the pain is not a continuous one as I would probably pass out. But it did leave me unable to do much except to lie down and let the pain subside. I could not take any pain medication as I have not had breakfast yet. And taking anything would have been futile at that time because I felt like I would just throw it up anyway. So there I was at 9:30 am, trying to nurse myself by trying to sleep. It wasn't easy doing so in the first few hours but either I passed out or just fell asleep finally. I woke up four hours later, feeling refreshed...revived.

Before I closed my eyes, I was thinking what if I needed to be hospitalized? How in the world would I go? I am all alone, can't possibly call my mom who lives miles away. I was too weak to even call for help. In those situations, I suppose the only thing for me to do is pray and hope the pain will pass. It's not a life threatening situation, I suppose but it sure would have been better if I had someone with me that time. But then again, I did have the best One with me that time...the best healer there is.

I was able to go to church later in the afternoon, after I had my very very late breakfast and lunch at 2:30 pm. No more tummy aches.

    

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My Table Is Dancing

Pajama, originally uploaded by Ramona.Forcella.

I was sitting quietly and thinking of something to write last night, some time between 6:40-6:45 pm. There's bottled water on top of my side table where I stack up some of my books. I thought I was imagining things as I saw the table sway a bit and the water was moving like something bumped the table but I remember not touching the table at all. I stood up right away, trying to see if I would get dizzy or feel the floor buckle up under my feet. Nothing....but being the paranoid that I am sometimes, I dressed up and readied myself if I needed to make a run for it. Was I in panic? Had the quake been more intense and longer, I probably would have. It just registered an intensity level of 3. I would have felt it more since I was renting a place on the third floor. But since everything is made of cement and stone, I didn't feel the vibration much. Had the floors been made of wood and the foundation not that rigid, I'd feel the shaking even more.

After that, I had a hard time going to sleep and I finally dozed off just before midnight. I was waiting for some aftershock. I also thought of the safest part of the small house where I could go to. I realize, I don't have a sturdy table to go under. I have one that is collapsible and it just might fold up crushing me underneath. The safest place was an inside wall I could get beside to, that is if I can walk over there. If not, my best option is to stay where I am and cover my head and neck with a pillow. There's not much heavy frames that could fall on me. I was a bit afraid that the floor might give way.  I was afraid to fall. But I read also that is is better to fall down than be crushed underneath.

My best bet...and one that made me fall asleep finally....I prayed. Because when my time is up, no matter where I run to, there's no escaping. I prayed also for my family and friends' safety before I closed my eyes.


Well, here I am, alive and writing this. I survived the night. We live one day at a time.

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Rainy Evening

"Nah!", originally uploaded by Ramona.Forcella.

The sun was so hot all throughout the day. It really feels like summer days are here. I just walked around a while and I could already feel sweat breaking out. I had to go back inside the office as I could not stand for very long under the sun. My hair is dark and I could feel it absorbing all the heat and getting all warmed up instantly. I didn't feel like carrying an umbrella as I do my rounds in the manufacturing area perimeter.

Well, as expected with a very, very hot day, it's now raining heavily early in the evening. It's quite a downpour and it would really be terrible to be caught outside in the rain. I hate getting my feet soaked wet in rainwater. But with this kind of downpour, it won't be just my feet that would get soaked. I think I' ll be drenched like a rag doll. Good thing I decided to go home early. If this rain doesn't stop in the next thirty minutes, I think it will start flooding in low lying areas again. If there's one thing that's worse than getting drenched in rain is having to wade through filthy flood waters.  Ah the perks of living in the polluted city.  Hahaha!

At least, the air is cool now and the ambient temperature is now conducive for relaxing and later, sleeping. Ah yes, sleep. I have been depriving myself of that in the past few days but I'll have to make up now for lost sleep....well at least while I can.

I enjoy the rain so much when I'm just simply at home, safe and warm. Pretty soon, the pitter patter on the roof will lull me to sleep. Yawn...there it is...starting to feel sleepy now.


     

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Lazing Around

Skin testing, originally uploaded by Ramona.Forcella.

Just feeling a little tired lately. I'd like to laze around like that lady in the image...dangling arms and all. How nice to just have a break once in a while, and forget all your worries. No work, no assignments to do...just be with myself. If I can get to do that, I'd bring my trusty notebook and write down my thoughts. Would be great to have some time for reflection and a bit of recreation. It's inspiring to be just one with nature, enjoying its beauty and temporary respite from the busy city life.

For now, I think a good, quick nap will do. :-)

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Done!

Krysten, originally uploaded by Amy Loves Yah.

At last, I have finished my last three articles and I have them published last Saturday. I am now taking my sweet time just relaxing. No more pressures for now, well that is until next time. For now, It's good to relax and have a break. Whew! For a while there, I was having a little bit of doubt as there are times I can't quite compose. I have lots of ideas floating around. I just can't seem to catch them and organize them into something that makes some sense. And add to that are those glitches on the site and everything taking longer than usual, from publishing to relocating and all. Good thing I didn't have any articles rejected. I would probably freak out if that happened.

I feel like doing what the girl in the picture is doing. Lie on my back, maybe kick my legs up hahaha! Maybe now I can get a good night's sleep. Yeah, that would be great! I'll do just that.

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Full Moon Tonight

full moon and bats, originally uploaded by creepyhalloweenimages.

As I was walking home tonight, I looked up into the clear skies. There I saw the bright full moon. I had my digicam with me but I didn't take it out anymore as I know I won't be able to take a good photo. Need a DSLR for that to come up with something like that on the photo, minus the bats. I didn't see any.

Technically the full moon is still tomorrow night based on our lunar calendar. But to anyone who looks up in the sky, it sure looks like the full moon already. It was kind of a creepy feeling, walking in silence under the moonlight. Up ahead under the dark shadows of the trees, I saw an eerie orange glow of light, like something from a cigarette. I'm not one who gets scared so easily. And no I didn't feel my hair rise on ends. Besides, the tall mythical creature we know as the "kapre" or even the "tikbalang" has its cigarette high up in the trees not down below. So I proceeded walking and I had to laugh at what I saw after wards when I am near enough to the source of that orange glow. It was from a colleague about to go home also and she was texting. She was wearing dark clothes so all I saw at first was that orange glow from her phone. I told her what crossed my mind and we were laughing before we parted ways.

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White Rose on Valentine's Day

Pretty white rose I got from my office mate who sells chocolates. I think this is a cool two-in-one gift idea.  Last year, I gave my mom three of this on valentine's day but my nephews ended up eating them instead.  This is a good idea for a home business as well.  If I have the time, this is something I'd like to do.

Chocolate Making: An Enjoyable Home Business

     

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Wake Up!

I have lost my momentum in writing after this long weekend.  Now I have a lot of catching up to do!  Can I still write 15 articles by the 28th?  At the rate I'm going, I need to write 2 articles a day for the following week.  Sigh...with all those glitches happening in Triond, publishing is not that easy sometimes.  Must be the influx of all those articles.  What can we expect?  There's a Feb. Special so, a lot of articles are getting submitted by the minute or by the hour.

I have ideas...lots of it in my notebook.  I just can't get myself to write.  I need to jump start my brains somehow.  So I though of writing here, or should I say blabber once again.  Come on Brewed, you can do better than that.  I hope tomorrow, after I have good rest, I'll be able to come up with something.  But wait a minute, I just came from a long rest.  LOL!  I am doomed! 

I need to wake up and catch up with my backlogs.  Maybe I should run around for a while, or jump rope.  Better yet, hang upside down.  that should get blood flowing in my head.  Oh well, it's worth a try. 

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My Happy Long Weekend

I don't know if I should rejoice because it is not really good for business but I am actually looking forward to my long vacation this weekend.  We don't have factory operations starting tomorrow due to delays in raw material delivery.  In effect, there will only be maintenance work tomorrow and come Friday, no more work for most of us in the manufacturing division.

I will report tomorrow to supervise some tasks but after my shift, I could actually go home to the province already.  Hmmmmm.... I'll have to pack my bags tonight to get ready for tomorrow's trip.  Excited to see my nephews again.  Miss those boys.  We'll have grand time am sure.  And I'll have sore throat again.  Boys are quite a bit to handle, specially my nephews.  There's always some sort of riot going on with those three.

My only problem would be my writing assignments in Triond.  Oh well, I'll just do the drafts in the old fashioned way.  Hahahah!  Handwritten drafts of course.  I could still submit maybe one or two before I go.  So I need some ideas, ideas and ideas.  Writing is fun and challenging.  Just glad ideas are flowing really nice.  Not yet suffering from writer's block.  I have lots of topics but as I do my researches, I end up writing another totally different one from the one I originally intended to write about.  Well it's better to be overflowing with ideas than having to bump my head against the wall trying to jump start my brain.  Hahaha my thinking cap is in the right place.  I just wish I have those electronic writing gadgets with the internet capability.  Really a writer's best friend.  Anyway, here's to my much awaited weekend getaway!


     

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Google Adsense Update: It's About Time!

Finally, I had my Google Adsense application approved just the other day, a good half a year period of waiting and frustration and going bonkers as to why I am denied several times.  That explains why you are seeing their ads on this blog now.  I have already give up on the last denial notice I got from them.  I had no plans of re-applying anymore.  Sourgraping?  Well, you could call it that.

Eerily, I got approved after I applied and has been accepted for Amazon Associates.  I got to commend Amazon for being prompt and it was a breeze!  Well, I got a little difficulty editing the HTML page but when I finally figured it out, I got it all set up....in less than an hour.

Maybe it's just coincidence or maybe not?  I probably wouldn't know.  Well at least now, I got the best of both worlds...or so I think.I'm still getting my hands on these two advertising giants.  So let's see how everything goes.   Not much to be said at this moment as I am still learning the ropes.  I'm just happy to finally have accounts on both. 

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Celebrating Coach's Birthday

We had a light moment last night after Tai ji class.  Wait...light moment?  As if we ever had a heavy moment.  What I meant was it was an enjoyable time with our Lao Shi (teacher / coach).  It was his birthday last Saturday and one of us thought of buying him cake and have a mini celebration.  I agreed of course, as my other classmates.  So after class, we sang him the English birthday song.  He sang the Chinese version.  What do you know, same tune!  I guess it's the universal tune after all.  The star of that mini celebration was not the celebrant, but his 7-month old son who by the way, enjoyed the cake!  He had to be pulled away from the plate, literally.  He gets giddy and excited,and we remembered we had to stop giving him cake.  You know, sugar....he might get hyper and not be able to sleep during the night.

Lao Shi said he would definitely miss us when he goes back to China.  Ahhhh we must have touched the sensitive side of him with that little gesture.  You can't help but be nice with him.  He's the best lao shi for me.  Very patient in teaching us, never too stern and he makes learning light and easy.  I look forward to more years of learning under him, and I hope he will teach us long enough for us to be really good in Tai ji.

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