O.N.T.A.W. 4: Body Detox!

If you read my previous entry, you'd know this week didn't end with a happy whoop. I felt weighed down by my grief not even a McDonald's cheeseburger meal cheered me up. My Saturday passed by quickly with me in bed majority of the day with an annoying migraine.

Today, I asked my mom to go with me to try out this treatment I read about called Body Detox. I badly wanted to do something different not only for my O.N.T.A.W. but also to so rid myself of the negative feelings. The treatment seemed appropriate.

So, off we went to the salon to try it out and I was amazed, if not a little perturbed, by the change in color of the water I soaked my feet in. Talk about a tub of toxins! However, I'm still skeptical. I mean, the color seemed to be coming from the appliance they put in, not my feet. Also, the feet? Really?

It was a good experience overall. A warm footsoak is always a good prelude to a pedicure. Also, at least I tried to do something good for my body for a change, right? Something to counter all that fastfood I eat all week long. :)

I'll miss you, Ate Marie.

She's just 36. That is what keeps popping into my head: she is TOO young to be gone.

I knew she was horribly sick and that in her condition, she could leave us anytime. Even as I went about living my own life, the reality of her condition was always a worry that nagged at me incessantly. Some mornings, I'd wake up and be afraid to check my phone, thinking it might be the morning I get the news. Some afternoons, her frail image would flash in my head and I'd sit in the office in a daze, wondering how she was doing at that moment. Some evenings, my mind would open itself up to fleeting images of her in her sickbed, weak, bone-thin, blind, and in pain, and I'd wonder if she was better off.... you know.

Now that she is, I want to believe that she is in a much better place, ree of pain and suffering and able to see again - she so wanted to be able to see again - but it is hard to accept that she is no longer around. My heart is broken. Shattered even. She was the closest thing I had to an older sister. Now, she's gone and no matter how much I cry, she isn't coming back. I know the feeling of loss will subside and I will soon stop crying, but now, allow me this moment of weakness as I struggle to accept life without my Ate Marie.

I can still remember the sound of her laughter, how she always squeezes my arm when she sees me and calls me healthy (malusog). I can still remember how I always looked for her in the afternoons and wanted nothing but stay by her side and listen to her joke around with our other cousins. She was such a character.

I remember when we were eating taho while standing out on the street, I finished mine and didn't know where to put my empty mug. She said with a serious face, "Pasok mo sa bahay, andun naman si Tatay, eh." Her dad's been dead for years.

I remember when we were so bored one summer afternoon, I asked my mom for some money to buy alot of instant noodles so we could have a "noodle party". She was our host for that party and she happily ladled noodle soup into bowls for a group of unruly children.

I remember seeing her right after she gave birth to MJ, all tired and sweaty, but still smiling. She reached out a hand to me and squeezed my arm in her usual way, and introduced me to her baby, "Pamangkin mo."

I remember how much I loved going to her house even if there was nothing to do there. I just liked being around her because she was fun and funny. Always in the middle of the room, mimicking someone or just making a complete fool of herself for our amusement. They had to shoo me home sometimes, because I usually didn't want to leave.

There are so many more... snippets of memories of her from my childhood and from my adult life. And even if her passing has put a stop to us creating new ones, I am happy to have all those chances in the past to spend with her. I wouldn't trade those for the world.

I will really miss you, Ate Marie. I'm so sorry that you had to go through so much pain during your last days with us. I hope that you are not too bummed about being gone. They all told me you really didn't want to go. I can imagine that. I know you didn't feel like going yet, but it was time. You didn't deserve that much suffering and maybe God wanted to relieve you already.

Rest in peace, Ate Marie. See you again someday.

Shoe-ology.

Love shoes. That isn't a sin, is it? I don't care much about brand or price as long as they are pretty and comfortable. I had an awesome time shopping today and I am happy about everything I bought. *sigh of contentment* :D

O.N.T.A.W. #3

I met up with Cla and her brother, Elgin, for lunch at Salcedo Market of yummy mussels, rice, and cran-apple iced tea. We were sitting next to a group of rich Makati housewives talking about their make-up which, of course, they bought in the U.S. This was an interesting way to start off our day.

We then went around the booths at the morning art bazaar - the one where all art pieces had a price ceiling of Php20,000. Lala, a college friend, had a booth, but too bad she didn't have her pieces on display. It would've been cool to see her works.

After a couple of hours being surrounded by rich people and interesting artists, off we went to Pier 13, South Harbor, to check out the World's Largest Library, the MV Doulos. It was fun, except for the fact that each square inch of the bookstore was packed with people. Sweaty people. Some of which push. It was a surprise I didn't get into a fight. Nevertheless, it was a fun experience overall.

Then back to Salcedo Market for more art - now, there was no price ceiling and the expensive sculptures were out. I was afraid to swing around and have my big bag topple over a breakable vase... "vahz".

Gosh, this O.N.T.A.W. thing is awesome. I wouldn't have done these things if I didn't open up myself to new experiences. I really think people should get into the program if they feel bored with the routine of their lives. It is an awesome way to spice up life.

What did I learn from my Art Day Saturday? That art is not frou-frou. That I could actually enjoy art and how each piece make me feel (or not feel) different emotions when I look at them. There is art out there for everyone and you just have to find what speaks to you. To me, it's modern to pop pieces. The rougher, the better. :)

Check out photos I posted in the Art Day Saturday a.k.a. ONTAW #3 album as well.

Summer Has Arrived

Yes, ladies and gentlemen. Summer has indeed arrived and it has been pretty impossible to ignore these past few days. The sun has been scorchingly hot, the air humid, the ground steaming. I'm pretty sure that it will remain this way up until late June if this year is anything like 2007.

As much as I love, love, love summer because of all the happy summer school break memories I have, it is easy to feel sick in this heat. Just today, I had a nagging headache all afternoon and I had a strong suspicion that it is weather-related. After downing copious amounts of water, the headache went away. I can't help but wonder (writes Carrie Bradshaw), was I actually dehydrating as I lazed around in bed this afternoon without me knowing it?

I recovered early enough to hit Bonifacio High Street to have dinner and drinks with my college friends Cla, Les, and Lala. A couple of ice cold glasses of Madras kept me cool during dinner, but as we cam-whored around the strip in the warm evening breeze, I found myself wishing for a second... I take that back, I wished for a split millisecond... that I was neck-deep in fresh Chicago snow. It was *that* hot.

I feel compelled to give some summer survival tips. I think it's because I have always thought of myself as a summer expert. A 100% Tropicana Girl. Here are several things I live by that I think helps me through the Manila summer months.

1) Drink plenty of water. I'm no doctor, but I don't think the recommended 8 glasses a day is not going to be enough if you need to live in this heat. I'd say drink more than that. Also, don't wait until you are thirsty to take a drink. Thirst is already your body telling you it is running low on water - Oprah's doctor friend said so! Haha! Make a conscious effort to drink something every hour and maybe you would be able to avoid heat headaches like me

2) Wear sunblock. There are tons in the market now that isn't think and sticky and doesn't give you that whitish cast on the skin like the old school sunblock lotions used to. Find something that protects you from UVB and UVA rays and has a pretty high SPF. I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock SPF 70 for my face and body. A friend swears by Spectraban SPF 60 which is hypoallergenic. Another friend says the Maxi-Peel sunblock is pretty good, too. Bottomline is that there is a product that would suit your skin type and budget, so why continue exposing yourself to the dangerous rays of the sun? Oh and boys, putting on sunblock won't make you gay. Please be a man and protect your skin, too!

3) Wear light fabrics. This is not the time for fleece, cashmere, or argyle unless you would be in an airconditioned office all day. Opt for comfortably light tops in cheery colors which will keep you looking cool and happy even if you are sweating buckets. If you would be switching from hot to cold (a.k.a. overly a/ced indoors) locations, still wear something summery, but make sure to bring a jacket, cardigan, or a wrap with you so you won't freeze to death when you go indoors.

4) Listen to Tiesto. Pretty random, but his music just screams summer to me. I play his music in the car sometimes when I'm driving in the middle of the afternoon and imagine that I'm at the beach... which brings me to my last piece of advice.

5) Hit the beach. The summer heat feels suffocating when you are in the city, but it is 1000x easier to tolerate when you are next to the water with a ripe mango shake in your hand. Hello Boracay....

I hope there is someone out there who would find my 5 little tips useful. They are in no way expert opinion, but they are effective for me. :)

Enjoy the summer everyone. Maybe I'll bump into some of you on some beach. No to baking. Yes to SPFing.

"Kayeology"

Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name followed by "ology"

***********FOOD-OLOGY***************

What is your salad dressing of choice?

The vinaigrette dressing at Kitchen.

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?

Right now, CYMA.

What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it?

Ripe mangoes.

What are your pizza toppings of choice?

Cheese, tomatoes, and basil

What do you like to put on your toast?

Cream Cheese or Strawberry Preserve (the kind with huge strawberry chunks)

**********TECHNOLOGY***************

How many television sets are in your house?

3

What color of cell phone do you have?

Black

***************BIOLOGY******************

Are you right-handed or left-handed?

Right-handed

Have you ever had anything removed from your body?

Teeth. I’ve had 4 tooth extractions, plus all my wisdom teeth were also taken out. Oh and that bit of skin under my tongue. It was too thick when I was younger and it gave me a slight lisp. Now I can thpeak thuperbly!

What is the last heavy item you lifted?

My Luggage. The manager of my apartment in Chicago didn’t want their employee to help me with my bags because if they hurt themselves, the building needs to cover the medical costs. It took my 15 minutes just to get my stuff onto the trolley.

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?

Nope.

************BULLCRAPOLOGY**************

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you are going to die?

Yes. I want to be given the chance to prepare me and my loved ones for that day.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

Change Francis to Frances.

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?

I have gastritis. The $1000 might not be able to cover my medical bills, but if the price money was a little bigger, I am not above doing a stunt like this.

************DUMBOLOGY******************

How many pairs of flip flops do you own?

Too many. I live in flip flops.

Last time you had a run-in with the cops?

Never. I still believe the MAPSA is not part of the police force despite the uniform. They are still traffic aides. :P

Last person you talked to?

My mom.

Last person you hugged?

Jeff because it was his birthday.

**************FAVORITOLOGY****************

Season?

Spring. Maybe because it is such a welcome change from winter.

Holiday?

Christmas

Day of the week?

Sunday. Time with the folks.

Month?
December

***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************

Missing someone?

My brother and my nephew. I miss them incredibly and think about them everyday. It literally feels like something is missing in my life because I am not with them.

Mood?

Pensive. This questionnaire is making me think!

What are you listening to?

The sound of the leaves rustling in the breeze (there is a huge tree next to our house and my room is on the second floor, so I can really hear the leaves… pretty relaxing sound) and the television set.

Watching?

ASAP. I’m waiting for Billy Crawford’s dance number. WHOOHEE!

Worrying about?

My mom. She’s sick and can’t keep her medicine down.

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************

First place you went to this morning?

The Lavatory

What's the last movie you saw?

Yes Man

Do you smile often?

I’m always smiling.

Do you always answer your fone?

When it’s with me, yes. I never screen. I cringe and make faces, but I never screen.

It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?

Hannah asking where I am and why I’m not out partying with her.

If you could change your eye color what would it be?

Hazel. Might look nice with my dark skin.

What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?

I only tried that Orange Cream Crush drink – it was okay. I’ve only been to Sonic once with my cousins out in Orange County. They didn’t have it in Chicago, I think. We definitely don’t have it here in Manila!

Do you own a digital camera?

Yup.

Have you ever had a pet fish?

No. You can’t really pet a fish, so what is the point? I still don’t get it. It’s like owning a plant. Sorry fish lovers!

Favorite Christmas song?

“Weeweeshu a Meri Krismas” the way the street carolers here in Manila sing it because it sounds so rushed as they try to end their song number and wrap up with the “Thank you” song.

What's on your wish list for your birthday?

All the visas I need for my European Tour. J

Can you do push ups?

Yup, but it’s hard. I can just do the plank.

Can you do a chin up?

Gawd, no.

Does the future make you nervous or excited?

Highly excited.

Do you have any saved texts?

I used to. I saved a lot of messages I got from this person, then when I left for the US, my mom used my old phone and saw the messages. Thank goodness most of them were written in a language my parents can’t speak!

Ever been in a car wreck?

In college, my two guys friends thought it would be a good idea to race down Katipunan Avenue. The car I was in hit a HUGE boulder that was on the side of the road, flew high up in the air, and landed – fortunately – right side up. The car’s radiator blew up, but everyone was alright. The people in the other car said we were so high up in the air they saw the underside of the car.

Do you have an accent?

Hard question to answer. I don’t think I have an accent, but other people say I do.

What is the last song to make you cry?

Summertime by Brianna Taylor

Plans tonight?

Rest. It’s Sunday and I need to psych myself up for the work week.

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?

No. I hope to never feel like this.

Name 3 things you bought in the last week
Someone came to the house and started out with a story about his husband’s death, then showed me a catalog for the things she was selling. I ordered sandals and panties. I also bought birthday gifts for Jeff and Alvin.

Have you ever been given roses?

Yes.

Current worry?

None. Worrying is bad.

Current hate right now

Hate is bad, but I still dislike how muggy it is outside.

Met someone who changed your life?

Not one particular person, but those people that I still have as super close friends now all shaped my life. You guys know who you are.

How did you bring in the New Year!

Japanese for dinner at Kaiseki and then the fireworks display at The Fort with my parents. It was pretty poignant. It made me so happy to be home.

What song represents you?

Pretty Woman? LOL!

Name three people who might complete this?

I’m hoping Tina Beran would. Maybe Tessa and Des?

What were you doing at 12 AM last night?

Celebrating Jeff’s Birthday with him and his friends.

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?

I’m thirsty.

O.N.T.A.W. #2

I knew that when I started with my O.N.T.A.W. program that there was the risk of it turning into an excuse to try one new restaurant after another. Eating in new places with good friends is just something that I enjoy thoroughly. However, I really am exerting effort in coming out of the box and actually trying new experiences and not just new places to do old things at.

But cut me some slack and allow me to just do one resto-related O.N.T.A.W.

Okay, so you'll be surprised to know that I would be writing about Pho Hoa. This place has been around for quite a number of years and I have been going there to eat vietnamese spring rolls for as long as I can remember. However, I have never tried the vietnamese coffee until yesterday.

Boy, have I been missing out! A special treat for those with a sweet tooth, their vietnamese coffee can almost qualify as a dessert. They serve it in a clear mug with the coffee beans in a small metal filter thing set on top of the mug. The hot coffee then filters onto the condensed milk inside the mug. What is produced is a sweet smelling, sweet tasting coffee that is just strong enough to give you that caffeine buzz without the heart palpitations!

If asked for a recommendation, hmmm, I would recommend it to coffee drinkers who like sweet treats or those looking to diversify their coffee experience. I don't think this drink is for everyone, though.

Thank you, Cla, for introducing me to vietnamese coffee. My sweet tooth thanks you. :)