“Well, all I’m saying is that I want to look back and say that I did I the best I could while I was stuck in this place. Had as much fun as I could while I was stuck in this place.”
— Dazed and Confused

Word?
Word.

Skater Chick?

More Than Meets The Eye

Dylan and i are walking down the street. It's part of our morning ritual to take that morning stroll to catch a cab to school. Luckily, we find one in an instant. We cross the street and make our way to the passenger's side. As i open the door to let him in, a symbol on the side of the car catches his attention and he gasps loudly, "MOM!!!! It's a Transformer!!!".
It's one of those metal attachments people stick on their cars.
I'm amused with his comment, i smile and laugh as i urge him to hop in the cab.
The grown-up in me mutters, "Yes, sweetie. Get in the car."
Appalled, my 6 year old retorts, "No Mom!!! It's a Decepticon!!!"
I laugh even more and once again tell him to get in the car. He quietly obliges, eying the symbol with caution.
As the car takes us to school, he looks around and carefully observes the interior. I'm assuming he's looking for signs that the car might speak to him or transform into a robot any second now. As the ride goes on, he seems to let it go and his thoughts wander elsewhere.
We reach the school parking lot and as he hops off, he looks back at the cab and stares at it suspiciously.
"Is he gonna transform?" He asks me.


Oh, the wonder of being a child.
I'm telling you... it's the simple things.

“There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.”

— Buddha

Arbitrary Mind Picks #59

1. First roll of film on my lomo camera- DONE!
I'm excited for the debut of my rookie lomo photo session.

2. It's 6:40pm and there's still light out. Interesting.

3. I know we've never made a personal connection or you really don't remember my name when you address me on Facebook as "Althea". Yeah, no...
I think it's time to edit that friends list.

4. Based on yesterday's episode, and other similar circumstances, i've come to this conclusion: A disadvantage of being "young" is that people just don't take you seriously. Mother effin bullocks.

5. I need to buy a new pair of orange flip flops. I just do.

6. I took my workout gloves out of my drawer to pack in my gym bag. I got distracted for a split second and my attention was diverted to something else. As i got back to packing my bag, i looked around for my gloves... and i couldn't find it! I've been looking for them for 3 days now... i've looked everywhere for them! I don't know what's going on with me... but this is just really bizaaro.
(I even went to the extent of "asking for them back" incase... you know... spiritual, mythology crap, elves and shit decided to "borrow" them. Filipino folklore. Yeah.)
I am still gloveless.

Maybe the cleaning lady will find it on Thursday.

7. Why does it feel like bills keep popping up more often than i think they should?

8. There's something about May 17 that's bugging me... something about this date i'm supposed to remember but i don't. Err... i wonder what it is.

9. I can already see it, even this early on. Dylan has a thing for hats and shoes. I'm in so much trouble.

10. There's a line up of birthday parties this coming weekend... i'm mortified. lol
(Funny how "birthday parties" are synonymous to "wasted off your ass")

Cheesecake and Justice

Dylan and i walked to John Hay today to pick up a package at The Manor Hotel. Since i was already there, i decided to pass by the bakery to pick up a slice or 2 of whatever dessert they had that managed to tickle my fancy. I walked in, eyed the goods real quick, and ordered a slice of their Mud Pie and a slice of the Blueberry Cheesecake. The lady takes my order and walks over to the counter to make the preparations. As she's opening the door to the refrigerator, a man walks up to her and says, "Kunin ko na itong Cheesecake..." (I'll take this whole cheesecake right here). The lady looks at me and says, "Ma'am... hindi na po pwede yung cheesecake..." (Ma'am, the cheesecake isn't available anymore).

Now, you have to understand that when i browse a menu or think of something that i want to eat... as soon as my mind is made up- my heart is completely set on it. I abhor the random Sorry-not-available's or Sorry-out-of-stock's that i hear every so often at restaurants. To put it bluntly- it pisses me off.

So, here's this cheesecake sitting in front of me, practically yelling for me, singing tunes of happiness, and it has my name written all over it. Plain as day staring at me in the face. It's THERE.

All of a sudden i can't have it?
That's odd. 4 seconds ago it was virtually mine.

She takes the whole cheesecake and sets it in a box for the man that just pretty much cut the line. The man avoids eye contact with me. I think he knows he just ruined my day. Or i don't know... had a realization that what he did was just plain rude but he wanted that cheesecake anyway.

I think i made a face. A mix of awe and confusion. Maybe a hint of anger. I looked around and thought about the situation. Did that really just happen? Is there something i can say to bring my case to justice? Was i in the wrong? Did the right thing just happen? Was that ok? Am i overreacting? Is it because cheesecake is involved?

I shook my head and walked out. I called Dylan, who was staring out the window, to follow me out. I decided i'd walk over to Starbucks and reward myself with overpriced coffee topped with whipped cream since i stopped myself from causing a scene.

It was a moment of defeat. I'll admit that. I wanted to win but decided it wasn't worth it. Maybe it makes more sense that she caved for the man who wanted the whole cake instead of a measly slice. I don't know... but i felt duped.

Anyway, i let it go.
It was just weird, that's all.

On a lighter note, i saved 400 Pesos and avoided the calories.
So there.

“Because a song can take you back instantly to a moment, a place, or even a person. No matter what else has changed in you or the world, that one song stays the same, just like that moment. Which is pretty amazing, when you actually think about it.”

— Sarah Dessen, Just Listen

Arbitrary Mind Picks #58

1. 2 more weeks before the end of the school year!!! woohoo!!!
(I feel like i'm in high school again... haha)

2. Heading to the gym first thing in the morning is kinda cool...

3. Raspberry vodka with mango juice is disgusting. Don't try it. It was a good idea... but the reality is a different story.

4. I'm convinced that my son was perfectly made for me. He's incredible.

5. New challenge: cooking healthy.
We'll see how long this lasts...

6. Dylan's new favorite song is I'm So Excited by the Pointer Sisters.
hmm...

“ You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him."
-J. Miles

Tadah!!!

...aaaaaaaand i'm back.

In the past 3 weeks...

• i have managed to meet up with 2 of my best girlfriends- both of whom i haven't seen in over 2 years.
• I accompanied my girl to a bridal dress fitting, attended a wedding dinner, and watched all my married friends compare wedding bands and engagement rings. Lovely. Yes, a tinge of jealousy, but no, not really.
  
• i have eaten at over 5 restaurants i have been craving for for over 7 months now.
  
• we celebrated Dylan's 6th birthday and it was absolutely wonderful! I couldn't have been happier with the turnout.
  
• i have been on a bus 4 times, stepping foot in Manila 2 weekends out of the 3.
• i have been familiarizing myself with "new" music.
• i have only gotten smashed beyond comprehension ONCE. (yes, that's an accomplishment)
• i've learned different recipes that i shall soon be experimenting with in the kitchen.
  
• i've had heart to heart talks with a handful of people... and i'm convinced that life is only what you make it, happiness is found within, and the definition of success varies for everyone.
  
• i've broken another pair of slippers.
  
• i still didn't watch anything in the theater.
  
• i have finally set foot in a gym! I am in pain... and it hurts so good.
  
• i have been addicted to Mario Brothers on the Wii. My thumbs hurt- it's a good indication that i must stop.
  
• i went go-carting!!! and it was effin awesome.
  
• i soldiered out staying up til the wee hours of the morning and waking up past noon, then snapping back into 8pm bedtime and 6am mornings.
  
• Dylan is the proud owner of 2 turtles and a fish... translated- i have to clean up after 2 turtles and a fish. I have concluded that i am no pet lover. I will go as far as dogs... and even for those i'm willing to admit that i am far from ready. A 6 year old keeps me busy as it is.
  

I am still a bit delirious from the 3 weeks of chaos. I'm gonna be staying home for a while before i do anything crazy again. Looking forward to seeing my dad, Dylan finishing school, getting into the swing of fitness, and maybe traveling a bit this vacation... my itch to explore isn't going away.

Regular programming will resume shortly.
Did you miss me?

He's 6!

Thank you for making me laugh and for all the cute things you say. For making me smile on days i don't feel like it and for the head massages to help me fall asleep. The endless tight hugs and kisses will always be something i appreciate. My life has been an incredible journey, and having you in it only makes it better.

You are growing into quite a fine, young man and you make me proud every single day. I couldn't have asked for a better son, and i am only lucky to have been blessed with someone as wonderful as you. The light in your eyes shows me so much passion and the fire in your spirit is truly something to be admired. There is a brilliance in you that will take you places. I only hope i can keep up with you.

To a day filled with cake, ice cream, laughter, and balloons- Happy Birthday, my darling.


Mommy loves you... duper lots.