"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want." -Calvin and Hobbes
I never do anything productive during weekends or non-working holidays. I used to take French classes but I kind of stopped because I couldn't determine when I'd be leaving for Japan. So now, I spend the whole Saturday at home, if not go to the market with my mom or accompany eizel to Uno for PE or some school-related activity.
So, weekends and holidays have become a hazy mesh of idle internet time, late breakfasts, extended television time, and basically being an all-out couch potato. Exercise just never figured into the whole equation :( There's the occasional trip to the mall (where I always end up buying something. Talk about impulsive buying). But most of the time, workfree days are the few days wherein I feel content being unproductive and useless.
But if all weekends are spent as such, the "fun" element gradually disappears. I need something else to keep me occupied. Preferably something that doesn't require a computer so the internet is out of the question. I'll need to make a list of things I can do - maybe clean my room, organize my books, practice my long-neglected piano playing "skills." Ironically, the easiest cure for restlessness is doing nothing.
Yesterday, spent the morning in front of the computer XP Organized my music files. I find iTunes difficult to use. It's hard to organize music and get them loaded onto my iPod. I just found my previous mp3 player much more user-friendly. Spent the early part of the afternoon cleaning my room. Then, I went to Ongpin with my parents. My dad chose the cloth for this suit. He's a ninong for a wedding in Sept.
Bought dried mangoes, haw flakes (sigh, brings back childhood memories), and peanuts from Bee Tin. Tried some of the taro puffs and lotus yolk puffs from a small goodies shop. They were good, not too sweet :) Had an early dinner at President, where Dad ran into an old friend's wife.
What I love about quiet family moments during laidback days are the conversations. They're usually about the olden days, when my parents were still children, or when the family business was just starting up. My dad would talk about helping out in the old bodega, about the challenges encountered. He'd compare how different things are now, how it was easier to earn a profit before. My mom would talk about going to the steel office as a child, about playing pretend kitchen with A-ie, about Canada, about her frustrations and wishes and hopes.
I love late afternoons on such idyllic days. The air is balmy and cool and people seem to wind down as it's almost day's end. I love sitting by the porch and listening to the birds chirp. In moments like these, all seems to be okay with the world. It's days like these that I go back to when I'm feeling just a bit down.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
A Robot Love Story
August 15, 2008
- 1st 飲み会 (Nomikai) with the Japanese managers and other Japanese-speaking officemates. Some people backed out at the last minute and so there were only nine of us in attendance (including the two managers). It was a fun way to get to know my new officemates and to practice Japanese.
As the name implies, beer was the main beverage of the night. I just had water, thank you :) I haven't really be comfortable with the idea of having alcoholic beverages at restaurants. I've only had beer when my parents are around, and I haven't been to a lot of nomikais with friends either.
Conversation circled around impressions and experiences in the Philippines and Japan. There were speculations raised and questions asked about office gossip. We analyzed the relationship between blood type and personality. We generally just shared our experiences of Japan and how we thought of it as a country, how we found its people to be :) I wouldn't say I was completely comfortable being in that setting but it was definitely less stressful than i originally made it out to be.
It gave me a chance to know the Japanese speakers better as I belong to a different department. Hopefully, it'll help me warm up to the company more and maybe make things more comfortable.
Speaking of work, I won't be going to Japan next month. My posting to Japan has been delayed indefinitely, although company says I'll probably leave within the year. I'm disappointed but not devastated. The plans change because the clients requested for a schedule change and I wouldn't be able to meet the sched considering the time needed to process the POEA papers and visa application. And so, I'll be doing some other work in the meantime, probably more translation and HR trainings.
***
Spent the day at Shangri-La Mall yesterday. Replenished my stock of Body Shop Almond Hand Cream. They don't have it in those friendly squeeze bottles anymore, just in containers for face cream. But the product hasn't changed. I love the sweet soothing smell the almond lotion has, with hints of vanilla :)
Watched Wall-E. Cinemas reminded me of those in Eastwood. The movie was interesting. There was almost no dialogue. One could actually count the scenes where there was actual conversation (not including the Eve-Wall-E conversations where the two robots literally just say each other's names repeatedly). It was like an animated silent movie. And since it was virtually without dialogue, the animators had to make extra effort with how the film was executed. I have to say they did a good job. Wall-E kept me entertained throughout the one and a half hours. I laughed at his human-like antics and expressions, although I didn't really warm up to the robot love story. My favorite scenes would have to be the outer space scenes when Wall-E first speeds off after Eve, and when he and Eve dance around with the stars.
More than a robot movie, Wall-E is about the environment. It shows how the environment will turn up if we continue our current rate of consumption, improper waste disposal and lack of regard for the environment. In the future, the earth has become a wasteland with no signs of life. Everything is dark and bleary and dirty. May God help us the day we turn out like the humans in the movie. Even the robots are more human than the people in that spaceShip.
***
Had snacks at Secret Recipe. Had the white chocolate macademia cake. It was delish! Loved the contrast of the crunchy macademia nuts with the soft vanilla custard. Reminded me of the Haagen Daaz macademia nut ice cream flavor. Ni had the choco banana cake. It was good too although the cake we ordered before had a more dense chocolate taste. For me, the thicker the chocolate the better :P
***
I'm working on accepting the fact that things will happen when they're meant to happen.
I find that I'm bad at interpreting signals. Hopefully, I'll be better at interpreting words :P
My current emotional state is a bit sad and disoriented but optimistic nonetheless.
- 1st 飲み会 (Nomikai) with the Japanese managers and other Japanese-speaking officemates. Some people backed out at the last minute and so there were only nine of us in attendance (including the two managers). It was a fun way to get to know my new officemates and to practice Japanese.
As the name implies, beer was the main beverage of the night. I just had water, thank you :) I haven't really be comfortable with the idea of having alcoholic beverages at restaurants. I've only had beer when my parents are around, and I haven't been to a lot of nomikais with friends either.
Conversation circled around impressions and experiences in the Philippines and Japan. There were speculations raised and questions asked about office gossip. We analyzed the relationship between blood type and personality. We generally just shared our experiences of Japan and how we thought of it as a country, how we found its people to be :) I wouldn't say I was completely comfortable being in that setting but it was definitely less stressful than i originally made it out to be.
It gave me a chance to know the Japanese speakers better as I belong to a different department. Hopefully, it'll help me warm up to the company more and maybe make things more comfortable.
Speaking of work, I won't be going to Japan next month. My posting to Japan has been delayed indefinitely, although company says I'll probably leave within the year. I'm disappointed but not devastated. The plans change because the clients requested for a schedule change and I wouldn't be able to meet the sched considering the time needed to process the POEA papers and visa application. And so, I'll be doing some other work in the meantime, probably more translation and HR trainings.
***
Spent the day at Shangri-La Mall yesterday. Replenished my stock of Body Shop Almond Hand Cream. They don't have it in those friendly squeeze bottles anymore, just in containers for face cream. But the product hasn't changed. I love the sweet soothing smell the almond lotion has, with hints of vanilla :)
Watched Wall-E. Cinemas reminded me of those in Eastwood. The movie was interesting. There was almost no dialogue. One could actually count the scenes where there was actual conversation (not including the Eve-Wall-E conversations where the two robots literally just say each other's names repeatedly). It was like an animated silent movie. And since it was virtually without dialogue, the animators had to make extra effort with how the film was executed. I have to say they did a good job. Wall-E kept me entertained throughout the one and a half hours. I laughed at his human-like antics and expressions, although I didn't really warm up to the robot love story. My favorite scenes would have to be the outer space scenes when Wall-E first speeds off after Eve, and when he and Eve dance around with the stars.
More than a robot movie, Wall-E is about the environment. It shows how the environment will turn up if we continue our current rate of consumption, improper waste disposal and lack of regard for the environment. In the future, the earth has become a wasteland with no signs of life. Everything is dark and bleary and dirty. May God help us the day we turn out like the humans in the movie. Even the robots are more human than the people in that spaceShip.
***
Had snacks at Secret Recipe. Had the white chocolate macademia cake. It was delish! Loved the contrast of the crunchy macademia nuts with the soft vanilla custard. Reminded me of the Haagen Daaz macademia nut ice cream flavor. Ni had the choco banana cake. It was good too although the cake we ordered before had a more dense chocolate taste. For me, the thicker the chocolate the better :P
***
I'm working on accepting the fact that things will happen when they're meant to happen.
I find that I'm bad at interpreting signals. Hopefully, I'll be better at interpreting words :P
My current emotional state is a bit sad and disoriented but optimistic nonetheless.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
rainy day food, movies, etc
Rain has been the common forecast these days. August 13 was no different. Of course, the rain falls down in tiny insistent pellets at around 5pm or so, making it bleary and tiring for those going home after a day of work.
Upon arriving at North Edsa station, sloshed through puddles of water and debris to go to the Block where I had a movie date with Nini J The feat left my pants damp and dirty :( Nothing like good warm food to ease the frazzled nerves. So, as I got there early (no long lines at the MRT), I had time to buy those delicious coffee buns they sell at Kopi Mum, located just beside the cinema ticket booth. The smell that wafts from the shop is just heavenly – the mixed aroma of freshly baked rolls, light swirls of sweet coffee, and warm melted butter. When you take a bite, the warm bun is the perfect foil for the light and gooey butter inside. The bun is not too soft and has a perfect chewiness. The bun and butter complement the soothing coffee flavor. This delicious bun is another addition to my rainy day comfort foods (of course, it is perfect for non-rainy days as well :P)
On the 4th floor, across the escalators is a Sebastian’s Ice Cream booth. The flavors on the menu board intrigued me, but I found the prices a bit on the high end. Plus I hadn’t had dinner yet. Maybe I’ll try one next time J I’d love to try the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and White Chocolate Macadamia, although the Mango Sansrival does sound appetizing too.
As we're speaking of food already, one of my other cravings is Beard Papa's cream puffs :) I love the vanilla custard cream that's enveloped by this doughy crusty bread. Perfect after a long day at work. I think I started craving for cream puffs after I watched the J-drama Zettai Kareshi. It's a love story (among two persons and a robot) set in the patisserie business. And the lead character has a penchant for cream puffs. Just made me think of Japan :)
Anyways, Ni and I watched Grace is Gone last Weds. The movie is about Stanley Philips (John Cusack) who learns that his wife Grace, a sergeant serving in the Iraq war, has passed away. Shocked and barely able to deal with his grief, he struggles with how to tell his two daughters – Heidi (12) and Dawn (8) – the sad news. His attempts to break the news to his children – or rather his inability to do so – result in them taking an impromptu trip to the Enchanted Gardens amusement park in Florida. During the trip, Stanley struggles to talk to and understand his daughters, while at the same time dealing with his own grief and guilt.
In the first part of the movie, there’s a dining room scene where Stanley and the girls are having dinner. The scene portrays Stanley as a loving yet no-nonsense type of father. He asks his daughters how their day went, gives judgment and advice (which is not always well-received). Although we can see that he loves his daughters and watches out for them, it's almost painful to see the lack of affection and doting. The mood is too serious, somber even. The dining room’s silence is only punctuated by the clacking of the forks on the plates, made even more audible as the three members eat their dinner in silence.
One of my favorite scenes is when Dawn and Heidi get their ears pierced at a department store. As Dawn roams around the store, she spots a mother shopping with her son, and excitedly shows her her newly pierced ears, only to get disappointed by the lukewarm reaction she gets. Hurt and disappointed, she hides in a little plastic playhouse, and this is where Stanley and Heidi find her. As Stanley talks to Dawn, she shares that she misses home and in a softly, she whispers she misses her mom too. The scene ends with a three-way hug among Stanley, Heidi, and Dawn.
Heidi turns in a brilliant performance as an eldest child who is in that transition phase between child and young adult. The movie portrays her as responsible, serious, and perceptive. Unlike Dawn who can carelessly shout out her emotions and worries, she bottles them up and filters them, showing only emotions that are deemed to be acceptable and appropriate, as she knows that her actions have an effect on her father, on other people. So she is careful, troubled, pensive - a young child trapped in a situation which requires her to be an adult.
When the girls finally know the sad news, it’s not as emotional or climactic as I thought it would be. In fact, it resembles the waves lapping on the shore. The sudden rush of waves describes the initial shock and denial, but after a while, the waves recede back from the shoreline, leaving only silence, contemplation, and perhaps even a hint of calm.
The story is pretty straightforward and linear. There are no surprise twists or flashbacks. It moves along at a slow pace, with moments of silence interspersed among the scenic shots and main scenes. It reads like a documentary in a way, you feel like you’re simply following them on their impromptu road trip. Yet the simple story tugs at your heartstrings, perhaps because it deals with such real issues, and grief is an emotion that most people, if not everyone, can relate to. The young girls turn in beautiful performances and their innocent portrayals make your heart go out to them. It’s a simple, no-frills movie but it is beautiful and full of genuine heartfelt emotion.
***
Flashbacks:
Had dinner with Malt, Char, Lin, and Sherry at John and Yoko. I found the food better than Sumo Sam's. Liked the pizza, the cheesee had an interesting twist. I don't know if it was the type of cheese used or the addition of Japanese mayo, but it was yummy :) Sushi is like the choices you get at Omakase. I have to say that my favorite is still the Crazy Maki at OkiOki Trinoma :) Dinner was interesting in that we ate only appetizers, ordering two or three at a time. But talking and the ordering intervals between the appetizers made us full hehe. Malt and I took the second to the last MRT ride to North Edsa. Good thing we made it in time.
Aug 9. Watched Cinderella at CCP with my mom and two sisters. Lea Salonga was brilliant. Her voice was crystal clear and she sang so beautifully. I loved the effects! It was like the fairy godmother really did make all those magical things happen with a quick swish of her wand. I loved the scene where she makes the pumpkins and rats turn into a golden carriage and horses. Even Cinderella changed from rags to a golden gown in mere seconds! The life of the play would have to be the fairy godmother and the two stepsisters. The Stepsisters' Lament was very entertaining and had me chuckling along. And I liked how Cinderella and the Prince met near the end of the play (with a bit of magic from fairy godmother, of course :) ) Although everyone knows Cinderella's story, it was nice seeing it on stage, with magical effects and beautiful music. Next musical, West Side Story!
Had dinner at Summer Palace after the musical for Sherisse's birthday celebration. Talk was about the olympics mostly and a-ie's funny tummy ache moments. Family dinners cheer me up as they are always filled with anecdotes and laughter.
***
Off to HK on friday! Got the tickets yesterday :)
Upon arriving at North Edsa station, sloshed through puddles of water and debris to go to the Block where I had a movie date with Nini J The feat left my pants damp and dirty :( Nothing like good warm food to ease the frazzled nerves. So, as I got there early (no long lines at the MRT), I had time to buy those delicious coffee buns they sell at Kopi Mum, located just beside the cinema ticket booth. The smell that wafts from the shop is just heavenly – the mixed aroma of freshly baked rolls, light swirls of sweet coffee, and warm melted butter. When you take a bite, the warm bun is the perfect foil for the light and gooey butter inside. The bun is not too soft and has a perfect chewiness. The bun and butter complement the soothing coffee flavor. This delicious bun is another addition to my rainy day comfort foods (of course, it is perfect for non-rainy days as well :P)
On the 4th floor, across the escalators is a Sebastian’s Ice Cream booth. The flavors on the menu board intrigued me, but I found the prices a bit on the high end. Plus I hadn’t had dinner yet. Maybe I’ll try one next time J I’d love to try the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and White Chocolate Macadamia, although the Mango Sansrival does sound appetizing too.
As we're speaking of food already, one of my other cravings is Beard Papa's cream puffs :) I love the vanilla custard cream that's enveloped by this doughy crusty bread. Perfect after a long day at work. I think I started craving for cream puffs after I watched the J-drama Zettai Kareshi. It's a love story (among two persons and a robot) set in the patisserie business. And the lead character has a penchant for cream puffs. Just made me think of Japan :)
Anyways, Ni and I watched Grace is Gone last Weds. The movie is about Stanley Philips (John Cusack) who learns that his wife Grace, a sergeant serving in the Iraq war, has passed away. Shocked and barely able to deal with his grief, he struggles with how to tell his two daughters – Heidi (12) and Dawn (8) – the sad news. His attempts to break the news to his children – or rather his inability to do so – result in them taking an impromptu trip to the Enchanted Gardens amusement park in Florida. During the trip, Stanley struggles to talk to and understand his daughters, while at the same time dealing with his own grief and guilt.
In the first part of the movie, there’s a dining room scene where Stanley and the girls are having dinner. The scene portrays Stanley as a loving yet no-nonsense type of father. He asks his daughters how their day went, gives judgment and advice (which is not always well-received). Although we can see that he loves his daughters and watches out for them, it's almost painful to see the lack of affection and doting. The mood is too serious, somber even. The dining room’s silence is only punctuated by the clacking of the forks on the plates, made even more audible as the three members eat their dinner in silence.
One of my favorite scenes is when Dawn and Heidi get their ears pierced at a department store. As Dawn roams around the store, she spots a mother shopping with her son, and excitedly shows her her newly pierced ears, only to get disappointed by the lukewarm reaction she gets. Hurt and disappointed, she hides in a little plastic playhouse, and this is where Stanley and Heidi find her. As Stanley talks to Dawn, she shares that she misses home and in a softly, she whispers she misses her mom too. The scene ends with a three-way hug among Stanley, Heidi, and Dawn.
Heidi turns in a brilliant performance as an eldest child who is in that transition phase between child and young adult. The movie portrays her as responsible, serious, and perceptive. Unlike Dawn who can carelessly shout out her emotions and worries, she bottles them up and filters them, showing only emotions that are deemed to be acceptable and appropriate, as she knows that her actions have an effect on her father, on other people. So she is careful, troubled, pensive - a young child trapped in a situation which requires her to be an adult.
When the girls finally know the sad news, it’s not as emotional or climactic as I thought it would be. In fact, it resembles the waves lapping on the shore. The sudden rush of waves describes the initial shock and denial, but after a while, the waves recede back from the shoreline, leaving only silence, contemplation, and perhaps even a hint of calm.
The story is pretty straightforward and linear. There are no surprise twists or flashbacks. It moves along at a slow pace, with moments of silence interspersed among the scenic shots and main scenes. It reads like a documentary in a way, you feel like you’re simply following them on their impromptu road trip. Yet the simple story tugs at your heartstrings, perhaps because it deals with such real issues, and grief is an emotion that most people, if not everyone, can relate to. The young girls turn in beautiful performances and their innocent portrayals make your heart go out to them. It’s a simple, no-frills movie but it is beautiful and full of genuine heartfelt emotion.
***
Flashbacks:
Had dinner with Malt, Char, Lin, and Sherry at John and Yoko. I found the food better than Sumo Sam's. Liked the pizza, the cheesee had an interesting twist. I don't know if it was the type of cheese used or the addition of Japanese mayo, but it was yummy :) Sushi is like the choices you get at Omakase. I have to say that my favorite is still the Crazy Maki at OkiOki Trinoma :) Dinner was interesting in that we ate only appetizers, ordering two or three at a time. But talking and the ordering intervals between the appetizers made us full hehe. Malt and I took the second to the last MRT ride to North Edsa. Good thing we made it in time.
Aug 9. Watched Cinderella at CCP with my mom and two sisters. Lea Salonga was brilliant. Her voice was crystal clear and she sang so beautifully. I loved the effects! It was like the fairy godmother really did make all those magical things happen with a quick swish of her wand. I loved the scene where she makes the pumpkins and rats turn into a golden carriage and horses. Even Cinderella changed from rags to a golden gown in mere seconds! The life of the play would have to be the fairy godmother and the two stepsisters. The Stepsisters' Lament was very entertaining and had me chuckling along. And I liked how Cinderella and the Prince met near the end of the play (with a bit of magic from fairy godmother, of course :) ) Although everyone knows Cinderella's story, it was nice seeing it on stage, with magical effects and beautiful music. Next musical, West Side Story!
Had dinner at Summer Palace after the musical for Sherisse's birthday celebration. Talk was about the olympics mostly and a-ie's funny tummy ache moments. Family dinners cheer me up as they are always filled with anecdotes and laughter.
***
Off to HK on friday! Got the tickets yesterday :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)