2010 Musts

1Q

- a. Renew Professional License (side trips to: Boracay (with Makay on her long way back to Manila from a rather long holiday) and Bugasong (with the Ybuts of Pojo))

- b. Secure an EPEC Certificate (for whatever good it will do me and Machinehead - my partner in crime for this adventure to lalalaland)

- c. Open a "Norway/2012 London Olympics Project" Bank Account with Dr. Mae

- d. Secure a copy of Birth Certificate from NSO (I'm wondering if it still necessary or relevant to my plans)

- e. Enrol in a profitable crash course (Housekeeping; other ideas welcome) with Diana

- f. Perfect the art and science of baking oatmeal cookies and empanada

- g. Explore the possibilities Down Under

2Q

- a. Install Broadband at new house (as soon as it is ready for occupation)

- b. Relocate Cable (same condition as above)

- c. Apply online for ESL job/s to augment income (8:00-10:00 PM classes)

- d. Expect Philhealth Reimbursement (all because I had the misfortune of getting sick and hospitalized on a long holiday)

3Q - will depend on the outcome of the 1Q/2Q plans

4Q - will depend on the outcome of the 1Q/2Q plans

A Holiday Gift Idea

This year, I have dabbled into a little bit of culinary activity. However, due to budget and time constraints, I only managed to bake three trays (about 4 dozens of 3-in diameter oatmeal cookies for Christmas instead of Empanadas. I got the recipe online but i used brown sugar instead of white which rendered the cookies with a better color and a perfectly chewy texture. I had to make do with using the drippings tray as the tin I bought wouldn't fit inside the oven, even when placed diagonally :( It was an instant success at home that there's only 20 pcs left to be divided to my planned four recipients for 'sampling'. For tita Liz and Tita Florence P, who share my passion for needlework, I added 15 pages of my all time favorite crochet patterns.

At the Valencia's, a family I've known forever to be creators of good food, my gift was met with positive remarks. It was the only encouragement I needed to invest on tins on the next opportunity that I am solvent.
It's not original but it did not diminish the pleasure derived from it.

It was a busy day. In fairness work has nothing to do with the extreme fatigue that gripped me. After my shift was over, I rushed to EWB to get some cash. The transaction would have taken only less than 5 minutes to complete but the staff gave an appearance of being busy but their talk of christmas plans gave them away. That taken cared of, I went into the motion of walking through the construction supply stores along Lacson looking for self-drill screw #7 without any idea about what I was supposed to buy. All the while I thought I was looking for the electric drill, drill bit and actual screws. When I had enough, I gave up the search and rushed to the nearest Chowking outlet and had a small serving of Halo-halo while waiting for my Crispy noodles and sis' chao fan. My disposition improved and I was set to go to the next stop, Citi Appliance. I waited outside, eating the crispy noodles out of the cup only to learn 20 minutes later that sis was inside all the while. After hours of debate, we settled for a green exterior color to complement the brown asphalt shingle roof; and cream hued latex paint for the interior so we won't be troubling ourselves about what furniture to match. We picked up ceramic tiles for flooring as well, snatching glances at the wooden parquet which we had our eyes on from day one. We just consoled ourselves with the thought of using the same for the attic rooms and left the store in peace. Well, not until Richard came to fetch us which is 30 minutes later than what was agreed. Traffic, grrrr!

certified room painters

BFF's house is almost ready for occupation. Well, except that even after two changes, she decided that she no longer wants the blue paint in her room. I don't know where her inspiration sprung from but she decided that we'll paint her room together during the weekend. She mentioned that the painter charges at Php 250 per day and didn't give an estimated number of days to get the job completed.
On Saturday, after an hour of discussion ( that meant I have already picked seeds for my vegetable patch and some soil-less media in which to grow them), we bought 2 4-li cans of apricot white latex paint, 2 rollers and a pan.
We both woke up late the following day. My excuse? Well, sis and myself spent most of the night watching Star Trek and A Boyfriend for Christmas finishing off two bags of cheesy popcorn:)
Heights don't bother me provided I'm securely fastened on to something. Now we know where the P250 per day figure...reaching out for the ceiling cornice. The exercise looked easy but try getting on the scaffold and look down at the hard surface that awaits belw. Even with 'Ta Poy and BFF holding the scaffold, still beads of perspiration still raced on my face just thinking about what can happen if I lose my footing.
It took us two half days to finish the room to our satisfaction. How it looks now was a far cry from the sad blue hue that it donned for a month. Job well done!

Sigh...

Look at that! Less than 15 days towards the new year and I barely made 30 entries for this year. This is pathetic by any standards.
Looking back now, besides the fact that I have unsubscrbed from my wired broadband six months ago, admittedly, there seems to be very little to write about. Shuttling to and from the house daily eat up most of my time. Thinking even adds to my stress, I usually nap during the one hour trip from the house to the office and back. Only when I bring a bag do I get to update my journal and even that seldom happen.
Help me wish that everything will change for the better in the coming year...that is...resurrect the storyteller in me.
For now, I'm going to get a massage. Cheers everyone!