Janey comments on: The Time Traveler's Wife

I finished reading Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife a few days ago and I have to say, "I totally loved it!" This was one of the few books that made me cry. As in I wanted to sob real hard (but was holding back because I didn't want Kim to see me crying over a book - she'll think I'm mushy and OA. Haha).

And just now I found out that it's gonna be shown in theaters on August 2009. I'm definitely gonna watch this! I can't wait. ;)

Just a quick post (too tired to write a more detailed one, sorry!)

♥ New haircut! - I had my hair done today during my lunch hour. :) After that, I got myself some Twister fries / Icy blue float / Burger McDo @ McDonald's.


☻ Lawrence is suffering from another bout of fever since last night. He went to the doctor tonight for checkup and was told that he's suffering from a throat infection. Aww. :( Get well soon, dear. I'm praying for you.

Wise Words 101

Work and accomplishments do not define who I am. Only what God tells me matters. I am God's beloved; therefore, I am special. ♥

Janey Updates - 7/9-13/09

July 9, 2009 (Thursday)
After work, I headed over to church for our cellgroup meeting. It was another night filled with each other's encouraging reports and fresh insights from the Bible. It was a good way to recharge my tired and weary self.

At home, I started working on the message that I was to share for MFAG's youth fellowship on the 12th. I worked till the wee hours of the morning since I knew my Friday's going to be a busy one (our Asst. Principal asked me to report for work because we're rushing some things for UECP's 80th Anniversary. Most of the school photos are with me so I'm needed there just in case they need a photo of something).

July 10, 2009 (Friday)
I met Lawrence for lunch. He had just spent the morning in Banawe, QC, submitting his resume and portfolio in a company there. He was supposed to be interviewed but when he got there, they told him to come back another time. Hay.

After lunch, we hung out at church before I had to go to work at 2pm. It was then that we realized Lawrence was already burning up with fever. It was a scary moment because he rarely gets sick. I was so worried. But he still insisted on going with me to school. Tsk.

He had to take a ride going back to church because he was feeling very weak already. Then around 3pm, he asked me to call him. I learned that he was on his way to QC again because the company called and asked him to go there for the test. And he obeyed them. Grabe. I was really worried sick because I saw how weak he already was and it was already raining very hard at that time. But I couldn't do anything about it but pray, and so I did.

Tutor was ok. After that, I went straight home because Praise Team practice was cancelled (Lawrence, being sick and still at QC, definitely won't be coming back to Binondo for the prax; he's the W.Leader).

So I had extra hours to work on my message. I was able to finish it that night, sans the powerpoint (which I planned to do Saturday night).

July 11, 2009 (Saturday)
I had some much needed "me"-time, watching OTH and makeup tutorials at YouTube. :D When 4pm rolled by, I headed over to church for carecell. 6pm we had our practice, with Brz as substitute for the still-sick and absent Lawrence. :(

At home, I started working on my powerpoint presentation for Sunday.

July 12, 2009 (Sunday)
Worship service. Lawrence was already able to make it to church, praise God!


Ptr. Patrick talks of unity in the church.

After the service and the usual chikahan after, we headed over to MFAG. I was nervous seeing so many unfamiliar faces and the thought that I'm gonna be speaking in front made me wonder if I'm gonna be able to deliver it well. It was also then that I realized how old I'm getting to be (haha!). Most of the young people in attendance were high school and college kids. It was a humbling thought realizing that just a few years ago, I was just like one of these kids attending fellowship. I really thank God for the growth he has blessed me with and the privilege of being used to speak for Him.

My topic was about Paul and how his courageous faith should serve as an example to us, especially in our difficult times. (Click this to view the message)

Afterwards, the youth leaders invited me and Lawrence to a pizza fellowship. It was great catching up with some of them and just being around them.

After a sushi dinner w/ Lawrence, I went home and immediately went to bed (at 7:30pm! Hehe).

That's how tired I was, what with all the stress the past weekend has brought plus the late nights I pulled. But praise God for sustaining me. I felt feverish the whole time, especially during Saturday night, but He answered our prayers and did not allow me to get knocked down with fever (even if I got caught in the rain and everything). Miracle talalga.

July 13, 2009 (Monday)
I woke up to the sound of heavy rain. I like waking up like that. Cold and cozy. Mmm. :)

At work, Frank caught me at YM, asking me if I wanted to be a part of their new TV show as a scriptwriter. Was I interested? OF COURSE I AM!! This is exactly the kind of opportunity I'm looking for. It's a chance to use what I studied in college and to do what I know I'm actually good at - writing. Although it's going to be different from my usual style of writing, still, it's a chance to develop myself as a writer. I really am awed by the move of God in my life. Thank you Lord! :)

After work, we had dinner at Shakey's (mom, Abby, me, Auntie Michelle and Kayla). It was Kayla's first day at Hope and I guess it was sort of a celebration. :) She did pretty well on her first day; she has lots of friends already, as reported by Aeschylus. Haha.



Top: Kayla and Abby
Bottom: Mom and Tita Michelle

I'm planning to finish The Video this week. I'm gonna be so happy once this video's done. It seems like I've been working on it forever. Hehehe. I'm eager for it to be done with. So help me God. :)

Janey = Head Writer

I like the sound of that! Hehe.

Praying that all will go well for this venture. But above all else, Your will be done, Lord.

*Will write a more detailed post on this later.

I'm here for the long haul

This morning I was greeted by a former classmate's mom because she has a tarpaulin assignment for me (her daughter's graduated Cum Laude and 8th place in the board exam). I asked how my friend was (we were quite close when we were Freshmen) and she told me that my friend's now in Brazil because she was sent there by their office for a 3-month contract. I was surprised and happy for my friend but at the same time, this recurring thought came nagging at me, "Buti pa sha nakarating na sa Brazil. Eh ikaw, ano na ang narating mo? Hanggang jan ka nalang ba?" I began to question (again) my chosen career and if I am even headed for success.

But praise God because he immediately reminded me once again of the reason why I am where I am - that what I'm doing is a part of my ministry. I am exactly where God wants me to be. How do I know that? I just know. There's this peace deep inside my heart, making me sure that I am right where God wants me for this season in my life. Despite of all the stresses and the "I hate my life" episodes, I am sure that God still wants me to work here because He is still not finished molding my character. Another thing that makes me sure that I am right to be where I am now is that God's favor is still with me. I have lots of faults, but still God moves in such a way that just amazes me.

I've been struggling with my job for the past 4 years already. I have had my share of good and bad seasons. But through it all, I've learned this:

It's not about the prestige of the job that determines one's success;
it's about your obedience to the call of God for your life.

On another near-allergy scare, sushi, high school varsity boys and Disney princesses

Flashback to Sunday night:
I had a near-allergy scare because of the left-over palabok from Xandra's debut Saturday night. I thought it was safe for me to eat because they assured me that the shrimp was only placed as toppings. But I was seriously mistaken. I haven't even finished my meal when I started feeling itchy already. Then 30 minutes after, the swelling started.

My mom had me take 2 anti-histamine pills and thankfully, it worked. In fact, it worked so well that I was knocked down to sleep, and that's after waking up from a 5-hour nap. Kamusta naman diba!

Monday morning:
I woke up with an excruciating stomach cramps. I literally couldn't move from my position and I was near into passing out from the pain. That's how bad it was. I prayed and prayed and thank God, I was still able to make it to work.

In the office, I still experienced snatches of pain but it was tolerable. I was feeling a bit woozy, though. I think it was still from the pills I took the night before.

When I got home from work, I ate my snack then headed off to bed. I was just planning to take a nap but when I woke up, it's already Tuesday morning. 0_o

This morning:
I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I felt crappy and sulked during my whole morning ritual. But when I got to the office, I decided not to let my feelings dictate my mood. So I tried.

And then the day just got better and better. :)

Lunchtime:
My mom came to the office, surprising me. It turned out that Tita Michelle had an appointment again at the Registrar's office (Kayla, my cousin, will be studying at HCHS starting Monday) and she accompanied her. They asked me to join them for lunch, and guess where we went? :) Yep! Sushiyum, my favorite!

And this lunch is a blessing not only because (1) it's a treat from Auntie Michelle, and (2) it's my favorite, but also because I wasn't even planning on eating during my lunchbreak because I didn't have money with me. I was feeling so crappy that morning that I didn't even bother to have my spare $20 changed into peso. So all I had in my wallet was this $20 which I'm sure they wouldn't accept in McDonald's. So when my mom knocked on my office door, it was like God telling me, "Janey, stop your tantrums na. I'm here to provide for you (even if you don't really deserve it after the way you've been behaving)."

Thank you, Father. ü

After a 2-hour lunch break (I know, it won't happen again, I promise ü), the afternoon flew by easily.

Then tutor time came. The guys told me they had to do their journals for their English subject. So I helped them with it. I was amused with their interesting choice of designs - who would have thought that high school varsity boys are into Disney princesses? Hahaha!! It was cute. And watching them work on their respective journals was amazing. That's why I didn't mind even if we went overtime for an hour (we dismissed at 6:30pm). I just hope they won't get reprimanded by their coach (they still had to go to practice). They were doing their assignment, after all.




All in all, the past 3 days has been filled with blessings and favor from God. And shamefully, I was acting like a spoiled brat to even notice it. Thank God that His mercies are new every morning. And that He still showers me with favors and blessings and reminders to keep me on the right track. Praise God.

*
P.S.
I joined FullyBook's Book Grab contest just for fun. Hehe. I hope I win. :)

*
P.P.S.
I wanna buy Sophie Kinsella's new book!

Xandra's Debut

Tonight we had a surprise debut party for my cousin, Xandralyn. It was all good. This is our first time to have a big party for one of our churchmates and it's great to see everyone doing everything they can to contribute to the party.

To the decoration team, the band, the food committee - you did a great job, guys! ;)

To Xandra: Happy 18th birthday cuz! :) I ♥ you! (And thanks for the cool earrings! I ♥♥♥ it!)

Here are some pics from my phone. Other pics will be uploaded soon once Brznf sends the file from his cam.


YESU - on their first gig.


Annie renders a song for the debutante.


The debutante singing along with the band.


The debutante with Ptr. Patrick.


YESU - goofing around with the debutante.


Janey, all dolled up for the event. :)


Coffee break @ Starbucks after the event.



*

P.S. I did the makeup for Xandra and some of the girls (Abby and Candy) and I totally enjoyed it. :-) I finally learned how to do this heavy eye makeup thing suitable for evening events. Saya. Ang tagal kong pinag-aralan yun eh. Hehehe. I've always wanted to learn how to apply makeup, and now I'm finally doing it for others. Sarap ng feeling to be doing something you really love. Hehehe. Special thanks to the MaryKay seminar we had last year, Jhantelle's influence, and the tutorials at BareNaturals.

Still up in the wee hours of the monring

It's 2:11 am in my clock as I'm typing this sentence. What am I doing up so late (or early, whatever!)? I just finished editing this video for tomorrow's (today's, again, whatever) event. The rendering process is now at 25% and I'm waiting for it to finish. So I do what I do best when waiting - I write. :)

> My stomach's growling. I think I'm gonna eat my Oishi Ridges after this post.
> We had a late night tonight at church, busy with some preparations for tomorrow's Big Event. Will blog about it tomorrow since it's supposed to be a hush-hush event. :)

Realyn taught us how to make paper flowers using crepe paper. Cute, no?

> I got a new dress today. What's so great about it is that it was on sale - 50% off! Yey! :)

Please ignore the messy surroundings. Hehehe.

> Kim got us some new aviator shades - she was able to buy it at a bargain (oh yeah, we just love bargains) and she decided, out of the goodness of her heart, to buy me and Lawrence a pair as well. Thanks Kimmie!



Us, showing off our new shades. Take note of the last photo: Janey in tantrums, ayaw na magpapicture, pagod na magisip ng wacky poses. Haha.

> Here are more pics from the past week.


June 29, 2009 - My dad shows some hidden talent in sewing (inherited from his mom? Haha).


July 2, 2009 - Janey, happily posing for Lawrence because they're at Sushiyum (her favorite!).

*

We're at 59% na! I think I'm gonna get to my Oishi now. And catch one episode of OTH. :) Ciao for now!

What's up with Janey these days

Ok, first things first.

☺ I was asked to speak at Manila Faith AG's youth fellowship on July 12. This will be my 2nd time to speak outside church and also my 2nd time to be invited by that church to be their speaker. I'm truly honored to be asked again. Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity. Help me as I prepare for this. It'll be a challenge because it's 10 days away and I have lots of deadlines (the video plus another surprise video)

☺ Auntie Michelle and Kayla and Elijah (my relatives from Boston) are here! They arrived last June 29. They came to enroll Kayla at Hope (she'll be staying with us for the meantime). Welcome back Tita and cousins!

☺ Tutor sessions are going great. Kanina we dismissed at around 5:50-ish because I gave the guys a practice quiz in Biology. I only have 5 tutees this year so we meet everyday. So far, so good.

☺ We had our quarterly SS Teachers' Meeting last Tuesday and we've got quite a number of events lined up for this quarter (Parent-Teacher fellowship in October and a teaching seminar in August, to name a few). I'm excited! :)

☺ I'm buying Kim's PSP from her since she already has her new Nokia E63 phone. I'm enjoying using it, not because of the games (I'm not a big fan of games) but because I can read e-books there! Yey!! :-) Bookworm talaga. Libro parin ang nasa isip, PSP na nga ang hawak. Hahaha. Oh, and of course, it's because I can surf the net even when I'm already in bed. Hehehe.

*

Here's a survey I took and is posted in my Notes page in Facebook. I'm re-posting it here for your information and for remembrance. :)

Happy reading!

*

Chia Nan - Wo Ay Ni! ♥

Tagged by Andison Kaw

1. Since when did you start studying in Hope Christian High School?
- Nursery (1989)

2. How many years have you been studying there ?
- 13 years (1989-2002)

3. Did you join CAT?
- Yep! I hated wearing those required hairnets. Ang hirap isuot. Ugh!

4. Volleyball/Basketball/Trac

kandField varsity or any other clubs ?
- Nah, I was active in Hair & Makeup club, Hilamos During Class Hours team, and especially Rampa sa Hallway Every Recess and Dismissal Time club. ;)

5. Do you like joining the CAT ?
- Um, I guess... I had no choice eh. I can't remember lang what our lessons were about.

6. What year are you in ?
- Graduate na :)

7. Do you like wearing your neck tie? (GIRLS)
- Yeah! It's the one thing that distinguishes us from the CKSC and UNO girls. And it makes us look like proper private school girls. :)

8. Which PE uniform is much better, the old one (white shirt and dark blue jogging pants with old english H O P E in it) or the new one (blue shirt and dark blue jogging pants with new font H O P E in it)?
- Hhmmm... hindi ko na naabutan ang mga jogging pants na ito dahil (1) shorts ang gamit namin, and (2) I'm exempted from PE because of my asthma. :)

9. Do you like the wearing the PE uniform ?
- No. Hassle magdala ng damit. Ang hirap i-maintain na hindi magusot ang aking white blouse kaya't kinakailangan pang itupi VERY LIGHTLY and then put it in a folder (a clean one, please!) para hindi mayupi ng iba pang mga gamit.

10. Do you like math ?
- Yeah!

11. What about Social studies ?
- Nope. My memory was (and still is) very unreliable.

12. Chinese?
- Nung high school na, and only because it was my chikahan time with friends. Haha. Bad Janey!

13. Do you like your Chinese teacher ?
- Some of them were actually very nice. :)

14. Are you one of the students who use and name names to Chinese teachers ?
- DUH! How else will you know which Chen Lao Shr are you talking about!? Pare-parehas kaya mga apelyido nila.

15. Do you still have your Chinese work book ?
- NOPE. What the heck would I do with it? It's causing me nightmares na nga eh, itatago ko pa!? NO WAY!!

16. Do you know your security guards ?
- Yep! Si Kuya Richard and Mang Dacpano. :)

17. Are you looking forward to learning Chinese ?
- Back then, no I wasn't because I couldn't understand a thing my teachers were saying (especially when they only spoke in Mandarin). But now, I'm actually thinking of enrolling in a Mandarin class. Anyone with me? :)

18. Are you annoyed by haircut checking? (BOYS)
- n/A

19. what about the "zero based" grading system ?
- No, I think it's good to put high standards. (Hey, I may seem like I don't like studying, but I was (and still am!) actually very grade conscious.)

20. Will you graduate in HCHS ?
- I already did. Emeralds Batch 2002

21. Last food anniversary what event did you joined in?
- What food anniversary!?!??!

22. Do you like the HCHS rules and regulations ?
- Like? Specifics, please.

23. Do you apply the school's vision and mission?
- I should. I work there now. Hahaha! But seriously, I really believe in it. It aligns with my life's mission statement. :)

24. Do you go to Shen Si Grace after school?
- I prefer Pacita's (may pagkamoody kasi si Shen Si Grace) or yung fishballan sa may St.Stephen's (w/c is now located across McDonald's) and yung store na nagbebenta ng gulaman na may gatas (across McDo too). :)

25. How about Tea Blends?
- Wala pang Tea Blends nuon.

26. Eat Fresh?
- Again, wala pang Eat Fresh nuon. Pero now, I'm one of their regular customers. Budget-friendly eh!

27. Do you like your school's catering (Anna's Catering) ?
- Ok lang. My favorite is their Cheesy Macaroni. Yum! (Hey, how come they don't serve that anymore? Hmmm...)

28. Do you always stay outside the gate every monday mornings whenever flag cermony is on?
- Yep! I'm one of the regular bystanders there. Hahaha! Laging late!

29. Do you have the HCHS sticker in your car ?
- Meron ba nito!? Parang wla akong nakikita?!

30. Is your Physics teacher awesome ?
- Mrs. Quilala? I'm sorry, I mean no disrespect to all you fans of Mrs. Q., but I really couldn't understand her lessons. Or maybe it's just the subject itself. I suck at Science.

31. What`s the color of you shirt during the annual spotsfest ? ( in short,, batch color)
- Blue. Go Knights! (Ang labo no? Blue kami pero ang batch name namin Emeralds. Hahaha)

32. Do you copy notes in music ?
- Um, yeah! Notes pa, I'm the Queen of Notetaking kaya! Hahaha.

33. are you part of the Art Club ?
- May Art Club ba nuon? And I think I already enumerated the clubs I was in (see #4).

34. Ever played at the Kinder Gym ?
- Yeah, nun Nursery and Kinder ako.

35. Do you like "See You at the Pole" gathering ?
- We didn't have this yet back then.

36. Ever been to detention?
- Walang detention. Suspended, oo. Dahil sa sobrang late. Pinag-reshelf kami ng books ng library. Hahaha. Mega alikabok. Hello asthma!

37. Does your library have Chinese News paper ?
- Yep.

38. Are you satisfied with the Field Trips every year ?
- Ok lang.

39. ARE YOU PROUD TO BE A HOPEAN ?
- OF COURSE!

40. Where will you study in college?
- UST

41. What course?
- AB Communication Arts

42. Are you planning to come back during Alumni Homecoming?
- I've been going since 2006 because I work at Hope. Free tickets and all, ya know? :)

43. Are you excited for a Reunion?
- We already had our Batch Reunion last year but I'd love to go again, if there's one.

44. What is your fondest memory about HCHS?
- Hhmm.. Siguro the time I spent with my friends (aww!!). Our usual "club activities" and the like. *wink*

45.Who is your ultimate crush in HCHS?
- Ay nako. Madami akong crush. Walang ultimate. Wahaha.

46.Who is your favorite teacher?
- Sir Agunat siguro. He's very nice. :)

47.Where is your Favorite Spot in HCHS?
- Dalawa eh, it's either sa may back stairs sa old HS bldg (sa may dating Typing Room) or sa may entrance (the middle gate). That's where we usually do one (or all) of our "club activities". ;)

48.Do you like your Comp. Lab?
- Haha especially with the SHOE COVER. lol and the MS-DOS application.

49.What can you say TMM?
- What TMM?

50. Are you an AC or BC student in chinese?
- HUWAAAT?!?!?

51.Did you enjoy the HOPE: only hope at 60?
- Um yeah. :) Big production! And I was part of the preparation. Hello tarpaulins, posters, etc. (nosebleed ako, and first year of work ko palang nuon ha!)

52. Where school mirror do you usually use?
- 3rd Floor sa dulo. old high school building

53. Do you like the new HS building ?
- YEAH!! Visit my office at the 2/F. Yeeess!! :))

54. Did you enjoy your last retreat ?
- Ayos lang. ;)

55. Favorite event at HCHS?
- SPORTSFEST.

56. Do you watch MASA, Tiong Lian, Fed and etc. games?
- Tiong Lian lang and one Fed game.

57. Did you join PMC?
- wla pang PMC nuon. PMS meron. Wahaha corneee! (Walang katapusan ata tong survey na ito?!)

58. Do you like going to the Theater Hall?
- Yep, favorite ko kapag Chapel Time na (for all sorts of reasons).

59. Do you hangout at the Quad?
- yeah, who doesn't?

60. Did you ever owned a locker?
- Uh huh! I miss my locker. Huhuhu.

*Sa wakas natapos rin! Go go go!!* <3

On time traveling and escaping the real world

I'm at this point once again where I'm fed up with the mundane things about my life, especially my so-called career. It's one thing to know about the verse telling me that I'm to "work at it with all my heart as though working for the Lord and not for men" and it's another thing to actually feel it and live it.

This is where I struggle the most - I know exactly what to do, but I just can't seem to get my feelings to obey. I know I have to rise above my feelings and hang on to my faith. This is making me go crazy --- UGH!!!

Basically, what I'm saying is that I just wish I could go back to the time where everything seems much simpler - back in the days when all I have to think about were my studies, my ministries, and my relationships.

It's tough being an adult. It's tougher being an adult trapped in a kid's heart.

Waah.