janahbanana

what's up, ketchup?

2011-11-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

What's been happening lately. So many goodies!! Yannapot turned ONE, time flies soooo fast. Please Stop!!

I have another little person growing inside my belly!! year of the Dragon!

Can't wait for christmas! roadtrips here we come.

Work hard,save harder. Playing comes later in life I guess

New business, new goals, new direction. Help me God

Love life.:)

2011-05-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

Best things in life are free.:)

2011-04-24T17:37:00.001-07:00

Where are the so lovely parks when I need one

yebah

2011-04-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

Yanna is already 6 months!! Time flies zooom zooom zoooooom!! We started eating solids. I prepare all her meals,potaoes,sweet potatoes and squash.

She can roll and roll and rol,she can also sit now,soon she'll be walking!

I started working full time now. Juggling mommy duties,work and of course "me time". It's hard since I don't really have a reliable help as of now. But, all is good,just enjoying and learning how to be the best mommy,wife,businesswoman,artist and home keeper.:)

felicidades

2011-01-02T23:13:00.002-08:00

Year of the bibbit 2011

I had the most memorable 2010

* birth of Yanna, the precious bundle of joy that made life more meaningful

* being a wife and a mother after years of solo backpacking and carefree days

* running a household and working at the same time,thinking of the day's menu and making sure that everything is well kept.

* the year that had the most changes.

Punch list of what's in store.

* happy family

* plan a trip (again)

* start a growing business

* Handle smart money

* diet,after 6 more months of breast feeding

* hair color

* start running again

2010-11-24T03:06:00.000-08:00

My little baby Yanna is already 2 months old and 5 kilos. She's quite a character!!!

My world revolves around her now. Feeding round the clock and just making sure that she's growing up well.

Point I ponder.

* will I ever get my post pregnancy figure back?

* Being a traveller,a backpacker and an avid adventure seeker, having a baby toned everything down. I'm glad I've done it when I was still single.

* I'm going through a lot of new experiences now. Bad and good. I hope I will take this opportunity to learn and enjoy whatever I have now.

* I need to relax more and stop worrying about useless things that concerns me. I guess it takes practice to do this.:P

mommy

2010-10-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Motherhood

It's been 3 weeks since the final showdown of my pregnancy the birth of my precious daughter Yanna Patrice Ching.

The labor was PAINFUL but everything was all worth it. I cannot imagine how this little girl was formed inside my tummy. So prettty, so little..no words can explain how I felt.

I cannot imagine how a little baby could eat so much of your time, day and night. Every snuffle,sniff and grunt wake up the eager parents.

Feeding is done round the clock to ensure that she grows up well and healthy.

Sleepless nights

Indeed this life changing event makes me appreciate mothers more and more.

Unconditional love

Little girl Yanna,

Welcome to the real world. I hope you will grow up to be a strong,healthy and smart girl. I can't wait to spend more time with you. Don't grow up to fast okay?:)

Mommy

false alarm

2010-09-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

Woke up with a bloody pee!!

went to the hospital

Dilated but not quite ready for actual labor

Yanna's coming soon!!!

2010-09-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

39th..tick tock tick tock......Heavy is the word! baby is at 7 pounds and still growing! oh no! please come out soon or I will really have a hard time pushing it out.

What's up Ketchup?

* I stopped going to jobsites, instead clients come to my bulilit flat for meetings.

* I try to convince Jong to let me walk more often! it would be a plus if it comes with shopping money hehe

* Waiting game..feeling of all sorts of emotions,boy oh boy.

* Just bombarding the heavens that I will go through a smooth,normal and safe delivery.

times up!

2010-09-02T01:58:00.000-07:00

The Journey continues....

Today marks my 37th week, I'm considered full term and can give birth anytime our baby girl is ready to see the world. This has been a very challenging year for me,carrying a child in my womb for nine months while working full time and trying to balance up my social life and pre motherhood responsibilities.

Well, nothing really comes in a silver platter. Sometimes, little discomforts in life makes you tough.

Things I ponder about this amazing journey:

* Having our child inside my tummy for 9 months, feeling little flutters and kicks and just being able to nurture a human being inside me is one big miracle and is still a mystery.

* Appreciating mothers more and how they can sacrifice for the children.

* Thinking about the kind of mother I will be. Always praying that I'll be the best one for this little girl inside me.

* Learning more about my partner in life and appreciating little things he does for me. Like waking up in the middle of the night to make me a warm cup of milk or the awesome foot rubs, just makes me fuzzzy warm all over.

* Friends who are there to give comfort, support and advise really makes this time more meaningful and special.

* My family who is always there no matter what makes everything a lot easier and wonderful.

* A best friend in heaven who watches me all the time.

What more can I ask for? I may not have all the material wonders that a lot of us desire, but little things like a loving husband, supportive family,warm friends and a great start of a happy and cheerful home makes everything worthwhile.

My journey continues....

9th month and waiting...

2010-08-26T04:11:00.000-07:00

Baby as of 2 weeks ago is 5.4 pounds and still growing

getting antsy day by day

can pop anytime soon!

8th..tick toc tic toc

2010-08-10T01:32:00.000-07:00

A lot of new changes this month. Baby moves a lot now,almost all the time and I feel heavy....like i have a built in set of barbels inside me,literally.

Bullet points:

* Finishing up work which I think will continue again as soon as I meet this little one inside me.

* Jong and I have so many plans we have to work on. Teamwork!!

* craving for chocolates

* 126 pounds and still gaining

* happy,excited and scared

* Lamaze classes this Sunday,though I think epidural will be my friend.

* 6 weeks to go!!

2010-07-26T00:44:00.000-07:00

7.5 months and counting....

Baby is 3.11 pounds and is still growing..i feel fuller and heavier by the minute. I gained around 24 pounds total already.

a little less than 2 months and we'll be seeing our little girl!!!! anticipation is driving me nuts, excited and scared. Hope everything turns out well.

ohh...as a side note: i cannot concentrate on work now,thinking of buying stuff and just cleaning the house for the little one's arrival!!!:)

day off thursday

2010-07-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

After a busy day yesterday- jobsite, client meetings that lasted til 9pm- I decided to have my day off today. LAzy lazy.

Our little one though is busy playing ninja inside my tummy,it's really the most enjoyable time of my day which really is about every 30 mins.

Declined a lot of project offers,then again , baby is more important than work,so it will have to wait.

I want to mop the floors...

7

2010-07-03T01:34:00.000-07:00

yikes!! veins!! and my blue nails:)

7 months and counting.... Baby is already 1.3 kilos and i've gained close to 20 pounds! yikes.

I just feel very slow,sluggish and heavy. But then again when ninja kicks,I smile.:)

Time flies and the pregnancy journey is almost over,preparing myself for the next leg.

Nesting Period.:P

2010-06-22T23:13:00.001-07:00

I think i have a little ninja inside my tummy.

2010-06-13T19:31:00.001-07:00

life is Art

blah

2010-05-31T17:50:00.001-07:00

I have been in bed for 3 days now. Nothing serious just a nasty stomach bug and being pregnant is not helping. No meds just plain water and rest.

On the brighter side, I'm going back to work today,after a doctor's visit.:)

This stage is indeed a life changing one for me.

oohh baby bump

2010-05-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

I woke up one day with a baby bump! How exciting. Just imagining that there is a little person inside my tummy is still so unbelievable.

Going on my 6th month this JUne! time flies. Can't wait to see you baby.:)

:)

2010-05-07T20:33:00.000-07:00

5 mos and counting. :) I can feel the little one move around a lot. Life is indeed amazing.

stuff

2010-04-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

New vision

A lot of thoughts has been on my mind.

Since I am not as mobile as I used to be,well slower than my usual or let me rephrase,trying to slow down,more thoughts run around my mind.......in a few months or so, life would be a 360 degree turn for me, priorities would just be different,in a very exciting way.

Last year,life was about earning money, spending it,saving some, going around the world and just living life to my fullest capacity. In about a month or so, life turned around. Suddenly, it revolved around the future family, saving every last bit for the coming bundle of joy.... Thinking about what the future brings and planning ahead of time and be ready for more challenges that will come.

We are getting ready.....Life, circumstances can change in just 1 blink, seems like long time ago when I was the carefree backpacker...I still am though, maybe a wiser and more responsible backpacker...I hope.:)

it's a girl!!

2010-04-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

mix colors

2010-03-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Boy oh Boy oh Boy!!

A lot of changes happening this year, month by month. I cant' say I like all the changes but i'm 110% sure that it will be awesome.

Lent is coming, A few offerings is perfect for family and friends. To be more aware of people around me and care more about them.

Summer is officially here... 1st outing of summer - POTIPOT Island in Zambales. Just the sea can make me calm again, can't wait.

I just need to get my thoughts all sorted out, lay em nicely on the table and then organize!!! waahhhhh

2010-02-27T00:12:00.000-08:00

I wish I will be back to my old,bubbly naughty self soon!!

ay caramba.....blah

kuro kuro

2010-02-15T18:46:00.000-08:00

I cannot be thankful enough.....

Today, I thought of my best friend. I feel her. Thanks for all your support,i miss you.

Everyday, I thank God for my family. It's what makes life worth living, even with the little imperfections that comes with it.

God works mysteriously, he still give what is best. I thank Him for a lovable and supportive "kapartner" I love You!

Work is both a blessing and a curse. Love hate relationship. But at the end..really...it's still love.

Friends are little miracles that you have everyday.

Enemies are good for the soul,being humble all the time.

Peanuts and green peas makes bad days good.:)

A warm hug that greets you in the morning makes up for all the "lost" coffee- no coffee for me at this time.

life, it's how you make it.

tiger

2010-02-10T00:24:00.000-08:00

Every year I try to make a list of goals and resolutions and hopefully be able to achieve them. I am pretty much satisfied with how my list went year after year.

Here are some of my goals for the year of the Tiger. ( a very memorable year for Jong and I)

1. Save more

2. work with passion

3. Be a good wife (naks)

4. Be a wonderful Mom ( double naks! it's coming sooner or later around mid of Sept.)

5. Start my own "line" of something creative.

6. Expand our craft business

7. explore and be more open to options ( blessings that come and come...)

8. be more prayerful ( well i always hope I can be)

9. Learn to cook more yummy dishes.

Hmmm.... I noticed that there will be less traveling this year. The past few years, I have been exploring and searching life. Living outside my comfort zone,learning about other cultures,accepting my faults and limitations or maybe committing mistakes that made me who I am today. Learning what to say and what NOT to say,being a good friend,sister and daughter.

It has been a great journey and I know that there will be a lot more to come.

It's just that I think I found "home" :) at last.

yadah

2010-02-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

2 months and counting... ..

Jong and I are almost settled at our new home, new life new routine. We both wake up at 7am prepare breakfast,eat heartily, J showers while i clean up,around 8:30 am he leaves for work,I prepare,shower. By 9am I am off to the office.

We get home around 7p.m. cook,prepare for dinner. After a nice meal, J wash dishes I clean up the table. After this, it's either movie time,reading time or ps time. Usually during weekends,we eat out with friends or catch a late afternoon movie.

The best thing about this all is at the end of the day you have someone you can talk to about anything and everything. It is what I enjoy the most.

Surprise

2010-01-10T21:36:00.000-08:00

I saw these carnation flowers when I got home from work. It was a very lovely surprise.

kawabongga 2009

2009-12-31T21:23:00.000-08:00

2009 is a very memorable year ender for me. So much has happened that I am still digesting everything. I am now starting a new phase in my life.

Looking forward to a meaningful 2010.

Still fuzzy wuzzy to write about my year of the Tiger goals.

tick tock tick tock

2009-11-15T23:26:00.000-08:00

bedroom without the bed

view from the kitchen

bulilit living room

kitchen

kitchen 2 love love

Time flies literally, feels like I just woke up and now it's already almost 4pm boy oh boy oh boy....clock I hear yah.

2 more weeks aaand counting.

bulilit flat updates:

* kitchen and closets- check

*clean,clean,clean-semi check

*furniture pieces- delivery on wed- good feng sui

*appliances- Delivery on friday

* looks good.:)

2009-11-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

The Road Less Travelled-

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I–
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference”

Robert Frost

2009-09-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

There is something about this month that made me different.

Even with the workload and stress, I managed to stay calm. I treat each day differently, I try to mix "fun work" and "hard work" simultaneously. I then save the "best work" as a treat.

I look forward, I plan things. I enjoy my salon days and shopping days. I save for the things that I like and feast my eyes on things that I cannot buy.

I savor the meals I eat,the conversation i have,day by day.

I realized it's a matter of perception. The joy is still found in little things. My day is filled with a lot of these. :)

2009-09-01T03:47:00.000-07:00

Ber months, the countdown begins. Christmas is just around the corner.

flowers

2009-08-24T05:54:00.000-07:00

Meme, my good friend made a mock up of our centerpiece flower arrangement. SInce we are working on a budget,it is a smart idea to see it in actual. I will be making the square base using old scraps of wood from my past projects. My carpenter finished all 30 already, just waiting for them to be painted.

I enjoy the little details a lot. It makes me happy. :) The flower is called stargazer and it smells good too!

bulilit flat

2009-08-22T17:39:00.001-07:00

facade,new extension

entrance

kitchen area

kit area,raw

kit area,constructing

facade,extension

Even since we started the wedding planning, Jong and I always talked about our ideal "home". This is one of our major concerns. It did not take us a long time to reach our decision but the process was very spicy. It added a bit more character and "umph" to our small abode. I call it our "bulilit" flat. Technically it is a 1 bedroom unit in the penthouse of Jong's family building.

It is "officially" our 1st investment. We used our own savings to revamp this place. It is not cheap, being a designer, I am not willing to settle for less. :) But it does not mean Italian kitchen and fixtures (this is only for clients..hehe), it means, trips to swapmeet and bangkal fleamarket, e-bay finds and a lot of house tours to aunts and friend's houses looking around if I can score on some mid century furniture pieces.

I am currently finishing my furniture specifications. Just found the right dining table. Kitchen and closet will be installed mid of Sept. It is very exciting. Tight budget even makes it more interesting.

At the end of the day, the simple girl that I always am, is so happy and thanking God for all the blessings he had given me.

tuesday

2009-08-18T04:29:00.000-07:00

This is one Tuesday I will never forget......

Well, I started out my day early, I was up and about by 7 and was already working by 7:30. Just before lunchtime, I finished bank errands, 1 presentation and halfway done with the 2nd one. Pretty good job I think. "pats my head"

After lunch:

I was with mom and my mom to be, accompanying them to Mila, my couturier, for the designing of their gowns for my big day.

Before heading to Pasig, we had a short stop at our "bulilit" (small) flat. Mama likes it, it's cozy, just the right size for Jong and me. "

So, the 2 moms chatted away during the ride to Mila's. I was happy that they got along really well. "i smile" When we arrived at the shop, after the measurements were taken, Mila arrived. She sketched some designs and the mothers started discussing them. In the middle of discussion, i was called in the dressing room to fit my gown.

I was already wearing the white lining of my gown when Mila entered the dressing room.

She started snipping,pinning and telling me that I should gain more weight. She told me that if I lose more, i wouldn't have any boobs left. hehehe!! well so much for censored conversations.

I just felt very surreal standing in front of the mirror wearing this white gown. For the past months,the evidence of our wedding planning are all receipts and contracts, nothing really concrete. I never knew that fitting a piece of white cloth would bring so many mixed feelings. I felt scared,elated,excited,and a bit sad as well. It just felt so real now. I remembered my angkong Balete, how he will be so proud of me, my bestfriend who is supposed to be my maid of honor, my di-ku who is one person that is very excited for me (all of them in heaven now).

In that 5 mins inside the small room i went through loads of thoughts and emotions. I never knew that this kind of feeling existed.

On the ride back home, I said a little prayer of thanks.

lazy sunday

2009-08-15T23:51:00.000-07:00

Mid August.

A few more weeks "ber" months will be arriving.

A few more months before I leap into another stage of my life.

LAzy Sunday afternoon. I sit here thinking about how time just flew by. Last year I was just on the plane bound to Manila from this long soul searching inspiring solo travel trip from Europe. NOw, 1 year and a few months later,I am back in the roller coaster of work, and the last leg of the "WEDDING planning".

Yes, this one's for me.

Too much jumbled words in my head right now.

Will write something about this soon. What's what,who's who and when's when.

Early morning..I ponder

2009-08-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

Saw residence,Bicol

Co residence,Loyola Grand

Note: Sorry for the nasty potos * sigh*

I have more projects of bigger houses right now. After doing a lot small apartments and flats,one after another, I am becoming an expert in squeezing in all the storage spaces in different areas. Just making everything compact.

Big houses are different. I have so much space to work with that it takes me a longer time to put everything together, longer time to finish. But I love it!!! It's really hard to work on design if you think and feel like an artist. Somehow,I treat all my projects as if I am working on a big canvas. Thinking of the light,shadows,texture,color,feelings and even the smell. It's very exciting to convert all these abstract sensations into a home. Yes,i always go crazy! but then again I still have the "real" white canvas I can turn to.

details details details.....

nnoooniiinooooniiinoooo

2009-08-08T01:08:00.000-07:00

Eventful Events:

Finished a wee bit early from work today. Looking forward to a nice cozy dinner tonight. Having the urge of getting drunk. Looking for that little fuzzy buzz in the head!!!

Congratulations Hubert and Tine!!! Such a wonderful wedding,love love le love.:) Here's a toast to a wonderful married life filled with love,happiness and kids. lotsa kids.

Finally windows and shades are up in our humble bulilit flat. A few more flea market finds to complete the look that i am so OC about.

My best friend's death anniversary is fast approaching. Wish you are here with me on my special day. I know you will be there in spirit. Gosh i'm so PMS

list list list.....never ending lists.

farewell

2009-08-04T02:14:00.000-07:00

Di-ku, til we meet again.

Prayer for a Happy Death (2004)

By Corazon Aquino

Almighty God, most merciful Father
You alone know the time
You alone know the hour
You alone know the moment
When I shall breathe my last.

So remind me each day, most loving Father
To be the best that I can be
To be humble, to be kind,
To be patient, to be true,
To embrace what is good
To reject what is evil
To adore only You.

When that final moment does come
Let not my loved ones grieve for long
Let them comfort each other
And let them know how much happiness
They brought into my life.
Let them pray for me
As I will continue to pray for them,
Hoping that they will always pray for each other.
Let them know that they made possible
Whatever good I offered to our world
And let them realize that our separation
Is just for a short while
As we prepare for our reunion in eternity.

Our Father in heaven
You alone are my hope
You alone are my salvation
Thank You for Your unconditional love. Amen.

me gusto!

2009-07-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

How lovely if I could bike around in a yellow dress with a nice little hat.

exlpodingdog!

2009-06-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

hehehe....i want a vacation

I , Love Sam Brown!! view more of his works here

and here too

June

2009-06-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

JUNE

The month I get sweeter.

The month where I think of all my accomplishments and boo boos, events that happened, euphoric and cynical, travels I made, new friends,old friends,new love and old love,fate and faith,what to look forward to and what I should just leave behind.

It's the month where i start to make another bucket list and see if it will be full or half empty until another June arrives.

In a few days I will be toasting to another year. Life gets shorter and sweeter.

lalalalala

2009-06-08T22:43:00.000-07:00

HAPPINESS IS FINDING A PENCIL.
PIZZA WITH SAUSAGE
TELLING THE TIME.
HAPPINESS IS LEARNING TO WHISTLE.
TYING YOUR SHOE FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME.

HAPPINESS IS PLAYING THE DRUM IN YOUR OWN SCHOOL BAND.
AND HAPPINESS IS WALKING HAND IN HAND.
HAPPINESS IS TWO KINDS OF ICE CREAM.
KNOWING A SECRET.
CLIMBING A TREE.
HAPPINESS IS FIVE DIFFERENT CRAYONS.
CATCHING A FIREFLY.
SETTING HIM FREE.

HAPPINESS IS BEING ALONE EVERY NOW AND THEN.
AND HAPPINESS IS COMING HOME AGAIN.
HAPPINESS IS MORNING AND EVENING,
DAY TIME AND NIGHT TIME TOO.
FOR HAPPINESS IS ANYONE AND ANYTHING AT ALL
THAT'S LOVED BY YOU.

HAPPINESS IS HAVING A SISTER.
SHARING A SANDWICH.
GETTING ALONG.
HAPPINESS IS SINGING TOGETHER WHEN DAY IS THROUGH,
AND HAPPINESS IS THOSE WHO SING WITH YOU.
HAPPINESS IS MORNING AND EVENING,
DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME TOO.
FOR HAPPINESS IS ANYONE AND ANYTHING AT ALL
THAT'S LOVED BY YOU.

It's practically free.

i have been humming this song for 2 days now.

Yellow Monday

2009-05-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

I feel Yellow today!

I hope I'll feel yellow everyday!!!

slept extra 5 mins today

had a strong cup of barako coffee

loving the weather (just don't rain please)

wearing my blue shoes

it's just a happy yellow day.

2009-05-29T00:10:00.000-07:00

Remembering my best friend.

of blue sapphire and gold rings

que?

2009-05-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

and actually achieving it......i'm melting,time to mop myself...heat is killing

bitter melony

2009-05-21T03:21:00.000-07:00

I sound so bitter on that last post. Yup yup yup! kadoooper super!!!

Well,bitter melon it is! This year is one hell of an eye opener, nose pincher, ear popper for me. I did meet a lot of nice,odd,weird,selfish,kind,lovable,sweet,over the top,loser and what have you people this year. I am beginning to love and embrace them all. To take them as who they are and to know when and what to do if an attitude emergency arises. Whew.

ooolalala....running again tonight!!

I wanna be a rockstar

points I ponder,now, that is

2009-05-20T05:52:00.000-07:00

How come some people uses other people to no mercy and beyond belief?

How come pride hurts the soul?

Is money really power?

Is kindness a virtue or a vice?

what is self worth

when to say stop and when to say just go on

when is bad bad and when is good bad?

hmmmm...i don't know,i'm just so hyped,so frustrated that I want to run til I reach Spain.

As of now i just need to chill

I miss my bestfriend

bone white

2009-05-04T19:01:00.001-07:00

Birds in white bone porcelain. Love love! le love!

Do you want one?

blanco,bianca,puti,white

2009-05-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

now for some updates

2009-04-27T06:47:00.001-07:00

So many things happened since my last post.

So many events,exciting,stressful,happy plus all the emotions I can think of......and gazillions of thoughts are running around my little brain and big forehead.

vintage is my new modern,gray is my new brown.

Vintage love

2009-01-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

I am Just so attracted to........

Just received a snail mail from my good friend Bonnie. She sent me a dried up dragonfly wings she found near her apartment in Singapore. I was very touched!

"a reminder and token of good friends"

holiday high!

2009-01-02T22:25:00.000-08:00

New Year countdown!

Ama's (grandma) 90th Birthday

handing out red envelopes for good luck

love you Ama!

Ama's speech expressing the love she felt on her special day.

Surrounded by the whole family, my Ama is loved by

all of us.

She is my inspiration.

YEAR OF THE KALABAW!

2009-01-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

NEW YEAR

2009 an exciting year coming.

enjoy work
save more
work harder
pray more
organize!
prioritize

I guess it's important just to start the year right and keep my priorities intact. 2009 will surely be filled with more meaningful events.

The year that was- 2008

It was a glorious year. It was the year of starting over and really living AGAIN with new eyes,ideas and perception of life.

The year I changed.

La La LUz beach holiday

2008-12-27T18:27:00.000-08:00

a weekend hibernation

Just after Sunset....just the right time to

LAZY.

so many stories

so many versions

with many different endings

3 monkeys in Bali,Indonesia

2008-12-18T05:53:00.000-08:00

A well deserved break from manila loca

bonding with the girls

another step for the next chapter

Bali high

good food

warm friends

best massage

glorious 9 day holiday!

2008-11-13T00:21:00.001-08:00

It's beginning to feel like Christmas
I'm looking forward too so many things!!! :)

Beach!!
backpacking with friends
cups and cups and cups of warm tea shared with J!!!
coffee and kwentos
food and more food

Lights in my garden
new screen on my big windows
vintage mess

2008-11-05T03:01:00.001-08:00

break time!!

I am loving the color Yellow...hmmmm
I had ham and cheese sandwich for merienda
i am looking forward to SAbado!!!
Singapore,Thailand for holidays yipeeee
sleepy!

2008-11-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

rainy days and mondays always makes me down

2008-10-29T03:35:00.000-07:00

2008-10-28T01:50:00.001-07:00

2008-10-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

work hard
and
be nice to people

Mas,mas mas.....

2008-10-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

QUIERO HABLAR ESPANOL CON MIS AMIGAS KIKAYS!!! :)
NO OLVIDADO!
PORQUE SOMOS GWAPATONAS!!!!! JEJEJE

I sigh over....

2008-10-22T01:35:00.000-07:00

bare feet
warm hugs
road trips
quick hearts
coffee steam
good friends
sunrise
sunset
red velvet cupcakes
good book
beach
hot chocolate

I WANT

2008-10-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

I want a yellow bike!!! :) or a yellow VESPA? i'll ride it wearing my Red shoes.
I want to go back to Italy and buy a vintage turquoise ring and an Onyx earrings
I want to learn how to ice skate
I want to dance under the rain
I want a vintage Eames chair.:)
I want Noel CABANGON to play for my wedding.
I want to ride a train
I want to plant my own garden
I want to visit NEW YORK city
I want to build my own house

2008-09-28T19:46:00.001-07:00

view from my window

Magestic MayonVolcano

As I sit here typing,the view of the Magestic Mayon is in front of me.

3 days in Bicol gave me the chance to look at my work beyond the confines of my jobsites and my little office. Again, I am again filled with gusto and drive to enjoy what my work offers.

Just before the start of the weekend,stress was really driving me insane but now as I am waiting for my flight back to crazy Manila, I feel a little recharged. Made me think that one day I will indeed retire somewhere far from Manila which I love and hate at the same time.

hmmmm....J is picking me up,that is nice!

Tomorrow,Tuesday will be packed again with meetings. I should learn how to breath and enjoy work again!

I should stop "slothing" around,if there is such a word. :)

spicy

2008-09-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

I am now sitting inside this office...

I am suppose to be working but my brain is not cooperating!!
The past few days has been a little chaotic, SPICY with siling labuyo, Tabasco sauce and chili oil.
Even the rain can't stop the prickly, tickling sensation that it gives.

hmmmmm...... My brain just stopped

just stuff

2008-08-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

This will be my new office. Bought these lovely lovely windows from an old Vigan house. I'm excited to have my own "Bahay na Bato" Painted the door bright stark red. The rest will be plain boring gray which I am addicted to.

Tis' definite!!! I will be backpacking in Changmai and Bangkok on the 1st week of Dec.

Hopefully this new old office will bring me lotsa good "chi" and keep my energy juices flowing.
kachichiiiing!!!!

I'snt he the cutest?
look at the bangs!and the sando!!! oooohhhhhhh hug hug hug!!!
waaarrrrrmmmmm:)

makes me smile."blush"

janah's notes of the Month

2008-07-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

I'll be spending some time with Kringi this weekend. :)

I have so many weddings this year!!! up until Dec! not only weddings but proposals too!! (congrats Hubert and Tine,the event was held in Oli's resort which we are still working on!!! cool,happy!)

I have to wear glasses!! for 6 months that is...hayayay, not flattering!

I'm doing some artworks this month

loosing a little weight! yay!

to be continued...Kring's waiting for me na!

nothing really....

2008-07-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am waiting for Oli. We will be heading to Batangas for a site visit. The resort has been slow moving and I am really antsy. It's so hard to control the job site since it's a good 3 hours away. Though it is slowly taking shape,there are still gazillion of stuff to worry about.

but...

I really enjoy the road trip every time we go there. Its been awhile since my last dive,and being connected to a resort brings back the excitement that diving does to me. "kilig" factor as I call it.

Work has not been as smooth as I expected this week and I had been in a strange mood lately. I guess it's harder to deal with me now. I just don't let things "go" as easily as I did before. Getting Old? maybe? well,we change a little as time goes by.

I had a good long talk with Kring last night. We talked about her approaching wedding and all the preparations that has to be done. Boy! talk about major production,to think her wedding is just the simple no "fuss" no "frills" type. Well,I will be giving her a speech,so I have to be prepared myself. You know how it is with me and public speaking.,,hay janah!

what else.....

Nothing much really. My mind is just in a bit of a chaos and it's taking me some time to add order and bring it a little perspective.

life

2008-07-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

Life is starting to make sense.

When I was little I thought that being an adult is the coolest thing on planet Earth. No curfews, being in charge, taking charge and the power to buy anything the heart desires.

20 years after......

Life is a big cycle. Adult life is not at all exciting but I can say a bit boring. It revolves around work,work,work,friends,family and work. It's up to the imagination to keep it alive and interesting. It takes a mind of a 5 year old to see life as the "coolest" thing ever.

just thoughts

2008-07-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was spent visiting job sites and finishing some details for turnover. As my day went by,i had a this conversations with my workers. We talked about clients and the major complaint of how long the job site is progressing. We have been very strict with the quality of workmanship therefore,time is really a factor,since we do not allow wishy washy work. Oh well,since clients are always right, takes a lot of energy to voice out what we are really trying to achieve.

My head worker just had a new baby,the 5th.My master painter has 7 kids. Wow! They work their ass off for 500 pesos a day,(not bad,higher than blue collar jobs) and feed a family of 6-8 people. This opens me to the reality of life. The daily struggles one has overcome and the challenges life brings. It's not as simple as it sounds. I help them raise their family because of my clients. Makes me happy to think that one way or the other I help in bringing food on their table. One factor that keeps me pushing and challenging myself in dealing with different "forms" of clients.

hhhoohummm....in a different note, i have been blank for the past 4 days. I cannot seem to put my design concept in order.it's starting to stress my brains out a bit.

Then again,it's almost weekend,next week might be more enlightening.

Looking forward to a lovely dinner with J this weekend.:)

Stories in pictures

2008-06-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

Trip to tagaytay with Jong's family. Grace, his cousin
took this photo. Pre-trip before Pagudpud adventure.

I just came from a business trip in China. I have been eating
roast duck,roast pork and anything that is hanging there...
not a bit healthy but it was good while the trip lasted! yum!

Day after my birthday when Frank Typhoon hit the country.
There was no classes the next day, so, my sisters tagged
along and joined my meetings. We all had happy tummy that night for
dad's birthday dinner!

Pong the turtle who just grew big throughout the years
was granted his freedom to roam around the garden. He would
show up once in awhile but have not seen him since.

Joyce playing with my camera and insisting that she
took a really good photo of me while I am talking on the phone.
She even insisted that I take a similar picture of her.
I was lazy. Sorry Joyce.

Bianca's puppies are getting bigger everyday.
here's one of the four playing with jacy's lace.

my day

2008-06-20T03:11:00.001-07:00

libelula:dragonfly(Spanish)

I just got home from 2 job sites today.

My day was pretty good,the clients were cooperative and so far the craftsmanship of the workers are far better than i expected. goody! I was just so sweaty and sticky. So as i reached home, I took a cold shower,feels so refreshing! I changed my "meeting attire" to a more casual tank top shorts mode. My phone rings....the furniture pieces at my Fort job site just arrived,later than expected. (at least it arrived,so coordinated with Mr. foreman who's overtime pay I have to settle tomorrow) After 2-3 succeeding calls,explanations and instructions I decided to change my shoes. (no connection here,but i was talking as i am looking at my full length mirror) I was wearing a pointy one,does not feel right, so,i changed it into my light blue loafers that i have not worn since i don't know when.It feels alright, so after my cologne spurt and some lotion i went back down to my little office.

So here I am typing away (while wishing that the deliveries are successfully delivered to the 7th floor of the ever so strict condominium) while waiting for J.

A cheap but good Jap dinner awaits.

hmmmm....i pause

Decided to upload the dragonfly picture I took. Reminds me of my best friend. She's almost 4 years gone (just physically) now. Time flies.getting older soon.Just steadily waiting for the next chapter to come.

I smell dinner. Roasted chops.

Raves

2008-06-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

Recently all my posts have been rants about work,traffic,Manila and what have you,so maybe just for a quick change, I will write about some "raves" that has been happening.

hmmm...blank mind as of the moment...

Okay,I just got back from China with my clients. 6 wonderfully stressed days. I have my own suite,a more than enough allowance and a handful of new mandarin words to add to my measly vocabulary.

hmmm... I have 4 new projects,3 residential, 1 clothing store all under negotiation,but still good because 3 other projects will be finished this month.

ahhhh..I did a pretty good investment plan for this month.

I found my perfect working table,can't wait for it to be shipped,from where? from China of course!!! hehe

Summer is over, planning for some trips again,where? i don't know yet so many places so little money. But something is brewing again.

hay

2008-06-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

I have not been doing Art for months now.
I'm waiting for Vincent for the nude sketching schedule.
It would be really nice not to think about straight line,balance and harmony at the moment.
I would appreciate,chaos,spontaneous free flow of lines and weird ideas to come to me now.
i hope everything I'm currently doing will turn out fine.
please.

Romancing the North,Ilocos Norte,Pagudpud

2008-05-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

Just came back from Ilocos Norte. The 15 hours road trip was worth all the backaches after reaching our destination. Though the weather was cloudy because of the typhoon, we still had a great time.

It was really a WEEKEND hibernation and a clever idea to run away from ever stressful Manila even for a few days.

now...back to work. weh.

que tal?

2008-05-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to something really interesting!

Next week i will be off to the Northern part of the Philippines. This will be my 1st official travel of the year. GREEN LIGHT to start my travels rolling again!

I have a new toy!!! A gadget that will be handy to document all my travels. Thanks J for going with me to quiapo!!!

I have to start an artwork.

My mind is in boggles now,clients seems to be a lot tougher,pressure is felt a lot more. pressure pressure.

will I get a VISA? hay naku Janah ayan ka nanaman!

NAME

2008-04-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

How can the meaning of my name affect who i am?

Maybe because i was stuck to it since the day i was born.

Because of that,the name became a permanent part of me.

There are 5 letters in your name.
Those 5 letters total to 16
There are 2 vowels and 3 consonants in your name.

What your first name means:

Polish	Male	Variant of John. In Roman mythology; Jana was the wife of Janus.
Polish	Female	Variant of John. In Roman mythology; Jana was the wife of Janus.
Czechoslovakian	Female	Variant of John. In Roman mythology; Jana was the wife of Janus.

Your number is: 7

The characteristics of #7 are: Analysis, understanding, knowledge, awareness, studious, meditating.

The expression or destiny for #7:
Thought, analysis, introspection, and seclusiveness are all characteristics of the expression number 7. The hallmark of the number 7 is a good mind, and especially good at searching out and finding the truth. You are so very capable of analyzing, judging and discriminating, that very little ever escapes your observation and deep understanding. You are the type of person that can really get involved in a search for wisdom or hidden truths, often becoming an authority on whatever it is your are focusing on. This can easily be of a technical or scientific nature, or it may be religious or occult, it matters very little, you pursue knowledge with the same sort of vigor. You can make a very fine teacher, or because of a natural inclination toward the spiritual, you may become deeply emerged in religious affairs or even psychic explorations. You tend to operate on a rather different wavelength, and many of your friends may not really know you very well. The positive aspects of the 7 expression are that you can be a true perfectionist in a very positive sense of the word. You are very logical, and usually employ a quite rational approach to most things you do. You can be so rational at times that you almost seem to lack emotion, and when you are faced with an emotional situation, you may have a bit of a problem coping with it. You have excellent capabilities to study and learn really deep and difficult subjects, and to search for hidden fundamentals. At full maturity you are likely to be a very peaceful and poised individual.

If there is an over supply of the number 7 in your makeup, the negative aspects of the number may be apparent. The chief negative of 7 relates to the limited degree of trust that you may have in people. A tendency to be highly introverted can make you a bit on the self-centered side, certainly very much self-contained . Because of this, you are not very adaptable, and you may tend to be overly critical and intolerant. You really like to work alone, at your own pace and in your own way. You neither show or understand emotions very well.

Your Soul Urge number is: 2

A Soul Urge number of 2 means:
With the Soul Urge number 2, your motivation is centered on friendships, partnerships, and companionship. You want to work with others as a part of a cooperative team. Leadership is not important to you, but making a contribution to the team effort is. You are willing to work hard to achieve a harmonious environment with sensitive, genial people.

In a positive sense, the 2 Soul Urge is sympathetic, extremely concerned and devoted. The nature tends to be very sensitive to others, always tactful and diplomatic. This element in your nature indicates that you are rather emotional. You are persuasive, but in a very quiet way, never forceful. You are the type that makes really close friendships because you are so affectionate and loving.

If this number is over-emphasized in your makeup, you may be over-sensitive, with a delicate ego that is too easily hurt. You may be timid or fearful, too easygoing for your own good.

Your Inner Dream number is: 5

An Inner Dream number of 5 means:
You dream of being totally free and unrestrained by responsibility. You see yourself conversing and mingling with the natives in many nations, living for adventure and life experiences. You imagine what you might accomplished.

street food

2008-04-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

The past month is crazy! I have been taking the public transport (no money for a new car....YET..soon>>>>i hope) and walking along Edsa under the scourging summer sun! It's so hot i could feel my bone marrow steaming! my blood boiling and my veins getting tender ( like meat inside the pressure cooker). With my sweat i would be really tasty. Street food kind of yummy!

hmmmm......I never though of myself as street food until now,interesting ehh.

So many weddings so few dresses!! = frustrating!

I am looking forward to the Pagudpud! ( the beautiful north!) this should start my travels rolling again. This will be a very interesting trip for me. I will have the chance to view things from the outside and the outside viewing me....labo,but soon it will make sense.

I ate too much tonight! shheeeesshhh...bwisit!

barf

2008-03-24T19:52:00.001-07:00

I GET BAAAAAD BARFING HEADACHES FROM BIKRAM!!!!

One of the main reasons of my migraine attacks is due to intense heat. So doing intense exercise in a hot room without taking coffee or any breakfast did me good last week. A good dose of ultra mega barfing trip migraine!!!

haaay and to think I was really enjoying it,o well i'll just go back to running.
My guts are inside out again!
my projects are slowly stressing me out
but.....
i have to stay focused! and enjoy everything.
janah,patay kang bata ka!!!

yogaddict

2008-03-13T04:30:00.000-07:00

okay!! i feel like a fatso for the past month! i just feel fat fat fat.
so one day,Janah decided to try BIKRAM yoga!
grabe!! my sweat went wild like there's no tomorrow!!!
stretched all my muscles and bones till I felt that i will not get out of the studio alive!
but guess what? i loooooooovvvvveeeee it!

i felt like i ran 5 laps around ultra
played 3 sets of tennis
1 hour boxing
1 hour badminton

wooohoooooo

photo op

2008-02-29T03:13:00.000-08:00

my sexy butt :P

buda bless me

yeh,with the extra meat i gained from bcn

as usual..lashing

Random photos of me that I stole from kring's page. I'm not really a "photo" person. There was even a phase in HS when i would literally hide when i see a camera. O well,things change and as time passes i'm not as photophobic as I was years ago.

obvious ba?hehehe

self declared

2008-02-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

Self declared holiday!!!

Today is the anniversary of the EDSA revolution, the day where Filipinos from all walks of life joined together to fight for peace and freedom of the country.

I canceled all my meetings because:

the driver is absent
it's hard to take the public transpo since there will be rallies in Edsa
it's just not a good day to be walking around the city
i still have soup in my brain
pebbles in my shoulders
blank boards on my table
drill bits in my stomach

well it's still a good excuse to have one more day to laze around and just a few hours of work so that i will not lag behind schedule (which i am beginning to feel will happen soon soon soon)

hey!!! see you JJJ

weh!

2008-02-19T23:46:00.000-08:00

I got this cute Mocca cake with PINK (yay?) frosting this Vday!:) Thank you J!

I am not really a mushy mushy cutesy cutesy (it sounds so much better when you say it 2x) kind of girl but it made my day. It was delivered 6am and woke it me up through the shrieking voice of my sister "aaaaatsssiiiii may cake ka!!!! galing kay J!!!!!" well it was fun while it lasted.

After a normal semi-busy day, we had LAMON dinner at Green Maris. I had a happy tummy that day.

It always happens...

2008-02-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, there there was a fetus inside a glass bottle by the sidewalk of our street. It was lying there like garbage waiting to be picked up. It is very alarming seeing that.

Does it mean that one day, fetuses lying around street corners and garbage bins would be a natural sight? It is scary. I wonder how old the mother was? It's just sad because little babies are always a blessing and killing them for selfish reasons is just not fair. How sad. But,then again it is reality. I bet it has been happening more often now. It's just that seeing it makes it more real.

weeehbah

2008-01-28T01:34:00.000-08:00

Chinese new year is coming!!!

Que Pasa en Manila?

my tan lines are gone, i'm so white again
I have a new obsession...
I do enjoy work pero not the "kulit" clients,what the heck....screw them.
i am abstaining from meat for 1 month....can I? maybe....
lazy butt,lazy butt
i love black.....white as well
impatience is beginning to be my virtue!
25 is my 30
i see lines all around,i wish i can collect them....
i am thinking of a new artwork
i have inspiration now but i need more drive!
o well..

I guess, i guess,I guess....i'll go back to my drawing board now...

blah

2008-01-09T02:02:00.000-08:00

I just came from a kick ass 4 day no rest,bad migraine,barfing,business trip in China.

2008

2008-01-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Resolutions 2008:

save money!
work harder
have more faith
saying NO
Not to put things off for tomorrow
to be more driven
exercise!!!!

This is year is surely SPECIAL!!!!!

contentment list

2007-12-27T17:51:00.000-08:00

Things I enjoyed this Christmas season!!!

lechon cebu
mama's cookies
wine,wine and never ending wine
NOEL CABANGON
the beach ( and the frills and thrills that came with it "wink")
full moon
sunsets
happy tummy
family
old friend and new friends
speaking out
good news and happy thoughts
hot tea and great conversations
dreaming about my next camera
new love
new wishes
new dreams

cheers to endings and new beginnings....

2007-12-25T17:52:00.000-08:00

nakaw shot from tin

kunwari lang

stargazing

crazy sisters

it was nice

Together with sisters and some good friends we spent some quality and carbo load time together in Batangas. We spent 2 good days just literally sleeping and eating! listening to music and being crazy.

In this trip, I found myself again. A chance to think and reflect about the year that is to end.A time to thank "HIM" for all the blessings that I have, for my new friends, for keeping my family safe and for learning how to trust again.

Indeed a good way to spend the Christmas season and a great booster to start another year: A new chapter in my life. A year that will be filled with more blessings, new love, bigger dreams and never ending drive to be able to achieve everything.

A prosperous new year to all!!

tis' the season

2007-12-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

It feels nice to be back in my beloved Spicy Manila for the holiday season. Nothing beats being with the family during special holidays where all of us take the time to be with each other. This year makes it more spectacular given the new events and circumstances that has been happening in my life.

This year marks my freedom and being independent. For being more articulate about my feelings and being true to myself. For looking at things outside the box and accepting criticisms from other people. For learning to trust again. For having my own voice yet listening to other people. I really do learn a lot from them.

Taking the challenges of everyday life and living each day to the fullest capacity makes it worth every step. I know that most of the time i will come short to people's expectations and demands,but what the heck,the most important is I tried my best and did everything I can. At the end of the day, it is what matters to "me" that is important. I am what I think and what I feel.

Today I head to Batangas with my sisters and friends for a Christmas bonding Holiday. Little events in life that I look forward too and treasure the most.

Happy Holidays!

reklamo lang

2007-12-09T17:27:00.000-08:00

It was one hell of a week! I had to beat so much deadlines and top it with

dinner meetings = sleeping late = eye bugs and slow mo brain = bitchiness

This week will be better for sure :)

vice

2007-12-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

My addiction to coffee is getting worst. I take it without sugar anymore. During busier days I have it just black and thick. Pero, usually I take it with a little milk.

I have a new addiction,GUM! I can just chew away for the whole day. It keeps me full ( yup!! no more unhealthy snacks), it keeps me under pressure and sometimes it does help a lot when I am bored. I am just getting used to MAnila time again. Everyone is late,I always wait at least 30 mins minimum for all clients. I hate it. But my new friend (mr. gum) helps me maintain my composure,patience and sanity.

Not that I have bad breath but yup yup it keeps the breath fresher ans maybe stronger teeth and jaw. So don't be surprise if I have a well packed JAW when you see me. Balances it well with my big cheeks.

So cheers to new vices!!

hmmmm

2007-12-02T22:46:00.000-08:00

Just came back from Singapore
Emotional overload from my 2 dear friends
are the planets moving in the wrong direction again?

I'm having client problems again. I hate dealing with nosy,picky,no sense of style clients........but they do pay good money! JAnah!! welcome back to "the web"

The pest,DALAGA na...

2007-11-07T18:02:00.001-08:00

This is my pest. Her name is Chynna Marie Joyce Ledesma.

Well she's taller than me now,she's dalaga na,but still a pest.
She already loves make up,cute boys who look like artistas and listening to bopping music.
She likes following me around when she does not have classes, irritatingly nice.
She likes to dance and to sing.
She makes my dad insane
but in general she is a stunning pest.

A pest i cannot get rid off. But it's nice

just thoughts

2007-11-06T01:10:00.000-08:00

A lot has been happening lately. It's just barely 3 months since I arrived here in Manila and since so much activities has been going on, I feel that I have not really left at all. So many overwhelming things are happening from my personal life to my work,from how I perceive things to how I talk with people. I kinda like it though.

Everyday since the year my best friend died,i wake up saying thanks for another day and another life. I try to smile at little things that irritates me,see the bright side of something bad or sad. The monotony of life is what challenges me. To spice things up for my own buds and taking notice of little things around me. Even the cracks on the wall could be interesting and a source of inspiration.
My new set of eyes brings everything alive. Just the last time i saw my grandma, i see beautiful lines in her face. No amount of botax could make it more wonderful. Little lines deep and shallow,tells a story of a smile and a frown. Lines that looks so rough yet very soft to the touch.

lovely lovely

wedding!!!!

2007-10-18T02:24:00.001-07:00

Dexter's wedding,he is the twin brother of Hubert,who was my client before I flew away to Barcelona. Apparently,I did not really get a chance to know him because he is a practicing doctor in the states.

Since Manila is a big AM station,we kind off got to know each other just through the stories and tsismis of family and friends. I remembered feeling very happy that night...seeing my old clients who became like family already and how could I forget uncle Alfonso, (the twins' father) who is one of my favorite person in the whole wide world. And of course,lovely Bea who I missed a lot!!!

Happy tummy as well...
It was kaddoper fun!!!
thanks waps!!!!!

got this from oli's flicker....

hmmmmm....

2007-10-13T22:52:00.001-07:00