Wandergirl Speaks

Archive for October, 2009

I’m having the feeling for days. One minute I’m super busy, the next minute I’d become super wistful. I have long tried convincing myself to stop over-analyzing things and to stay away from too much television, because they are make me think unrealistically. I thought I am somewhat successful in doing so, but I also realized how I missed the old times.

I remember some years ago, my friend Rachelle and I were shortly caught up in our respective reveries one evening when she said something like “Alam mo naisip ko lang, sino kaya sa ating magbabarkada ang unang mag-aasawa? Sino yung unang magkaka-baby? Sino ang di magkaka-anak? Sino yung iiwan ng asawa? Sino yung hindi magiging masaya sa pamilya?”

Somehow I was quick to say I’d probably be the one who won’t bear a child. Because back then I thought I’d be having endometriosis or something that would prevent me from giving birth. After all, I’m a certified worry wart and honestly, being one stresses me so much.

What Rachelle probably did not realize was I’d taken her words seriously. Meaning, I looked forward for the characters and see where I’d belong.

Fast forward today, obviously I was wrong for thinking of not going to have a child, because I did give birth to a beautiful baby several months back.

Our lives now have evolved in ways we never imagined. Ways, I have not imagined. Or maybe, it’s only because like I said earlier, I’ve watched too much TV and seen too many things that only happens to the few selected ones.

When I was younger I thought to myself I will have this big, beautiful blue-colored house with white fence. I will get married wearing this beautiful ball gown and my wedding will be attended by family and friends, especially lolo and lola. I will be witnessing every milestone my baby will achieve.

Now I’m thinking, had I daydreamed too much as well? I guess I had, and because things doesn’t seem to be going my way, I’m beginning to fret.

I know there’s proper timing for everything. Or for some, some things just do not happen the way we foresee it. I guess it just validates what I read somewhere, “Lahat pwede, pero hindi lahat DAPAT.”

Sad to say, that is the real world!

I heard my husband say several times before, that landing a job in Google would be a dream come true for him. I didn’t understand why. But when I saw this video, which I am posting together with this entry, somehow I understood the desire.

Google is noted as one of FORTUNE’s best companies to work for. And this video gives us the details why. It’s funny, but if you have 18 cafes within your work premise catering FREE meals at all times, 4 fully-loaded gym to burn all that fat and girths, awesome sleeping quarters, a laundry room, and so much more, you probably won’t even feel like you’re working at all. Like what it said “IT’S ALL IN THE HOUSE!”

I’m excited. I have seen the first movie trailer several months ago and I have since looked forward to its up and coming release this November. Mind you, if Robert Pattinson made a lot of girls squeal—me included—in the first installment of the Twilight craze, Taylor Lautner (Jacob) will surely make a lot more girls go ga-ga this time. Geez, that bod and that piercing look are just so hot…lolz. Enjoy the clip!

Several days ago, my friend and I were having our usual little chat online talking about the approaching Christmas holiday season. She was telling me how she wanted her Christmas shopping to be more convenient this time than it was the last time, so, she decided to do online shopping instead. And yes, she’s doing it as early as now to avoid shipping delays. Make sense, huh.

Speaking of online shopping, being a book and a music lover myself, I happen to come across this online books and media store recently, which interestingly offers a very easy browsing system and allows you to find all books and media products you want through their Search our Kindle Store. Isn’t that a cool and fun way to start doing your own Christmas shopping now?!

Oh, I love pay day! It’s that time of the month when I don’t feel even a bit guilty splurging on expensive meals. And for days, there’s this steak house I have been rooting to re-visit after the first time I dined in at their Bonifacio High St. branch some two weeks ago during a client visit to our Makati site.

I’m talking about Texas Roadhouse Grill and it was introduced to me by my manager who brought our group for a dinner together with our visiting client. That time, I got myself the Outlaw’s Tuna Belly with Texas rice, and the first bite instantly made me fall in love with the place. Right then, I promised I’ll go back no matter what.

And so yesterday, dismissing the fact that traffic will be horrendous because it’s pay day and everyone’s going shopping, I prodded my husband to eat at Texas Roadhouse Grill in El Pueblo Ortigas. Darn, this place is beginning to be my favorite these days because of their very juicy and tasty meat.

For starters, Texas Roadhouse serves an extensive grill menu, from chicken to seafood to—of course—steak. And because their steaks are imported from the US, expect their meat to be fairly pricey (ranging from P400 to P1000). But really, it’s worth your every penny because apart from the huge servings, the food are just simply superb and the waiters and waitresses are very attentive and friendly. They make it a point to drop by your table and politely ask if you need anything or something.

We started out with their Southwestern Cobb salad. It’s a mix of crispy greens topped with chicken breast strips, bacon bits, diced eggs, pico de gallo, cheese and ranch dressing. We opted for the Lone Ranger size which is already good for 2 to 3 people.

Southwestern Cobb salad for appetizer

juicy Trailboss Herb Steak

On the other hand, my husband—who’s eating there for the first time and said he loved the food—ordered their Flat Iron steak, with mashed potatoes and shredded sweet corn. And though I liked my steak well done, I just thought that between his and mine, I find his order tastier. So, somehow that gives you an idea.

And yeah, you have an option for some shrimps and mushrooms on your steak, just like the way we had ours. Just be ready with the add on rate for those.

Flat Iron steak

To be honest, even if the bill went up to a few thousand considering there’s just the two of us, both my husband and I were never disappointed in any way or another. Love it, and will surely go back for more.

The last Sunday had been a very hectic day for me. From the moment I sat down, I got seriously busy as a bee that I didn’t get a time to chat a bit with my agents. Time passed so quickly and I didn’t realize I had not taken a break yet and it was already 5 AM then. Worst, I still got a lot to do and I only had 3 hours left.

And because I also realized that no matter how hurriedly I do my stuff, I’d still need to render overtime that day to finish everything. So, might as well get a super early breakfast.

I went to KFC which is just located across the office building. And as usual I ended up ordering my favorite Italian Roma supreme bowl. Damn, it tasted really good that day. I don’t know if it was only because I was tired and too hungry, but what I am so sure is that the food really comforted me.

KFC's Roma Italia rice bowl

On that day I also realized that being all worn out and a good food is not a good combination. Why? It makes you eat a lot and you’d refuse to accept any excuses…lolz

Here in the Philippines, there’s Master Rapper, Francis “Kiko” Magalona, and the Mother of Democracy, former Philippine President Corazon “Tita Cory” Aquino.

In Hollywood, King of Pop Michael Jackson bid his last farewell in the early part of June, while Dirty Dancing sensation Patrick Swayze ended his battle with cancer in September. And now, as we neared towards the end of the month, the music industry was greeted with yet another shocking news of death.

Boyzone's Stephen Gately

Stephen Gately, known member of Irish boy band Boyzone—along with Ronan Keating, was found dead while on vacation in Majorca, Spain with his partner Andrew Cowles. To date, his cause of death still remains undetermined after he was supposedly found in an awkward squatting position in the sofa of an apartment he owns and shares with Cowles.

His Boyzone band mates are some of the first to express devastation with what is considered to be a “tragic” death of the singer/actor, who joined the group in 1993 and has released some of the unforgettable hitmakers in the late 90’s.

When our QA, Florence, came back from his trip to Bohol, he generously gave some of us several packs of Peanut Kisses as pasalubong. I was really curious about it that as soon as I got home I opened one of them and popped them one by one. And it tasted good, really.

I just found out it’s one of Bohol’s famous delicacies and is slowly finding its way to hundreds of tourists’ pasalubong bags. I guess when it’s my turn to visit Bohol, this one’s going to be a MUST-have for me, too!

Thanks Florence

Yesterday my friend and I were supposed to have our once-in-a-blue-moon weekend gimmick. See, our weekend night-out has stopped since time immemorial, that’s why I’ve called it once-in-a-blue moon bonding.

Unfortunately, with the anticipated onslaught of typhoon “Pepeng” my husband texted me to go home and get some sleep because we’d be picking up our daughter from my in-laws later that day. Which means, me and my friend’s initial plan to spend the night at Bed Space bar in Greenbelt Makati will be put on hold for until…who knows when. LOLZ!

And since I won’t be going anywhere anymore and at that time I was already wandering in SM Megamall I decided to buy something for myself and go home with less frustration in tow. That’s when I remembered this shoes I have been rooting for 2 weeks already.

my new wedge shoes...

I admit, when it comes to shoes, I still have a long way to go to overcome the temptation. And I remember, there was a time when my mum reprimanded me for buying more even if I already have more than enough I can wear in a week. But what can I do, it’s as if these shoes have a mouth of their own that keeps whispering in my ear whenever I pass by them in the mall.

One thing though, despite my addiction in shoes, I do not have any dream of surpassing former first lady Imelda Marcos’ shoes collection, which by the way I’m sure won’t happen at all.

In this hard times where everything seems so high and being pragmatic is still the key to surviving in the current financial crisis we are going through, I still want to believe that rewarding myself isn’t an extremely bad idea especially when I’m too stressed out at work. After all, part of our satisfaction is being able to enjoy our hard-earned moolah! And that’s indeed a statement…lolz.