For One Day

I don't think asking for a single day to be free of any trouble is too much to ask. Life probably just likes to mess up with me. On one single day that I really wanted and needed to go back on time, I get held back for reasons I couldn't even begin to understand how came about. It was a mistake not even my doing but I needed to rectify what damaged it had caused. And honestly, I'm tired of cleaning up after other people's mistakes.

So clearing errors done by my juniors is a task meant for seniors, but a repetition of the same mistake, in simple words, is just stupidity being allowed to take place. We are supposed to learn from mistakes, especially in the line of work where there are a set of rules as a benchmark, ,but are always needed to be bent, to allow better results. Mistakes that can easily be prevent if the person who did it is just mindful of her or his work, however, is just beyond the things I allow myself to comprehend. A little  thinking and a few questions will definitely prevent documents from being returned, from taking the time of the person who will actually do the corrections, and from having a lot of  words exchanged, mostly pertaining as to why the work is not properly done rather than tackling the main point of the conversation. It is  simply being mindful of your work that will save everyone the trouble, because honestly, working in a pretty big hotel with a lot of departments working together is bound to have a lot of complications. And being very careful is just a way to prevent more hassle than necessary.

It was Friday then, and I am not working the following day, or off day as I always refer to it. But it wasn't because of that that I wanted to go back as early as I could, since going back on the dot will never happen in my line of work. I had plans for the afternoon then. I was moving to a different place and I wanted to shift some of the things that I own before my actual moving day, which is the following day.  Going back early was just so I could do the shifting of my things, but obviously, I cannot do that. My colleague who was on duty with me on the same shift had already gone back way before I could, because I had other work-related things to do. But when I was done with my stuff, people from other department came looking to for to ask me for about my colleague's work on the very day itself. The paper work that she had submitted is apparently incomplete in the most inconvenient way.

We were doing cashiering duties in reception, and we have our own credit card terminals that we use and by the end of the day, we need to check every transactions that we have, and it must tally. When we want to close all the transactions, which we refer to as settlement, the terminal will then be empty of any transactions for the next shift to use. We need to print the transactions by summary, and detail before we can do the settlement. More than anything, it was the settlement that must be printed correctly. It was the final one, thus having any transactions done prior completely erased from the terminal. And the transactions will be grouped together by the type of credit card. Apparently, my colleague was not able to print the settlement for some of her credit cards and she did not even know it! The terminal is wise enough to wait for us to change the roll of credit card slip if it happens to run out of paper. I had experienced it before, so I know. I just simply do not understand how she can just go back not knowing that her settlement is incompletely. We need to check our work. There was one time that my details report did not print and I managed to discover it thus asking my manager for the proper course of action. It might have bounced back but I wouldn't know since they might have already counter-signed it or something. Sure, I do make mistakes but most of the time, it would be rectify  right after it was done. I might have a good nose for that kind of thing, because, somehow, I easily know when something is going to be troublesome later on. Maybe it was by experience, or maybe it was because of something else. But I just know.

I was terribly annoyed that afternoon after I had check her work and passed it to the manager to sign. There were no time restrictions to my plans since no other person is involved. So I had delayed it even further. I decided to cool my head off, grab a cup of coffee, something sweet and a few sticks of cigarette. Yeah, I had come back to the habit of smoking when feeling stressed out. It was a bad and unhealthy habit really, but I do not care. After  thinking about it, two cups of caramel macchiato, a chocolate-orange tart, and a couple sticks, I had come to the conclusion that my two big bosses will be stricter soon for all the unnecessary reasons. I wanted to check the work of each person I am working with just to make sure that their transactions are clear of any mistakes, because sooner or later, if the mistakes keep repeating, they will be taking even drastic measures. I want to void that at all cost, because that will definitely be more work for the managers and supervisors. I am probably considered a supervisor even though my title does not exactly state so.

Sure mistakes cannot be avoided all the times but it can be prevented. The less damage the action had caused, the less hassle it would cause the person to resolve the problem, and probably less cost for the damage control as well. It's not like I do not make my fair share of mistakes because I do, lots of times but they will not know it. I just do less mistakes because  of my dislike for causing other people problems. Apparently I don't share the same penchant with the others. It's pretty annoying to see people from the accounting department coming to our department to hand over documents with mistakes on them. First, because it means that they want something to be done correctly, secondly because it means our people is not doing their  work properly. I feel like rolling my eyes if I see them going to the back office because I know what their business is. But somehow, I understand their share of the trouble with that. It's also annoying to walk all the way from their office to our department for  something that can be prevented, and for something they have already mentioned more times than necessary. And sometimes, they will call my  attention while passing by the counter and jokingly tell me to do training because 'most of my work are correctly done.' I know they probably meant it as more than a joke. And truth be told, I feel like starting my own training for that because it's annoying to do the corrections. I'm really sick of it. Now that I think about it, I need to remind myself to take notes of things that I must remember.

Running a department requires teamwork, and a single person can never be considered a team. Nor a handful of  people can ever run an entire department. Teamwork is always a must, especially in a kind of work environment that you need the help of other people to complete the job. I don't exactly have an issue working with others, but I would rather have my work done by me rather than by other people. That way, I at least know my paper work and whatever went wrong with my work at the end of the day, I will have an answer for that. There was one time that my manager handed me some documents asking for explanation for what happened with that certain transaction. So I went to check but I have no recollection of it and the timing it was performed, I was on break. So I handed it back to him stating my side. There was another time that I almost felt like crying because several of my transactions were wrong. I hated wasting time trying to find what went wrong especially if it's not my fault. I changed my password that instant and never passed it to anyone after that. If they want to give me trouble, I can give  them hell in return. Ever since then, they know better than to make mistakes with my paper work. If someone else did it, I will make sure to check it. Yeah, I am too much of a perfectionist. In my defense, I like my work done properly, and apparently I'm not the only one who prefers it that way journal

Just another late night ramble

I am still having issues with my home wifi and Chi. And it's worst on weekends. I should remind myself to call the owner first thing tomorrow.

So, I am just doing my count down to my most awaited Japan trip, that is about to happen in nine days. I still haven't done enough research about getting around the area, the train system especially. The country has so many lines running in Kyoto and Osaka alone. To top it off, it's expensive. I purchased a 2-day JR Kansai pass just so I could go to Himeji and Iga Ueno-Koka areas the cheapest way possible. A trip to Nara is still affordable as compared to the other three places. I will also get Haruka and ICOCA package when I arrived in Japan, for the train from the airport and back, and for my general trips. Half of my pocket money might go to transportation expenses, and as much as I wanted to avoid that, I couldn't. My friend offered for me to stay in her place in Neyagashi, somewhere between Osaka and Kyoto, and that was too good of an offer to pass up. That had me saved about four to five hundred for accommodation, and the supposed budget for that will go to the transportation, which would still be cheaper as compared to the accommodation.

I was so glad that my friend asked me to stay with them, because the guesthouses I booked have shared bathrooms. I tried to look for better ones, with private bath attached to the room within my budget but it was to no avail. It doesn't really differ much with my current situation but total, and to share shower areas with complete strangers is just making me queasy I guess. I remembered when I was looking for rooms near my Uni before, bathroom is more of a priority to me rather than the very room. So long as the room doesn't feel very cramped, it's fine. But if I think the bathroom just feels off, well, it's already  no-go. And the bathroom shouldn't feel and look small at all. I am that particular with my bathroom at least.

So now, I am staying in Neyagawa-shi and I will cancel my accommodation bookings soon. I have also started to pack my things, and my room is in a state of calamity right now. My clothes are every where, because I have to try and see my outfits when i actually go around in Kansai. I will be wearing layered outfits, which will be taken for granted because everyone else is wearing the same. Another thing I am excited about is the clothing. Since it's the beginning of the winter season, if it hasn't started yet, the temperature will be definitely cold. I'm actually afraid I might not be able to take it so I will come prepared, bringing all my clothes meant for cold areas, and some other pieces I could match with them for layering, to keep me warm. the term hypothermia has been in my mind every since my friend told me that the temperature might be less than ten degrees when I get there. I am pretty weak to the cold so I am not sure how my body will react to the change of climate.

I wanted to wear black boots for my trip but I could not find a much affordable one with guaranteed quality here in Singapore. I am also looking for a particular style and design so it's pretty difficult to find one too. Otherwise, i'll by one from Japan, since my friend told me it might be cheaper there with all the Winter sale going on. Despite not being one for shopping while on holiday, I might make exceptions for Japan. It's legit shopping for winter clothes alright. Not simply buying cardigans, knitted-wears, hoodies and pullovers because I like them and they're on sale. So far I think my baggage can still handle a few more additional stuff on the way back to Singapore.

Well, I am simply excited for my trip. By the way, I had finally gotten a haircut and treatment. It's somehow a routine to cut my hair short around September because I try to go back to Philippines then. But I purchased a groupon package for a haircut-chemical treatment-hair treatment for a lot better price than the original. It was still more expensive as compared to when I had it done in Philippines.

I had also tried out two new cafes the past week. Ronin Cafe is an instant favorite if not for the fact that it's always full. The Book Cafe is not exactly my kind of coffee shop. But the ambiance is good.

So, I have turned on and off the router more than three times while typing this and that gets on my nerves. I am so calling the owner tomorrow and bitch about the terrible internet connection. A+!

Hi there

Been a while, or not. But it sure has been a while since I last opened my new laptop to use for web browsing. Because I always end up just crashing into the bed the moment I got home. Or go for a quick run, eat something, take a shower and go straight to sleep. I still read my fan-fictions though, using my phone. And the battery is slowly dying. Although my reading has slowed down by a lot, my fandom on the other hand, seemed to grow by a lot. I had started to imagine one character in the image of a real human, and well, he just happens to be the actor in my head whenever I read the fictions. The other character, on the other hand, is pretty difficult to give a proper human image for some reason, and he happens to be my favorite too. And I am reading too much pastel-punk that I am starting to think that pink is a nice color. And if you happen to know me for a long time, you would be overly surprised by this thought because when you say pink to me, that is just a flat out no. And I had a grave thought that baby pink Converse would look so punk, and I can handle that - not!

And yeah, I did post a random story recently which is not a story at all if I cannot put a proper follow up, which is both easy and difficult. I have a material, based on a true story that I know very well, but has forgotten some bits and pieces of. Though it will be based on a true story, the actual story posted  here will be different than the original to make it more fictional. And while I was typing the second part of it, I suddenly stopped as a question hit me: Where am I going with this? Yes, there's already a second part.

Honestly, I don't know. I have two different endings for it. The story will just make itself, I am just giving it the form it needed to materialize. The story is alive on its own.

Yes, this is another random blabber because I just have to. And I actually chose this over mapping out my Japan trip. Oh well.

Well, that's it. Ciao!

Fairy tale called school

I do miss Uni days, though in all honesty, it wasn't much different with my current situation, except before, I go to school and pay for it to run, now, I go to my workplace and the company pays me to run it. Besides that, everything else is more or less the same.

I'm not a very big fan of schools. After finishing my degree, I did not even think about doing Graduate classes. It was costly, and being the practical me, though I know it would be for my greater advantage, I decided against it. The thought of having a title beside your name was appealing, but I don't think I was cut out for anything of the sort. After all, I am not very fond of high recognition. Also, I just do not like the idea of spending more boring hours in school. So I joined the workforce right after graduation, so much that I stress out about the fact that I was not able to get employed one month after it. Yes, I did not even think about having a vacation. I am such a workaholic, so...

Ever since grade school, I have been itching to be independent, to live away from home and not depend on my parents for anything. Unfortunately, I wasn't very resourceful, or I am just too lazy to tend to my own needs without having to rely on somebody else. Or I am just plain naive and ignorant of how the world actually works. I finished high school, living in the same place I grew up for over ten years, being taken care of by my parents. Even up to second year of university, I was relying on my relatives to look after my basic needs. Back then, it felt natural, since my parent are giving money to them for food, water, electricity and other utilities. My grandmother lives in the city, and I used to go there for vacation when I was a kid. So staying there doesn't feel strange or anything at all. It just felt natural, like it's a given and doesn't even need to be questioned. I didn't really think anything of it back then, granted, I wasn't even of legal age then.

When I reached my third year in uni, I decided to change things a little. I have grown closer to my classmates, so I have decided to rent a place near my university, like most of them did, just so I could spend more time with them, and I could save time and energy from travelling for an hour from my relative's place to uni. I only rented a small room by myself, and it was only a few minutes walking distance from my university (though the building where my classes are held were on the other side of the university). I found the place the summer before my classes started again. Now that I think about it, it was a good decision, because when school started for my third year in uni, I barely even have time to go back to my hometown. I was so glad I decided to move closer to uni because I was practically there everyday, even weekends, dealing with school-related stuff.

I would say that it was the busiest period of my university life, or maybe the beginning of the hectic period. I drowned myself with school works that I almost neglected the life I have outside of it. And having some relationships lost couldn't really be helped.

It was then that I started being more independent, though I still rely on my parents for financial support. Coincidentally, I turned eighteen when I reached my third year of uni.

I only stayed in the same place for a year, having to terminate my contract before it ends because of my internship in Singapore, which started summer the following year. As it doesn't make sense to hold onto the room, paying rent when no one will occupy it, I let go of it. It was a good place though.

So on April 2010, I flew to Singapore for my internship. I just turned nineteen, and it was the time when I felt most independent. No parents, living on the measly allowance that interns get,  working full-time, and abroad. For six months. Even if I do not want to, I have no choice but to learn to stand on my own, take care of myself, and deal with my own troubles. I could handle myself pretty well, living practically by myself, though I am staying with my classmates. It was the first time that I lived off on monthly paycheck, which honestly wasn't much. But I wasn't paying rent, so all the money I earn from work or internship is solely for my basic living and leisure expenses. Work-party-dorm. That was my kind of lifestyle for six full months until my internship ended on November 2010.

It was a full six months of independence and freedom. That was how I thought back then. Now, looking back to that time, I can say that that was really an overstatement. My parents usually left me to my own devices, as if they already knew fully well that I can do just fine without their help. Which might be true. I am not  very sure, but, from what I know, the last time that they have decided for me was for my high school, which I completely have no say at all, no matter how much I complained and grumbled about it. All is good in the end though. My best friend went to the same school as me and we were stuck for another four years. I got to learn stenography, which was very useful back in my university for speed writing, and was used for nothing else besides that, except hate letters that I was certain no one will understand. I don't even know anyone else in my college circle who could understand it. The only time that they have intervened with my life and decision making after that was for my choice of college or university. And it was not really intervening so long as my chosen school was in the city, they were off my case.

After that, for some reason, they just leave me alone. I get what I need and what I want, so long as I tell them. They were my benefactor, and they support me financially after all. Anything that involves money, like big amount of money that my allowance could not afford, I go to them for support. I get to participate in all school-related events and trips because they just let me go. I got to go to Bohol for the local tour, Thailand for the international tour, and Singapore for my internship. They give me money for anything I need be it a school event that needs 5-digit worth of funding, or a room near the school. We actually purchased a small condominium unit near my school, which was said to be ready the following year (it never did though, and I never got to use it while in school), because I told them that I want to stay near the uni. It was like money wasn't really  a problem to them, my dad especially. We were not filthy rich, just well-off. But money never came as a struggle to my family for as long as I can remember. I am pretty practical so I try not to ask for more than what I need. My two younger sibling was a different case though, my sister more than my brother. They were spoiled brats.

And for anything else that I want to do, I get to do it. Not because I'm being stubborn, although I admit that I am, but because my parents just let me. Honestly, I do not even need their permission for anything, because I will do it anyway, but I still let them know for formalities sake. Well, you wouldn't really want to find out that your eldest daughter is alone in some country outside her work area from Facebook, or from a relative or a neighbor right?

Even after university, my dad still paid for my agency fees when I acquired a full-time job in Singapore. I am now paying for my brother's school fees, but even if I wasn't, my dad would not really bite me back ĵfor that. Four years into the work force, I could say that I am more mature than before, but I do not feel like anything has changed at all.

Basically everything is the same. The only difference is that I go to work to earn money, and I do not rely on my parents anymore for financial support. I can support myself now. I live on my own now. I do things without having to let them know.

I am no longer a student. And every time I meet a uni or college student who were the same age as me when I was in school, I feel kind of silly. I was such a brat back then and I had not even realized it before. I complain a lot back in school, about how much school work I need to finish within a short period of time, about how frequently I lack of sleep finishing reports if I actually get to sleep at all, about how difficult everything was when dump at you all at once. I was so very silly to think like that. In my defense, I grew up a little pampered even if I am not spoiled. But meeting college students who can juggle working part-time while attending school and still get to have spare time for themselves just make me think of how much of a spoiled brat I was back then. They are working to cover part of their schools fees while going to school. I only had to go to school, and everything was already provided for me. I don't even need to think about where I could scrape money from just so I could secure my fees for another semester. I had it easy. But I didn't know it.

Well, hello again

I am pretty proud of myself that I finally got to post about my Malaysia trip (minus all the bad trips). it was generally a fun experience honestly, if the really long bus ride did not put me on the edge of insanity. I know well enough that I cannot stay put, or that my attention span is much like a child's. So long as my brain is working on something, I am actually fine. You can leave me alone for hours with a read to my liking and I wouldn't complain very much. Probably.

Anyway, point is, Malaysia trip is over and done with although I shall return. Next thing I need to work on is my first Vietnam trip covering Danang-Hue-Hoi An-Ho Chi Minh. I must finish it before I got too immersed with my next trip, which I am already planning now. Besides I still have to put another one about the coffee culture of Sai Gon. It's only sometimes that I indulge myself with travelling and seeing places, because I do not always have the resources to do so.

My next trip is Japan, Kansai region. I am intending to go there by the end of this month, and I still have no Visa, no flights booked, no hotel bookings, no minute-detailed itinerary...basically, nothing 'confirmed'. the only thing I am certain about is that I am going there and eat takoyaki and okonomiyaki day in and day out.

I already have temporary travel plans for next year. Philippines for summer, Vietnam again around May to June focusing on Da Lat  and (probably) Mui Ne, and Australia after July, if my friend's plans of going there to study actually materializes. Maybe I could add Korea and drag one of my Korean friends to be my tour guide and let me crash in their place. But I was also thinking of trying out European countries, and Greece is just on top of the list, because why not? Or maybe Spain. If only Romania isn't such an odd choice (which is not really new to me), I would probably risk going there alone just to see the Castle that was on Dracula.

But first, I need to proceed with my Japan trip and actually make a proper, easy itinerary for sight seeing, eating and just simple walking around. My targets this time are Kyoto and Osaka. That's it! I need to continue on my planning. A+

I locked myself out at 4AM

It's not the best situation to be at considering the time. I did not even intentionally did it to myself, because why the f should I. How it all came to be? That's the funny part.

After I had enjoyed my fandom to an extent that I was satisfied with, I had decided to hit the sack. I was already past the point of being sleepy. I just held it off for a little bit longer just so I could read more of the fan-fictions I was currently addicted to. By the time my mind is no longer processing the words from the screen of my phone, and my eyes could no longer keep itself up steadily, I had decided it was time for me to give in to the needs of my body - sleep.

Before I fully retire for the night, I decided it  was best to make a quick visit to the bathroom, and so I did. I always keep the door of my room close, because I was technically staying with strangers in the same house although I have a room all to myself. I flicked the switch of my room light, not wanting to go back into a dark room after my business, and step on the scattered books and paper on the floor. After I closed the door to head to the bathroom, I gave my doorknob a funny look, like something was off with it. But I shrugged it off, too tired to think of what might be wrong with it.

Then I returned to my room, and turned the knob to open the door. But it didn't. I paused, the gears in my head was already in motion, and tried to turn the knob again but to no avail. As tired as my mind was, I was able to effin' figure out, in that short span of time, that I had locked the door, after I turned on the light and get out of the room. It was a reflex habit whenever I leave my room and will be out for long hours, most of the time for work. I tried a few more times, wanting to make myself believe that I might have been just too sleepy, and that my door was just playing a trick on me. Apparently, this was really happening. My feeling back then? Awful.

I had thought before of what will I do should I actually lock myself out, but never got to any conclusion believing that  I would never do such a thing to myself. Well, accidents really do happen when you least expect it. Who would want to be locked out at four in the morning, geared for sleep, and without anything on you besides the clothes you are wearing and a messy state of mind? NO ONE.

So what had I done to get myself out of the unexpected predicament? Think. My phone was not with me, and I cursed myself for not always bringing in with me where ever I go. Now I have proven that it was best to always have my phone with me, no matter what, for emergency cases like this one, despite not really wanting to. I came up with a few solutions to my problems. Crashing into a friends place for the night was one. I could probably find someone with a phone and logged into Facebook to get one of my friends who's currently up at four am (because I am definitely not the only one). I could borrow money from that friend too, for taxi, and immediate shopping first thing in the morning. Second was to go up to the floor where the owner of my place is staying. I do not want to bother them but I have no choice but to do so. I tried ringing the bell a few times but there was no answer. There was a lock on the gate, so I figured they are out of town again. Well, that made me feel like I was screwed big time.

So I went back into my place, thinking whether I should bother one of the tenant for help. To my luck, some people were still up at that certain time. I hesitated to knock on their door, but they eventually went out to probably cook some supper. I borrowed the girl's phone to call the owner's number, which rang about ten times before going to voicemail. I tried a second time but the same thing happened. So I gave up. They were so willing to help me that they even took out several cards (the easiest way of trying to be a locksmith), and even some pins to pick the door. But it was not working. They knocked on another room to call out their friend, who ended up calling another person to help, before calling two more person for the job.

I honestly found it amusing how six strangers were gather outside my room door, at past four am trying to pick the knob, or force open the door. They were speaking a language I don't really understand but I still find it amusing, despite the desperate situation I was in. I was even trying to keep my frustrated look on, because from another person's view, I probably don't appear to be the person who's supposed to be stressed out about not having a place to sleep for the night. A smile, or laughter even, was threatening to slip out of me, and it was a hard feat trying to keep that from happening. I allowed myself small, shy smiles at their jokes, at least.

Seriously though, my situation was dreadful. But I was not exactly worried about not having a place to crash for the night. I could work something out once I got a hold of one of my friends. That was my last resort, which I did not share to any of them because I still have hope on my door being opened. If worst comes to worst, we could always break the knob, or the door. The first was a better choice, because it's easier and cheaper to change the door knob than the entire door. So I was just enjoying the experience then.

Luckily, one of the guys managed to open the door, and they all let out a frustrated sigh to find out that the lock was the easiest to open actually. As to why it wouldn't simply open? I don't know, probably someone out there just wanted to give me a good time right then, which I actually did. More than be annoyed at the situation I got myself in, I really find it amusing.

100 Random Things To Do For 2015

To rid myself of boredom, and feeling unaccomplished, I made a list of a hundred random things to do for this year. At least there were things I wanted to do and try. I originally posted this on time before 1st of January in Wordpress, but I have completed my list ever since so here's the updated version.

100 THINGS TO DO FOR 2015

1. Play darts.
2. Play beer pong.
3. Enter a competition of any kind.
4. Watch a theater play.
5. Watch an old film (screened on early '90s).
6. Play a new sport.
7. Win something through an online competition.
8. Plan a birthday party.
9. Travel overseas.
10. Visit a museum.
11. Organize and execute a photoshoot.
12. Go to the beach.
13. Watch an entire TV series.
14. Watch 20 movies released in 2015.
15. Read 30 books.
16. Watch 10 animated films.
17. Buy a CD of a music artist you really like.
18. Make a jack-o-lantern.
19. Attend a Halloween party.
20. Attend a cosplay convention.
21. Attend a music concert.
22. Go to a night festival.
23. Learn 10 new dishes.
24. Have 5 new dresses.
25. Run/jog an accumulated 500km throughout the year.
26. Paint something.
27. Give out handmade gifts.
28. Make a crafting project.
29. Make a nice espresso art.
30. Write a hand-written letter and send it by post.
31. Meet a new person.
32. Do a good deed for a random stranger.
33. Brighten someone's day.
34. Cook a meal for another person.
35. Make a video.
36. Dine in a restaurant you've never been to, and eat a dish you've never had.
37. Go for cycling.
38. Visit an old friend.
39. Get a hair cut.
40. Dye your hair a different color.
41. Get a full body massage.
42. Treat yourself to a foot spa.
43. Try scuba diving.
44. Try an extreme sport.
45. Attend a class for learning something new.
46. Ride a boat.
47. Fly a kite.
48. Build a new friendship.
49. Learn to style your hair.
50. Attend a party.
51. Draw a portrait.
52. Play an instrument.
53. Have a sleepover.
54. Take portrait photos of people.
55. Visit a zoo.
56. Go to the aquarium.
57. Write a poem.
58. Finish writing a story.
59. Donate to a charity.
60. Go on a holiday trip.
61. Go to a bar a lone to chill.
62. Buy a new kitchen utensil.
63. Call a friend.
64. Share a really old photo of yourself.
65. Get a manicure and pedicure.
66. Break something.
67. Create a new cocktail drink recipe.
68. Ask someone for advice on anything.
69. Ask someone to take your photo.
70. Tell someone a quote.
71. Cry.
72. Be a volunteer on a charity work.
73. Buy a plushie.
74. Own a new gadget.
75. Go to the amusement park.
76. Own 2 new heels.
77. Discover a new hang-out place.
78. Create a new tea concoction.
79. Experience a long bus ride in a different country.
80. Move to a new place.
81. Ride a train in a different country.
82. Go for a mountain hiking.
83. Treat a friend to dinner.
84. Invite someone for coffee.
85. Surprise someone.

86. Play a prank on a good friend.

87. Buy yourself something worth more than $500.

88. Travel alone to a place you've never been.

89. Visit a friend in a different country.

90. Buy a big plushie.

91. Accept an invitation to eat out.

92. Visit the club.

93. Go on a date (with a guy).

94. Earn a raise in salary.

95. Be hired by a new employer.

96. Drink out with friends, and drink a lot.

97. Read a whole book in one day.

98. Do not go online for an entire day.

99. Suddenly make a plan with friends and execute it on the same day.

100. Lay down in a field and just stare at the sky.

Note: Print out the list and keep it with you, like in your wallet or something so you can check it every now and then. By the end of year 2015, re-blog your own post and write a comment beside each item of what you did. Sounds good, yeah?

Dear You

Dear You,

Yeah, you who is reading this whoever you might be, or might want to be, or used to be... This is absolutely not about you nor does this got anything to do with you. But, hey, you are reading this and you are still reading this so you might want to continue. Even if you don’t and you just ignored this piece of crap whatsoever, I will still continue. Because this is a selfish thing I decided to do and you are of no concern to whatever it is I want to say here. So here goes the real thing:

I had a boyfriend before. Just one official and serious relationship with that certain guy. He was my boyfriend. He used to be my boyfriend. Things did not work out between us and I decided to end it after two and a half years of being together. Nowadays that was a long time yeah? I did love him. Heck, it was two freaking years. But I just had to end it because of selfish and childish reasons.

Would you want to be tied with someone who does not give you as much time as you deserve? Would you want to be with someone who does not take the time to even speak to you when you acted all sweet? Definitely not, right? So, yeah. It ended. I ended it with him and we came to a decision of breaking it off. He does not want to at first but he could not do a thing when we were apart and I wanted it to end.We just had to go our separate ways.

But all truth be told, I miss him. I would be lying if I say that I never thought about him even a single time after we broke up. I have thought of him frequently. Actually I have always thought of him. I had wanted him to be by my side several times. I wanted to hear his voice, to feel his warmth, to get the assurance that he was still there... even if it was not for me. Sometimes I would think of the possibilities, of the parallel worlds where we might still be together. I have always thought about the what if’s of our relationship. I had always done and still doing that for the past five years. It was dumb, I know. But what can I do? He just affected me so much that his existence is impossible to remove from me.

Five long years passed by and I still think ofhim. I really am hopeless. I did like someone and we went out on dates. We were not really dating officially but I know that we both know that there might be something between us. I tried to do things that might make me forget him. But only time makes me forget. I had forgotten his warmth, the sound of his voice, the way he look at me and his eyes that I love so much. I had forgotten that feeling of being with him - that feeling which assured me that I liked him, that we really are going out. I had forgotten how it was to be with him. We never saw each other besides the one or two times that we gathered as high school classmates. We never had a proper conversation about our relationship after we broke up. There was nothing that made me know whether he hated me or not. Actually there was but he said that through chat and it was during the time that I started believing that people's words are mostly empty.

After five long years of practically being estranged with each other, we spoke with each other. It was only through comments, with me wanting to understand a biological stuff which was his field. Maybe if our friend had not tagged him in the post that I created, he would never give a care about what I wanted to know. Perhaps, it was in his interest so he said something. I tried to leave out whatever he say in our group and I felt like he also did the same. We don’t speak publicly about each other, and being born on the same year and same month with just a few days difference, we probably have the same personality and way of thinking. It was our matter. We need not involve our friends in it. We need not speak openly about what we really felt about our past relationship.

I think we spoke, or converse rather, civilly with each other, trying our best not to be too rough or harsh nor feeling close. It was his field of interest, I know. It was something that I wanted to understand. Helping each other out was the least we could do.

But, maybe, it was only me who was thinking that he hated me. He loved me. He really did and it was way more than I loved him. But times are rough and we were young. There was not a need to keep each other chained when we could have our freedom and enjoy our life without having to think of the other. We were inexperienced in love and relationships but we took ours as though we were mature adults. It could only be me, but maybe freeing each other and growing separately was for our best interest.

Life is full of second chances and changes. There could come a day when we could meet again and our circumstances would be different. He would not be that much busy with his medical career and I would not be that mindful of being given less attention. There could be a time in the future when our paths would cross again and we would realize that we still love each other. It was a hopeful future, but possibilities are as endless as the sky. Either that day could come or we were just not meant to be.

If you’re still reading this, that meant that you just got curious about whatever blabber I had mentioned. It was just my own thoughts and will not affect your daily life as you might have thought. But, whoever you are, I thank you for taking your time reading my nonsense. And maybe you could also wish me luck in love?

Yours,

Mae

Because it was my off day.

It's been a while since I last had fun during my off day. One reason was because I used to have my offs after my night shifts, which I don't really consider offs. Another was because ten hour shifts a day was pretty much taking its toll on me now. So I usually just rest during my offs. Lastly, I was trying to avoid shopping malls because I really spent a lot during the first week of the month for clothes. In short, I already exceeded my monthly budget. So being tired, having limited budget and basically no time were the reasons I was just resting on my off days.

But hey, I did not do that during my previous off. Well, I was away from work for two days so yeah. But I was using my public holiday leave on the first day when I just slept and almost got sick. So the second day was my off technically. And I spent it quite efficiently.

Brown ankle boots, red shorts, skin color tank top, gray knitted loose top, and a black and white tote bag. I couldn't get any more comfortable with these clothing on a day when the whether is pretty much unpredictable.

First stop: Lucky Plaza for Filipino food. I have been craving for my home cuisines for a while now, especially something with pork. And so I walked all the way to Lucky plaza for a set of pork dishes and a cup of rice. Pork Sinigang (pork in tamarind soup) and Lechon Kawali (deep fried prok belly) were the ones that I ordered.

I tried the store that my friend told me about - Lutong Pinoy in the basement level of Lucky Plaza. I was partly expecting something really good but it was just so-so. Had I ordered something else it might have been different perhaps. But then again, this friend who told me about the store was someone who loves all kinds of food. She always says that something is delicious even if others, myself included, don't agree with her. She knew about this and I always tel her about it. And there was no offense intended here.

Second stop: Stranger's Reunion. Finally! I've been wanting to go to this cafe for the longest time. I froze my cafe hunting for some months due to the 'healthy' lifestyle that I have been trying. At least, I managed to put it on today's schedule.

The cafe has this really nice ambiance besides that fact that it was very crowded. I like the food and coffee and their service. Actually, the service staff are all nice and friendly and accommodating. I stayed for about two hours, read two chapters of Life, Interrupted book, and finished two cups of cappuccino. There must be something with number two eh?

So after having my lunch and afternoon coffee, I went for a long walk from Kampong Bahru Road all the way to Temasek Boulevard. It's the same at Outram Park to Esplanade stations. Far? Well, the only places that were far for me here in Singapore were the seaside west - Tuas -  and seaside east - Punggol. And maybe Woodlands as well. But if you're used to hours worth of road trips, then these so-called far places here were nothing for you.

And I took a stroll along Neil Road, Cantonment and Tanjong Pagar and Robinsons Road. It was pretty fun to discover cafes that I have not even found online. Now, my list just got longer.

I am not sure whether this Church was in operation or not but it looked pretty abandoned to me. Anyway, the contrast of old buildings against a clear blue sky just never failed to get my attention. The ever so picturesque buildings usually has that clear blue sky background.

And yep, I just loved old, vintage, and rustic buildings. Definitely.

In this photo, I already reached the Collyer Quay Road or Fullerton Road. How the sun shine through skyscrapers to the ground was just astonishing to me. I love shadows as well that's probably why I like sunshine.

I was walking along this bridge so I can get to Suntec City. I just felt like taking a panorama shot of this place thinking that 'This is what was mostly known of Singapore.'

And as I was passing by Esplanade, there were decorated discs floating in the pond-slash-fountain. And being my artistic self, this creation just gave me a good idea of what to do with my non-functional discs back in Philippines. 

And I don't have pictures of what I did at Suntec but I can just simply state it: Window Shopping. Period.

It's quite funny though that I walked the long distance from Kampong Bahru Road to Temasek Boulevard but I took a train from Esplanade to Bras Basah which was just a station apart. Oh well, my feet and legs were probably tired by then.

And minutes after arriving home, I got a call from my friend who invited me out to have dinner or dessert with them. And so I went. I met with them at Nex Mall at Serangoon, in the Japanese restaurant where our other friend was on shift at that time. And we ordered cakes for dessert. It was my cheat day anyway, but I really ate a lot even for a single cheat day.

We hang around the place for a while and we eventually got free cakes to reduce 'wastage'. That was actually the best part. And by the way, the name of the restaurant was Green Pumpkin Cafe and the pastries were pretty good. Visit the place at the basement 1 of Nex Mall.

And after our free dessert at Serangoon, we went to Little India and Haji Lane for a chill drinking and shisha session.

And one of the guys brought us to a hidden rooftop bar at Little India. The picture above was taken in that place. I didn't managed to get the name of the place but it was pretty good for a peaceful night out with your buddies.

Then we walked all the way to Haji Lane for another round of booze and some cancer-causing activity.  The place was pretty crowded even for a Wednesday night, when I always thought that every one would actually be partying at Clarke Quay.

And the night just went on like that. We drink. We smoke. We talk. And we actually had a pretty good time talking about movies, a little of the past that I've never heard of, some issues, fun facts, and current events. I don't know why, but sometimes when you're having a good time with people, you talk about sensible things, sometimes weird topics. I still remember the time that I was having dessert with another girl friend of mine and we were talking about the end of the world. Yeah, it wasn't a your usual girl bonding topic over dessert but it just happened.

My day wasn't exactly crazy and exhausting but it was fun. Half of the day was for myself, another half was bonding with friends. It was just a good balance. Most importantly, I had fun which was what I needed for a day off.

Note:
Zsofi Tapas Bar (Rooftop bar)
68 Dunlop Street Singapore 209396
Tel: +65 6297 5875

Stranger's Reunion Cafe
33/35/37 Kampong Bahru Road Singapore 169355
Tel: +65 6222 4869

Green Pumpkin Cafe
23 Serangoon Central #B1-K1 Nex Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 7990

To my beloved sister

"The world isn't a mosaic of coincidences. It's all interconnected."

(Jostein Gaarder, The Castle in the Pyrenees)

---

Hey there sister dear!

Well, this is supposed to be a retreat letter of some sort but with all honesty, do you really think I'd go with the conventional? I was asked by the parents to do this so I was just complying with the orders. And there you have it. It's not like there was really something I'd want to say.

Let's end the crap here. Just go and enjoy the retreat. Or watch people cry while they read their letters. Or maybe you could just read other people's letters? Yeah, something along those lines. See you March? Take care.

Regards (with all sarcasm),

Lisa ;)

---

P.S.

And in case the retreat organizing committee or something of your college returned my email asking me for something more sensible, here goes...

(The aforementioned was really part of this like a prologue or something.)

So you were in a retreat but there wasn't really anything I could say that would be religious since I was not one myself. If you want something of the sort I'd recommend you read The Castle in the Pyrenees or Maya. Both stories were quite mind-boggling and partly touching the topic of religion. Just a bit. I have a copy of both sent back to Cavite, just look for it.

You are ABOUT to finish schooling in a few months' time (keyword: about, but Congratulations! in advance). Most people would call it ending a phase of your life. But aren't you just technically moving out of that phase so you could continue on with what you have started to pursue as your career? Or maybe not. But c'mon. You took something as marketing or finance or accounting for your program and it's not like you'd become a painter after you graduate right? And suck it, you don't have all those creative juices running in your blood. That aside, the moment you have decided to continue on with the program that you have chosen was the start of your career.

The moving on phase was something inevitable that you will eventually have to undergo in order for you to start another chapter of your story. And starting anew equals to changes. What will be awaiting you after you received that diploma and stepped down that stage? Definitely, it will not be the same old quarters and same old life that you have been used to living for four years. There won't be a need for you to drag yourself to go to your classroom and listen to your professors talk the entire daytime. Or watch your classmates go wild when the prof. was absent. No more late nights study sessions for quizzes much more difficult than your prelims. No need to prepare for home-works or group activities. No need to worry about getting called for recitations because you did not read a chapter of your book. And no need to worry about singing or dancing because you were late for your class. And most of all, there won’t be any grades to worry about.

There wouldn’t be anything of those after your summa cum laude finished reading his or her speech, thanking the entire world of things none of you guys actually cared about. What awaits you is a life of plain, old reality - a world not entirely different, but different nonetheless, from what you have known up until now. And after you exit that building where you had your graduation-slash-commencement exercise, everything will just be different and you wouldn’t even realize it.

Where will that piece of paper that you worked so hard for four years actually bring you? Saying that it would grant you easy access to success, given that you actually came from one of the prestigious universities in the country, is old news. Personally, I think that educational background doesn't help you much in real life. Sure you came from a good school and were given basic knowledge of what you chose for your career. That doesn't mean though that all the companies will be going after you to give you employment. It will still be about how you build your name in your chosen field.

In the new phase that you are about take in a few months' time, there will be no fairy-tale like fantasies whatsoever. If you think that a student's life was purely torture, this is your chance to think about it again. Actually, you can enjoy every second of it starting now because in the near future you will definitely long for that. This wasn't meant to scare you or anything. Maybe some stuff during college was just meant to torture you and prepare you for the real world. The thing is, life wants to screw with you. Always. There will be times when you get what you didn't expect. Exciting, eh?

I know this sounds like a lecture and all but heck, I don't even know what I'm supposed to write for a retreat letter. At least there was something right? Oh, and since I'm already at this point why not finish it until the end eh?

So yeah, whatever you choose to do after you graduate – whether you asked for a graduation gift (and you won’t get anything from me just to let you know) and have a tour somewhere, or be a bum for a while or enter the work force as soon as possible – it’s all up to you. You're free to do whatever you want and you deserve a break anyway. I know how school can be such a hell of a place too. And I also know the feeling of getting released from all the stress you had been put through for four years.

So little sister, just enjoy the remaining months that you have left carrying that student title – unless you actually planned to further your studies and enroll for a graduate school for some master’s degree. All those fun times you have as a student won’t last for long. Soon you will have to face the reality of living, of being part of the community as a responsible citizen.

After you start that new phase of your life, even if you try to go back to the old times, it just won’t feel the same. So maybe, you can start to cherish what you have now – your time as it is. After all, nothing lasts forever and change is inevitable.

I know I'm not making any sense at all and I'm mostly talking crap. I actually have nothing to say but I'm forcing the words out of me so bear with it.

And lastly, I know I can be too annoying at times…most of the times actually. But hey, it was my job to do that since only I can be your biological older sister. All you have to do is be annoyed and bear with me, that's actually your job as the younger sister. (insert evil laugh here) I didn't get Mama and Papa's message but I can just make a wild guess. Boink's as well.

We love you (probably) even if you are one crazy daughter-slash-sister all the time...

who couldn't wait until the following day to go to the salon to have her fringe cut, hence spending a few weeks looking like an idiot who had trouble with the fan;

who couldn't peel an Indian mango for dear life (at least I hope you know how to do it now?);

who loves to eat like a freaking hippo every hour;

who likes to rummage through my closet for a top;

who sings like a broken stereo;

who have an addiction for Korean artists;

who spends money with no care in the world;

who felt like and acted like she's an idol every single second;

who used to be mistaken as my twin sister (like seriously?);

who would always keep her closet far from being neat and tidy;

who would always act like she was a sanity-deprived person;

and many more other stuff.

So some things said above could be for exaggeration, but some were true. I think most of it was true to be honest. I really do. And since this was a letter and all, I could just tell you all the other stuff that you didn't know about, since I won't be hearing from your for a while. Or you could try calling me? ;)

And I'm really running out of things to say now. But hey, I'll just be here and you could ask me anything while I'm still breathing. Surely, I'll give you all the nonsense you wanted. :)

Just remember, we love you no matter what kind of person you are. Even if you become someone the entire world will hate. We’ll be there for you. Always.

All good things must come to an end and so is this crap. So just enjoy every moment of your life. Cheers to your batch! ;)