*2010 To-Do List*

I know, I know. I was supposed to write this when the year just started but duh, with all the stuff going on at the hospital, what can I do? ;)

So, these are the stuff I just have to do this 2010. Or at least, will try to do this 2010. I will make a rundown just so I won't forget. =)

1. Scuba dive - Loving the beach aint just enough. The deep has much much more lovin' going on. I'm thinking Nalusuan, Pescador, Palawan or Sogod. What dya say?



2. Horseback riding - I have long been wanting to ride a horse, so hopefully, I can ride one this year. Weee.



3. Surf! - My friend talked about this one day tutorial in his surf school, so I just need to do an early enrollment for this year in time for my annual leave. I'm not gonna do that kind of surfing in the picture though. =)


4. Bungee Jump!! - Yeeeaaah! Booked already with my college classmate for this experience in Danao! I can't wait!


5. White water rafting- Was supposed to go rafting last year but the sudden turn out of events prevented us from doing so. So hopefully this year, CDO, watch out. ;)


6. Out of Town Drive- I miss driving. I miss the drive trip I do with some friends in the Philippines. To just converse, feel the wind and enjoying the scene with our music. Man, it's pathetic women can't drive here in KSA. My folks should get a better car when I get home. Haha. Joke. =)


7. Karting! - It's a pity that Kart Zone already closed before I can get a hand of their karts. We'll see, there might be a new spot opening when I get home. Speedracer mode! ;)



8. Parrrty!! - If you are a close friend of mine, you know that I'm not a big fan of parties. But you also know, that I've been planning in like forever to take my nightlife to the next level. Hahaha. Im kind of a sore loser when it comes to clubbing and stuff. But yeah, I'm optimistic that this year's gonna be my year. We'll make a quick "Life of the Party" scene when I get back. Fingers crossed that Vudu, Loft and the Penthouse will not be out of business this year. lol.




9. Outreach Programs and Medical Missions volunteer- I miss the feeding programs we used to have during college, and even post-college. I miss the sound of screaming children during medical missions too. So hopefully, I'd get to attend some of these charitable/philanthropic activities when I come home. I think my "giving-back" time is sooo long overdue. Have to give back for all the blessings y'know. ;)



1o. FAMILY TIME- The last but certainly not the least, quality family time. I miss my lil bro and sis soooo much! Be cooking for them for the first time ever in my entire lifetime! ;)

I'm putting out my calendar and marking the dates. Drats, I've got way too much activity and I doubt if I can do everything I'm planning to do. But we'll see. What Veda wants, Veda gets. You know me. ;)

2009 Thank You List (Drum Roll, Please!)

My, what a year it has been! Looking back at the past year, I can definitely say that it's been a wild roller coaster ride. Wild, but sweet.

So here's my list of a couple number of people to thank for the year that was. Twenty-oh-nine!

To my God, who has always been and always will be my guide in my continuing journey --I owe to you everything. My life is not enough to thank you for all that you have showered me with. 'Nuf said.

To my family, for being so patient with me and my tantrums. For being so understanding with all my dramas and for being very supportive with all my decisions - two thumbs and feet up for you, homies! Just so you know, I love you and I miss you all so dearly.

To my good friends - Mael, Victor, Van2, Arianne and Nhaj, my life will never ever be the same without you. I miss college but I miss you all even more. The laugh trips and the shenanigans. From the gay bars of the North to the halo-halo stops of the South. Gosh, I just wish that Canada, USA and all the other countries will stop hiring nurses so that you can all go follow me here and continue the good times (I crossed my fingers when i said this)! *sob*

To my dear Jow, hugs! I have been such a mess lately but I'm pulling through. It just feels great to know that I can always count on you. Forgive me for being such a twit, but what can I say, I am no Goddess you know. LY. See you in Egypt. Hehehe. =)

To my flatmates here in Riyadh, forgive me for being lazy sometimes. I know we all have our "lazy" moments but when it hits me, i have to beg you to grant me all your forgiveness. I know we are not seeing each other as much as we used to (what, with all the sked we have, come on!), but I have to let you know that I miss our being very noisy and being tidy with the flat (ooops, no pun intended, i swear!). Hahaha. And i just have to tell you that I miss the English movies that we used to watch. WOWOWEE's crawling in my skin. He even follows me to sleep. Help! =)

To my ER family, thanks for making me feel that I BELONG. I don't know, It's been a very difficult start but I am slowly desensitizing myself with the toxicity that is naturally in ER. Thanks for being tolerant with my faults and never failing to teach me how to correct it. As I have said over and over again in my previous entries, I partly owe my professional progress to the people I work with in the Emergency Room.

Sorry but I can't help but go over this list per person. ;)

Maam Ellen, este, TITA Ellen, Maam Jaria and Maam Felma, I can't thank you enough for being the wind beneath my wings (churvah!) and for never being hesitant to help me/us during some of my/our "dumb blonde moments". =)

Wehbi, who will forever be "ma-ARTE", thank you for sharing not only your nursing expertise but as well as the warmth of your friendship. I can never thank you enough for giving us the feeling of having a brother whilst being far from home.

Moath, well, what can I say? You were with me and Maria when we started from scratch. You are our MENTOR. I just wish we will never disappoint you. Thank you for the effort you exerted in teaching us and for never leaving us during our "trying" moments. Hehe.

Yahya for the constant reassurance that things will be okay despite some shitty moments. Thank you.

To Ayat, Khaled, Tani (Mohd), Ahmad and Sahar, aside from the assistance, I have to highlight that you guys make me laugh. Khaled's funny voice, Ayat's kalandian, Moh'd's eternal squabble with Maam felma which is very comedic to witness, Sahar's "Where Moath, Where Dahlia" moments and Ahmad's ECG exam. Bwahahahaha! My god, I'm laughing my socks off as I'm writing this! Hahaha!

To our Mudir, Madam Farrah, thank you for not being mean and for always giving in to what we want (Sked and all, all that). It tickles me to death when you ask us "How are you? You're still alive?". Hahaha. Thank you for not giving us the feeling that we have to be super-scared of you. =) =) =)

My batch mates in ER, what would I do without you?!! I just wish that the camaraderie between us will continue beyond our three-year contract. =)

To my partner, Maria, I miss you. really, I do. You were my partner when we started and we shared food, stories, dramas and all, all that. It felt like losing a cheatmate, with you being in SW. Nevertheless, thank you for coming into my life. 'Nuf said. =)

To everyone who touched my life in one way or another, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! I wish you all the best for this year and may our paths be fully clear of negative vibes.


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love Lots,
Veda

*WTG Cebuana, WTG Raleene!*

"Raleene" by Raleene Cabrera

This is Raleene Cabrera and I'm officially a big, big fan of hers!

You guys should check her blog out! It has got to be one of the sassiest blogs I have ever visited. I am proud to say that Raleene Cabrera is a true-blue Cebuana and her musical team-up with her sister is awe-inspiring!

This nineteen year old is a gorgeous ball of talent.

Some few facts:
*Photographs by her are hands down, A+++ in quality.
*The Cabrera girls' music is extremely ear-friendly and good. Really, really GOOD! Check them out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8hlzbNegqI&feature=related , this is their cover for the song, "Almost Lover". It almost made me cry.
*Her flair for fashion is supercalifragilickin' HOT!
*She's pesco-vegetarian.
*Currently studying Interior Design at La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

To find out why I'm gushing about her, do visit her blog site, www.raleene.com.

Once you're done checking the site out, get back to me and tell me that I'M A VERY HONEST PERSON. You'll enjoy her blog as much as I did.

My friend and I are proud of you CEBUANA! =)

*Food-Fun-Friday*

(Handuraw)

(City Garden)

(@ 30)

It's fun to be spontaneous. Especially if you don't know where you're heading to and in the company of a good friend. Boo and I had dinner at this neat little resto, 30. I was so amazed that a place this little could be so nice, interior-wise.

Arianne and Bing followed us and we then head off to City Garden to enjoy the relaxing ambience of the place's backyard garden. The place was so quiet and it almost felt like we own the place. Wishful thinking.

Last stop was Handuraw and as expected, their pizza never ceases to please. As if we weren't that full, we finished the food in a blink of an eye. Haha.

Can't wait for the next resto/food-hop! ;)

*Compellingly French!*

Fascinamment français!

French are lucky to be french. I mean, come on, who doesn't want to be in such a great country as France? Rich in history, culture and people with distinct marks of a superior race, who are you joking? I want to be French! Je veux être le français!

The French Revolution. Napoleon Bonaparte. The Eiffel tower. The Louvre. Palace of Versailles. The Mona Lisa. Ratatouille. French kiss. French baker. French fries (lol). FRENCH GUYS.

Chacun aime des gars français!

I came across this blog entry by Princessa, (http://hubpages.com/hub/Why-are-French-men-so-irresistible) and I tell you, this explains why most women love French guys. Read on!

"What makes French men so irresistible?"

1. From the first impressions you recognize a French man by his outfit. A Parisian has no competitors for fashion sense. Ordinarily you would never buy an orange scarf for your boyfriend, until you see a Parisian walking along the Champs Elysees with an orange silk scarf complementing his "decontracte" style. Only the Italians come closer with their particular sense of elegance and distinction.
2. Attitude. French guys look straight into your eyes when they are talking to you. Ok. Sometimes their eyes stray away towards your boobs, but quickly they come back to meet your eyes. It is actually considered bad manners not to look into the eyes of someone when you are talking to them and someone told me that it brings 7 years bad sex if you do not look straight into the eyes of someone when toasting!

1. They are passionate about anything they might be talking about which usually is food, wine or sex.
2. Conversation. With French men you can talk about anything you talk with your girlfriends. It does not matter their education, any French man will be able to talk with you about the latest fashion trends, cooking recipes and of course wine and cheese.
3. The French have a highly developed sense of smell. A French man actually appreciates your selection of toiletries. They can even recognize your perfume by name. I still remember the time I met a French fashion photographer in a Marbella nightclub, after being introduced he asked me -just to corroborate that he was right- if I was wearing Nilang, a perfume by Lalique, which at the time was only available in the Lalique shops in Paris so the scent was very exclusive and unknown. That impressed me!
4. French men can cook. And I am not talking about an omelette or opening a can of baked beans... no, no, no. I am talking about delicious well prepared meals cooked with lashes of fresh cream and herbs that you have never heard about; all served at a well decorated table and eaten with three hours of delightful conversation.
5. It does not matter what a French man tells you, if he says it in French you will be at his feet. Their accent, pronunciation and who knows what else are so irresistible, that I have almost fallen in love with many men without even having looked at their faces.
6. They are very expressive; they like to tell you how they feel and if they compliment you they really mean it. By and large they are not afraid to show their emotions. They will tell you that they love you, that they are mad about you and pour their heart out to you without feeling compromised for doing it. Even tough cinema actor Vincent Cassel has been quoted saying: "I think I'm actually more vulnerable than people imagine."
7. Most men do not drink beer -whisky as an aperitif is more acceptable and wine with a meal-. By and large a more elegant choice of drink.
8. Their life does not revolve around football matches. In three years living in France I have not yet met a football fan; at least not the type that spends Saturday afternoon in front of the tv. drinking a beer and cheering his team.
9. French men are still gentlemen and as such they still pay for you when you go out with them. French men like to pick up the bill. I know many feminists will be outraged by this, but they do it naturally. If you go out dining with male friends you do not have to go through the awkward discussion of who ate what or take out the calculator to divide the bills. Most of them are just happy to pay for you.

L'espoir vous trouverez votre vrai amour français!

*Hidden Valley Resort*

Hidden Valley Resort in Pinamungajan, Cebu is truly a hidden paradise. This mountain resort surprised me since I have been in one too many mountain resorts around Cebu City. As one of the destinations in "Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo", this place is really worth the "Suroy".

The place is very peaceful and lets you reconnect with nature. They have a small zoo and a plant aquarium which pleased my younger siblings and my grandmothers. If you want to make the place very lively, you can indulge yourself with their videoke machine (which I did) and have the entire mountain barangay as your audience.

We could have gone exploring the nearby caves and waterfalls, but the bad weather didn't allow us to. Boo. =(

All in all, this place is one of the reasonable places to go to if you want some weekend time off by yourself or with family and friends. Friendly staff, good food and fully-equipped facilities are all in the package.

And oh, the herbal massage is a total must-try! =)


Note: This writer didn't get to take much better pictures because of camera battery downtime. Ack!

*Promdi in Manila*

I never knew that Employer interviews take forever to finish. I spent two days of waiting in line from 8am to 8pm, missing lunch and pretending to be just all smiles. Ack! It is agony at its very best.

After 2 weeks of flying to and fro Manila, I'm finally done with the hard parts (exams, interviews and all that). So for now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The good part during my first week was being able to see J and made up for lost time. Did the things we usually do like dine out and watch a movie or two. Boy, do i miss the guy. Except for the visible weight loss, J was still his same old self.

Regardless of J staying in Manila or not, I am not staying there. It's not that I don't like it or something. The promdi in me will always have to take charge. The hustle-bustle of Manila life is way too much for me. It is such a frustration to see Manila Bay gone black, the floating garbage flooded by the afternoon rain and some guy running away with someone else's bag on hand. Well I guess this has become an ordinary sight for people who lives in this city. I just wish more and more NGO's and GO's will work on these problems. There is still a huge chance for change.

Manila is not difficult a city for one to love. It will just take a solid, individual/group effort for this city to be as beautiful as it used to be.

Dang, this Promdi is now down with fever and flu as she writes this. Manila stress and weak immune system, I supposed. Boo. =(

*Hometown Luvin'*

Finally I got the chance to go home after some tedious work week. Almost died of exhaustion and hunger. Hospital work is way too demanding for my taste.

Though I was born and spent most of my childhood years in Cebu City, I still am a true blue Hinundayanon. My heart belongs to this peaceful little town in the Pacific area of Southern Leyte.

Haaaaaaay.. I can't wait to go home again. =(

*Of Burgers and Fortune Tellers

What does one do during a cold, rainy day? Perhaps bunking in bed and wishing on extended chimeras would be the popular answer. Enjoying a good book in one hand and a steaming hot cup of coffee in another will most likely be a notorious runner-up.

Well, I didn't do any of the above activities. I woke up at 6AM to meet up with some friends and visit the famous fortune teller of Mactan island, Madam Naty. The road leading to her dwelling is still the same muddy road that we travelled three years ago. And Nang Naty was still her glamorous old self. I was wondering if she still remembers us with our duty uniform on, all crammed up inside her "hula house" eagerly listening to each others fortunes and misfortunes. And I doubt if she still remembers making "hula" to Victor about his becoming an actor. What a disaster!

We left Nang Naty's place and drove towards Aryan's abode. Upon reaching her place, we drank a frickin' good instant coffee and spent our time blabbing off about certain things. Her cute little niece, Tanya wanted me to draw for her Princess Jasmine. I ended up drawing a Princess Jasmine with fish tails. Duh! I was thinking of the Little Mermaid all along. Whatever happened to my Disney characters expertise!? Crap.

We then head off to her burger stand and badgered her staff just so we can try making a decent burger. I saw the customer's face turned sour when I damaged her patty. LOL.

I never knew I could enjoy the rainy day like this. In any other rainy day, I would've opted to just lounge in bed and snore the day away. But this rainy day is special. I got my hands full of controversial misfortunes, a damaged patty, a twisted Princess Jasmine, a friend's surprising love news and a half day well-spent with some good friends.

Cheers to the rainy season! =)

*Author Who?*

When I was in High School, I was fond of writing my own poems. I also liked copying poems that interest me from various reading materials. Actually, I still do the jotting down of poems occasionally. Though the passion isn't as unswerving as it was during my younger years, I still have the ardor to persist an almost-forgotten avocation.

So I uncluttered some old stuff and found one of my notebooks. I started scanning the notes and realized that it wasn't my poetry booklet. Duh! But what got me interested was this single entry I copied into one of those sheets full of "reminders".

It's a pretty interesting entry and I am dying to know who the author is. Help!

Chastity. The devil shows his virgin teeth
but his tongue is a whore. It tastes
almost everything including the hosts,
the whore, the core and the corn - -
but he is now a priest and his genital
is eaten by the scrotum. He cannot
love. He cannot fuck. He cannot sex. He
cannot pump. His is useless. It is whore.

I want to die. I am crazy. I want to die.
What is the use of my penis when it cannot sex.
I am a chaste but not a virgin,
I am a chastity!

I find this writing to be very stalwart and boy, do it speak a lot! Its censored vocabulary speaks volume and speaks beyond what it literally means.

So if you have an inkling as to who the writer of the aforementioned entry is, PLEASE HOLLER ME!

Thanks!

*An Epiphany of Sorts*

I was sitting in a nook early this morning and I had an epiphany of what I believe I am made of.

I have my mother's charm and vulnerability..

My father's looks and flexibility..

My Lola's mood and temper..

..and my Lolo's big HEART.

Damn, do I miss "Tatay". =(

*Sorry..I Can't Help It*

I can't help it. I just can't help it. I love this guy, err, I like this guy sooo much! You can call this childish stuff, but yeah, I'm being childish over this stuff. LOL.

Lee Min Ho, the lead star of Boys Over Flowers just never ceases being dreamy. Girls are going agog over his Goo Jun Pyo character. Me, included. While many are falling for his money and heartthrob appeal, I am definitely falling for his antics. He is just darn lovable!

Crap. I can't believe I'm writing this stuff. Truly pathetic. Boo!

*The Day My "Na-chus" Gave Up On Me*

I have never been the biggest fan of slippers, shoes, sandals and the like. Though I have occasional footwear fetish, it remains "occasional" to the true sense of the word. The occasional pair will most likely be BLACK.

A self-proclaimed follower of the religion that is practicality, I find black shoes to be most convenient for someone who is not so fashion-savvy (ahem). I have quite a number of black foot paraphernalia to go with my 96 ct. Crayola crayons-colored wardrobe. I have quite a number of them to merit a remark from the beau that my taste for footwear is downright BORING! Ouch!

Well, I can't blame the poor boy for having such a dowdy girlfriend. But you can't blame me either if the comforts of my pads rest on that workable, reliable pair of black moccasins. Boots, sandals, ballet shoes, doll shoes, black wedges, pumps, sneakers and what have you. Name it and I have their respective black versions.

I have this particular favorite pair which I call "Na-chus", my shortcut for Naturalizer. I had it as a present from one of my Aunts two years ago. At first glance, I dismissed it as ordinary. But once I had my sole in, I found the ultimate shoe heaven! It was the simplest looking pair of sandals yet the most comfortable I have ever had in my entire post-adolescent life!

From the church to the market, from birthday dinners to the mall, from boats to the beach - - that pair was my loyal companion. My "Na-chus" were a witness to a handful of secrets. If it were given a mouth, tongue and of course a voice, then I probably would have had my jolt of Pandora's box. Boo.

As of this writing, my "Na-chus" chance of spilling the beans on me is no longer possible. Even if you give the biggest trachea there is, my "Na-chus" already gave up on me. I was just a few meters past our gate when it snapped. I looked down on a pair that used to be my feet's best friend, now it sits in a cold corner of my shoe stall.

People tend to get the most out of things which they think is useful to them. Not only is it applicable on material stuff but also in real life, say, careers, relationships and friendships. Supposedly, the ideal scenario would be mutual but what usually happens is an infestation of parasites. Parasitism over Mutualism. Once they suck out everything you got, the words "bye-bye" is just around the corner. They drop you like hot, delicious french fries!

OUCH!

*Burning Bridges of Yore*

www.swizzle.ca

An encounter with an ex got me thinking about my inability in the past and the inability of some people to burn their bridges all the way to the ground. Sure, sometimes its hard to let go and just move on, but there are times when it must be done. And so I contemplated why some people, again and again, refuse to do this. Why can’t they just let go, commence the proverbial “burning” and move on? If you’re going to make a decision, at least make a solid one. Don’t say “no” and then, bending under pressure from both inside and outside, decide that perhaps “yes” would be the best answer. It will only hurt you more and makes you appear pathetic. Make a decision and effing stick to it!

Now, I have in the past fallen under the category of not burning my bridges all the way down. However, that only led to greater dissatisfaction and remorse. It also pained the people i love and the people who loves me. Truly, if you have it in you to burn bridges, you should do it right. Ridding ones life completely of any outside nuisance or negative energy is ultimately for the best. Having taken the time and courage to eliminate those things, I find my life feeling much more free and I’ve loved in a way I’ve never loved before. I felt like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders each time I eliminate something that wasn’t quite right previously, love-wise, life-wise.

Make no mistake, burning bridges does not leave one feeling empty or lonely. Each bridge you burn is replaced with a new, stronger bridge. Eliminating a friendship with a fake and an ex whose excess negative energies continually brought me down a peg on the mood scale, has led to stronger relationships with other old friends and my many new friends.

I find myself today in some of the best friendships with the best people I have ever known, and I wouldn’t trade it for Choos nor Manolos. I’m not looking back, I’m not asking “what if” I had just given in again. I’m looking at the present and keeping in mind the future, which looks so bright from this vantage point.

I have no regrets. My life is on the right path. I am moving slow but at least, in the right direction. My goals are clear and achievable. I have already achieved so many things, and many more are on the way. Slowly but surely, that is. I wouldn’t trade any of my decisions for anything in the world. Unless it’ll hurt the people I love so much, there will be no more second thoughts.

*Of Love and Manicured Toenails*

Did you ever find yourself in a situation when you wanted something so bad that you have to sacrifice the core of your tenets? Play your multiple personalities to a no-nonsense level? Give in to just about any whims? Bet you did.

They all say that if it’s meant for you, it’ll just unknowingly, land on your feet. And because present circumstance says that “it’s meant for you”, you give it a shot, disregarding the fact that you could end up hurting. There will always be those moments when giving almost everything isn’t enough. The jar of contentment isn’t the same for everyone. What I think is everything for me, could possibly be just nothing to someone else and vice versa.

This is where the manicured toenails come in.

In relationships, romantic or otherwise, just like the toenails, prepare for constant smudging and always be aware that a nail salon is built for a purpose. You wanted something so bad, then be ready to pay its price. You get hurt along the way, but for the greater glory of a relationship you believe in - be willing to concede and just have the nail salon repaint your toenails.

It’s a fact of life. Everybody hurts. That’s one big reality that no one is immune from. It’s just a matter of how you pick yourself up after the hurting and smudging. The cherry on the parfait is a relationship coming out well because of the sustained hurts. We learn from all those hurts, for crying out loud!

In a life like mine–full of needless hullabaloos, never ending theatricals and psychotic potentials, it’s clear-cut that I’m gonna be an anti-psychotics dependent. I dunno. My mind is in a whirl…so is this blog. =)

*The Good Ol' Beaching*

@ Bohol

@ San Remigio

@ Bantayan Island

@ Boracay

The relaxation and the comfort I get from a beach vacation is superb. It recharges me and makes me breath a new air. It's like an air full of good vibrations sprinkled with sugar, spice and everything nice.

soft wind touching your face..

golden sun kissing your cheeks..

sparkling water playing with your feet..

Aaaaaaaahhh..


Anybody up for some good ol' beaching?

Dang, I miss the beach. =(