MAC for Student

So I have been thinking about getting myself a MAC on my birthday, which is the 16th of next month.  But I guess my birthday gift came a month early.

I was getting all tired at work again.  Working 10 hours a day for 6 days straight does have its moments that gets to you.  So on the last day before I am free for my one and only day off, I decided to go visit the Apple store when I get off.  The more I sat on the idea, the more I looked forward to it and the lighter my chest felt.

You see, I have also been feeling down since Thursday night.  I took a placement exam at college, and I did quite well actually considering it has been two years since I took exams, studied, and did all those student stuff.  I aced the reading and comprehension.  I did fair on math, which was quite depressing because I honestly expected better from myself.  It also did not help that I was holding in my pee because I did not know if we were allowed restroom breaks.  I later found out at the end of the exam that we were allowed breaks!  I also had a headache prior to taking the exam because I just got off a busy day at work.  The guy told me I can take the essay writing test thing I was qualified for so that I can "challenge" a few of the courses and up my placement in English.  As for the math, he said I can study and retake it if I want to place higher than the placement I got.  I honestly did not get any studying done; did I mention I work 10 hours a day?  So after getting the results, I was ready to register for class, but I see how my parents were not in full support of me taking on studying again.  I understand where they are coming from.  Practically speaking it is better I work and save, but it honestly is not all about money for me.  I guess I am just not practical as dad wants me to be, but I do want to achieve something for myself.

I honestly felt my last graduation was rushed since we had to migrate to the states, and I did have a handful of help from my boyfriend and my friend Marchele in getting that diploma.  Also a great deal of understanding from our dean and my college professors who allowed me to take the course online.  Special case, special consideration.  I was quite a head turner when I flew home for graduation; imagine people not seeing me the whole semester and having me graduate with them.  Anyhow, back to the MAC.  My old laptop was still working but it could not get through the high level security of the WiFi here at our place since it is old.  I also got tired of browsing using my cellphone or ipad, because a laptop or PC is just different.  I also got tired of borrowing from my sister.  I gave her the laptop I recently bought from my first black friday here in the US last 2011.

So worst case scenario is I save up and enroll for winter quarter.  If I find an online course I am interested in, I can sign up for the for the fall quarter.  I wanted to enroll CS115 but the schedule will need adjustment form my work schedule and could cut my hours at work, considering if my employers agree to the adjustment.

After getting the MAC I also felt a bit guilty.  I told myself I would not want to spend on anything big until my boyfriend gets here.  But it is just hard for me without a laptop. Just because I am a netizen (haha!).

So basically my last two weeks in bullet form:

• work 
• thought about accepting a position as a cook for free training
• did not push through the cook plan
• applied to two colleges
• got accepted to both colleges
• took placement test for the college I want to go to
• registered for a class
• unregistered for a class
• got a MBPR
• went to Snoqualmie Falls with Family (today)  

Also, it is a good thing I got the MAC yesterday because until September 6 they have this back to school promo.  Students get like $50 or so off the MAC and a gift card for iTunes/ App Store worth $100. :)  Thank you Lord I now have a laptop!

That is basically it.  This is basically a rant of my frustration in getting back to student life and my getting a new laptop haha.

Oh well, my blog my rant. 

Over and out,

Allie

PS:  I am praying for the family of my good, good friend Choods.  Wish I were there for you my friend. 

Bad Day, Good Day

Last night wasn't too good for me so I woke up not feeling it for work. I stretched my time to the latest I could. I was running late as it is and then my car doesn't start! I called dad and he came down from the house to check it out, he went back up to get me change for the bus!

It was my first time riding the bus alone; first time riding it to work too. I text messaged my supervisor about the predicament I was in, and as expected, she was very understanding about it. Riding the bus to work was a fun enough thing doing alone. The bus driver was nice too. 

I got to work and boss just got back from Cali and brought us donuts to work. Everyone at work was very considerate about the car trouble I was having. 

Breakfast at work and time went by quickly. Lunch was late, I took it at 3:32pm. It was a pretty easy day. Thank you Jesus. Just when I thought it was a bad day, the day proved me wrong. 

Sister picked me up and we went to pick up dad as well. We came home to a yummy home cooked meal by our beloved mother. 

I also already excused myself from working late at my other job and told my boss I just might be too tired to perform the job well. Her reply was good, thanking me for my honesty. Also, my other boss called me over dinner, said she would be bringing me food tomorrow. :) 

Now it's just me, music, and my current read: Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire. I sooo loved the first book, Beautiful Disaster, that I immediately grabbed the second book after finishing the first one. Good thing the book hold came in just in time. :) 

Well, off to reading again before I sleep. 

Good night.

Allie.

I am tired of hearing the same and old played conversation over and over again. For years I have been drowning it out but now it is harder. I am not only fighting the loud banters but the loneliness and dettachment that comes with moving to a different country. 

How can you be so selfish as to keep on going about how you feel and what you want? Notice those who are silent as they can be likened to a quite volcano, heating up and at any moment might just erupt. I am very, very close to my boiling point. I just needed to spill it out a bit over here.

I am tired of the same old shit you guys do. If you are tired of something or not happy about something then do your very best to change it and make it better! Focus on the good things and appreciate each other instead of magnifying the bad and repeating the wrong that was done! I am crazy tired of this shit so much so that it has me cussing when I normally do not go on typing or saying out loud profanities. Life here is hard enough, I do not need your fucking attitudes weighing me down even more. I feel like Iam drowning already as it is, and you go on about how things are like this and like that, well you were the ones who decided to move here right?! Even if you say it is for our future, well suck it up and face it like the grown ups you are supposed to be! I am such in a fucking dipshit mood I cannot even!!!

Shit. Fuck. 

Contentment, Where Are You?

Before, I always thought being content isn't as good as people make it sound like. Contented people stay where they are, they lack ambition, they are stuck and do not make something better out of their lives (generally speaking). 

When I landed my first job in Seattle, at Taco Bell, I refused to be contented. I cannot do Taco Bell my whole life. It was frustrating to think I went to school for so long and only to land a job at Taco Bell. Maybe it hit my ego or whatever (I definitely am sure it hit my pride) but I really wanted out of there. I went home and looked for a job and found one. I stayed longer than intended. Soon enough I left to fly back here at Washington again. The job I landed there did not do me good either. Yes, I was not contented.

I got back here and landed a job at a testing center. Working there, makes me feel like "please, kill me now". I cannot wait to quit, but I can't just yet because they are already short of people as it is. I am totally unhappy there that I only gave them my Saturdays and my Fridays I took and gave to Taco Bell, the job I left about a year ago because I refused to be stuck there. This time is different though. I work there not because I have to, thankfully I have a full time concierge job that I do not hate to answer my financial needs. Working back at Taco Bell is more for a past time now, and social life I guess? I did gain friends during my time there. 

Second Friday back at Taco Bell was stressful because of the inspection and the presence of the big boss, but other than that, time flew and before I knew it I am home relaxing. I dread the long and slow day at the testing center tomorrow. Sure they pay more, but I am blessed that now I do not have the need for it anymore. 

I have strayed quite far from the topic at hand: contentment. Lol. I tend to do that a lot, get sidetracked. Anyhow, I think it is sad that I do not find contentment in any of the three jobs I have now. I am thankful though that I do not hate my full time job and I can quit the job I hate at anytime. But this being not content also tells me that I am ambitious, I know I can do more. I guess that is a good thing? I just pray the Lord will grant my perseverance and strength to follow through my being ambitious. 

Tired Feet, Aching Back, and Sleepy Eyes, 

Allie

Homesick

Sometimes it is hard to keep my sanity in a place so far away and so different from home.  I try to cope and adjust, but sometimes I fall back and crumble.  Tears flow, chest burns, and I know in myself, that I am not home. 

I am thankful I am with family, they pull me back to sanity when I feel like I am losing it.  What I would not give to be home, making a life there and just being. 

Update Post

Long time no update yes?  Aside from having no space before (when we used to still live at our uncle's place), there was barely time.  Now that I have the space (sort of) because we moved already (praise Jesus!), I don't have the laptop and barely have time for it.

So my laptop I gave to my sister before I went back home to the Philippines after Christmas holidays, and the one I have been using ever since was my old Acer laptop which resurrected from retirement.  My old 2006 Acer lappy cannot connect to the connection setting at our new place because it has been left behind from technology.  I am seriously considering saving up for a Mac, but that is really not a priority right now.  It has actually been a while since I have been online via laptop, I have been using my iPad mini and iPhone for all that.  You can imagine it isn't as easy typing down my rant with those keypads.

So just a quick update:

• I work at Prometric Testing Center as a Test Center Administrator, hire date: April 17, 2013.  I do not like the job, I actually hate it and I am working up the nerve to tell my supervisor that I want to quit. 
• I work at Aegis Living as a Concierge, hire date: June 24, 2013.  The job is way better than the TCA job and I am thankful for the schedule, 4 10-hour days. 
• I just very recently decided to go back and work for Taco Bell, hire date: July 26, 2013.  Told you it was very recent.  1 day a week, 10 hours.  Just for the fun of it.  I miss the labor, the people I used to work with.  They pay is low compared to the TCA job, but I'll take it over that.  It isn't always about the money. :) 

• I have started to process my petition for my boyfriend's fiance visa, mid June.  Now, the waiting game. 
• Did I mention we moved?  Our own small place, but at least we get the space and privacy.  I cannot complain. 
• I have become more financially independent.  I have to start, I am already 23 years old for crying out loud! 

So that is the quick update in bullet form.  Today I started to put acrylic oil on canvass again.  The outcome wasn't pleasing, but I keep in mind I can only get better by practice. :)

I am still seriously thinking about going back to school, but I don't know what course to take yet and I don't think I have saved enough to be able to comfortably provide for myself and my education. HA! Hearing myself talk so mature makes me want to puke a bit.  I honestly still have to remind myself I am not longer a teenager.

I have been reading again too!  The library here is awesome.  I have been going to the Lynnwood library, borrowing books and scanning / printing stuff for FREE!  Oh boy, this is now probably long enough?  Well, I have  a lot more to rant about and hopefully I will have more time for that in the coming days!  Did I mention I really want to quit the TCA job? :p YES!

from the upper apartment,

J a.k.a. Allie

  

Of Saturdays and Yoga

Today I woke up early, with only 5 hours of sleep. Actually, I was already rushing because I came home an hour later from work after getting carried away talking to a co-worker and I failed to prepare my things before I went to sleep.

After meeting up with my friend (my good friend's ex-girlfriend who became a good friend of mine as well, weirdly but pleasantly enough after their break-up) Alynah for a quick catching up over lunch last Tuesday, I told her about my interest in trying out Yoga classes. It was a good timing that Surya Nanda Yoga was having intensive workouts this weekend. An energy exchange of 500php/ session; 1,000php/ 2 session; 1,800php/ 4 sessions or the whole weekend workshop. We decided to go with the 500php, Saturday morning session: Fun Flow Practice with Mrs. Allen Maitri Enrique. Sidenote: Maitri sounds like a yoga/ yogi name or something. We chose that since schedule since I had to work 3-12 midnight today.

from off their FB page

It was a good and very (very) challenging yoga practice. It was not helping me concentrate either when someone is going around the room taking random picture which sure enough is now posted up on Facebook.

We ran a bit late because I couldn't find my shorts, so I had to wear this other one. I picked Alynah up at JY Square and off we went to Surya Nanda Yoga for the first time. It was a bit weird, different from the usual Citigym environment that I was used to (after a month of membership). It wasn't air-conditioned (although I get that since we were going to sweat), windows were open, and you could heere the busy street outside. Although the music did help muffle that out, and it was a Saturday so the streets weren't as busy. We practiced at the 2nd floor of West Gorordo Hotel, just the next building (if not the same) to where their studio actually is.

I did not participate as much as I would have during the yoga sessions I joined in Citigym because this was intensive yoga and I am still a beginner. First few minutes into the session, sweats immediately broke out. It was good sweating. But later in the session I dried up. The yoga poses and exercises just wasn't right for my lazy body and my lack-of-sleep state. I didn't feel I was able to maximize the 500php I paid for, but I did not regret going either. It was nice going with Alynah. During the cooling down or Savasana, I think I might have felt asleep, good thing I hear the instructor's voice and snapped back to reality.

We asked to see their studio after the session and we entered the side of the building (I'm not sure if it was a separate building) and we had to walk to the 5th floor since the lift wasn't working. The studio was really small and the girl said they could hold up to 20 students if they really maximized the space. They had only one really small dressing area. Currently the charge 1,000php for 10 days sessions and 1,500 for 10 night sessions, consumable within a month. They had other packages as well but my memory fails my now. Within the next month they'll be moving to a new and bigger space, and so as follows the increase in their prices.

Alynah and I drove to Waterfront so she could go check out Citigym. I love that they still have the Youth package, 1,500php/month for those under 23 years old. This is the most affordable deal I've ever come across and Alynah seemed pretty sold to the environment, facility, the variety in classes, and the 24/7 gym access; not to mention the free individual locker use, shower, sauna, and steam room. Their yoga classes are fewer than last month's schedule though, hopefully that'll change next month.

I would like to try yoga hopping. And I really hope I'll keep up with the yoga. I hope I get the poses and pretty soon do some breakdance moves (lol). 

We drove the Lahug because I wanted to inquire on French lessons, they are quite pricey and their next class starts on March and ends on May. I plan to leave on April, so maybe I won't be taking that class. I drove Alynah home and the girl talk and company was much appreciated.

Came and logged in to work early. I had a lovely lunch with boyfriend at Tokyo Joe's (2nd time this week). And boyfriend accompanied me to work. We have KFC take outs for dinner. I am sitting here and I just finished a movie and a series, while boyfriend was doing work and now is playing his online game. The band from the restaurant next door is playing now and I guess my Saturday isn't as bad, even if I had to work.

Thank you boyfriend! :)

And as always, Lord, may Your will be done.

Period

I was one who thought that all these "hormones" and "period" excuse was all rubbish. I never really did "crave" anything before during my period, not crave anything out of the usual anyways. But I have lately come to realize that such irrational emotions tend to surface during my time of the month. 

I first noticed it during third year college I believe, or maybe second? I drove to Jollibee from school because I HAD TO have peach mango pie! I ended up eating about 5 zert pies all by myself. 

I love to eat sweets (even more) on my days of the month.

I had lunch earlier with my friend Alynah, and we talked about everything and anything in our lives. She mentioned there was scientific basis for the hormones acting all crazy or whatever during our time of the month. She said we tend to feel hot and easily irritated. She's a nurse by the way.

Since I just recently acknowledged such phenomenon, looking back, I salute my boyfriend for putting up with me during my time of the month. Just last Saturday I made a huge deal of him not showing up at the house, even if he did say he'd be there AFTER the event he went to. And because I could not wait I drove around Cebu city, not knowing exactly where the event was. I wanted to go out, go somewhere, but I really had nowhere to go to. I was all hot and furious on the phone, but boyfriend was calm and understanding. When we finally met up, I was all b*tchy (I admit *eye roll*) and irrational, not thinking straight at all, but he was calm and he did not stoop down to my mood. He even got me a shirt! Just like sweet boyfriends would do when attending an event or concert to remind you that they were thinking of you! We went to my house and walked to the Chowking near my place and ate. Despite my being all bad mood and bad vibes, he stayed with me and fed me. He managed to calm me down and eventually made me smile. 

I might have overlooked this part of our relationship before, me being all hot-headed and him being all calm and bringing me to my place of inner peace. My boyfriend, my zen. Now I fully acknowledge it and dedicate this blog post to it, to remind me of how lucky I am to have you- my Elwin. :) 

Side note: Thanks for accompanying me to my salon sessions (mani, pedi, haircut, and etc.).

2013

And sometimes I myself wonder how I am so crazy in love with you, this is only one of the many million reasons why. :)

To my ever-dearest loving boyfriend who puts up with me when I'm hell to be with,

  I LOVE YOU

to the moon and back times infinity and beyond.

Sinulog 2013

I remember my first Sinulog experience from years ago: hot scorching heat from the sun, streets packed with people, handmade native farmer's hat, car-free roads, and the Sinulog beat. First year college, CWTS requirement to stand as human barricade to keep the people off the Sinulog parade. It was my first time out there since for the past 15 or so years, we've always spent it indoors. My family wasn't one for getting it in with the crowd (on All Soul's day, we usually visit our departed days before or days after, and we've never done the whole overnight at the cemetery thing). I remember being there with my friend Mara and my back then, best friend of a guy Elwin; months after he'd be my boyfriend. 

Every Sinulog since then, I have spent hand-in-hand with my boyfriend. Both of us out in the streets and sticking together, walking through the crowd. I'd be the one who packed the bag and he'd be the one to carry it. He was also in-charge of hydrating us. There was one Sinulog I almost fainted. The flow of people was cut-off because they suddenly closed off a passage way by Fuente area. People were pushing back and forth and the air was hot and I was dizzy, my boyfriend told me to look up and breathe and took me out of the crowd. I believe I was hyperventilating and tearing up, probably all rec in the face. Sinulog festivities reminds me of how this boy can take care of me. :) He usually is in-charge of where we go, how we get there, what route to take, and he'd ask me what I want but I just enjoy watching him taking charge. :) My man.

I wasn't able to spend last year's Sinulog with him because I was in the States. And this year was different from the usual ones we've had. We usually get out early, before lunch and catch a glimpse of the parade, but this time we spent the whole morning, lunch, and after lunch at their place. My boy wasn't feeling it and was tired. He wasn't up for the Sinulog experience. He was also worried about me since I just got my period and that always means menstrual cramps and aching joints. But I was still up for it. So we left at 4pm, stopped by our old school and ate at Silogan ni Gian. Took another Jeepney ride to Ayala mall and we decided to go in. When we were inside I felt like I really needed to go to the restroom or else I might stain my shorts. So we went from restroom to restroom and  find all of them with long lines. At the basement 2, still long lines, I resulted to going in at David's salon. I asked if they had a restroom for their clients and the lady said yes, so I signed myself up for a haircut and went to the restroom. 

After years of saying I'd try to wear my hair short, I never really got around it. I frankly love long hairs but a part of me always wondered how it was wearing it short. The last time I had it really short, as far as I remember, was back in kindergarten.

After the impulse haircut, we went up and grabbed some potato corner. Boyfriend bought 3 bottles of water, which I thought was too much until later I'd be proven wrong. We bumped into Paul and Adine too. After that we made our way through the thick crowd in the mall to the streets by Marriot and City Sports, our usual spot. :) 

Watching the fireworks display was also somewhat a tradition with boyfriend. The fireworks display was quite a recent tradition itself on my first Sinulog. This year I heard Ayala spent 3 million pesos for the fireworks display which lasted for about seven minutes or so.

Sinulog 2013 Fireworks display by Ayala

Just the moon that night.

Some people would think that going through all the walking, all that crowd, and all the waiting to get a good spot at the fireworks display was not worth it, well it is always well worth it to me especially with my boyfriend by my side. :)  Watching the fireworks display this year made me feel like the stars were so close and within reach, and reminded me that there sure are a lot of amazing things in this world. And I look beside me, and get the most amazing feeling of all- love. :) And with a smile I give my boyfriend a kiss on the cheek. 

Not going into the whole religious aspect of the Sinulog, but for the festivities and "personal tradition" aspects of it, that was Sinulog 2013 for me. :) 

And oh, we were walking from the mall to my 7-11 to my house supposedly but boyfriend's cousin spotted us at the old SSS building and we decided to tag along with them to walk to IT park. On the walk a guy in the motorcycle scared me, I thought he was a snatcher (apparently stuck in traffic) but it was Eduard, an old friend. 

Boyfriend and I had dinner at Shakey's bus place on the grass. And after that we caught up with his cousin and his cousin's friends where they had their drinking session. But my boyfriend's new year's resolution, which I love and he's kept so far as the 21 days are concerned, is to not drink soft drinks and beer for this year. He said it was for me, and my heart smiled. :)

We ended up calling it a night at around 12 midnight. With a Starbucks frapp in hand, we hailed for a cab along with all the others who were hailing one as well.

//And oh, usually we get Sinulog shirts togther, but this time we didn't and I was wearing my Sonic Boom shirt which boyfriend got for me from the event he went to the night before, how sweet!

2013

Well it's the start of another year and I'm slacking off my blogging while I am here in the US. *excuses*

Downloaded this for free, although the reviews weren't very encouraging. I'm still hoping it will work for me because otherwise I might result to actually purchasing this other app. And I hate spending. I would probably do so more loosely if I am earning dollars for myself.

Well, I am hoping I can keep up the blogging for this year. I will start with back posting blog entries when I get back to Cebu. Right now, my mind is yet again entertaining the idea of going back to Tumblr just because it has a well-supported app compared to blogger and Wordpress. (Or so I feel.) I hate how I keep going back and forth with these blog sites, why can't I just stay put?!

Cheers to a good year ahead! :)

// I see how images are all the way at the bottom and I can't seem to move them to any other part of the post. Minor problem there for a free app.i can easily edit that when I get on a computer (or so I hope). So far so good for this app, but I hope they get the whole thing with the image a fix. :) Might drop them a line to find a fix. :D Or am I going about this app the wrong way? But I doubt that, I would like to believe I am "techy-er" than your average Jane Doe. ;)