christmas shopping ^^

I love the Christmas season because it gives me a legitimate reason to shop. =)

Mom got me another pair of skinny jeans, so I now have four.

I'm a recent skinny jeans convert - I never liked them before.
But I like them now, coz it ends at my ankle, so when it rains, and I accidentally step on a puddles, my pants don't get wet. =)

I saw this on sale when I passed by Bum, they were half the price, so I got 3 shirt for myself.
I love Bum shirts =)

The Tom and Jerry tumbler is for my BF, since he is an avid T&J fan.
He's 22, and he still watches T&J. Kinda like me. =)
The Dora tumbler is for my little inaanak/niece Stephie.

Barbie backpack also for Stephie.
She loves Dora, Barbie,Disney's Princesses, and pink.
(For some reason, even after I rotated the pic, it goes back the same way when uploaded.)

Statement tees from Fun Tee for my nephews =)

And, last but not the least, kid's clothes for my inaanak/nephew Yance
and my dear friend Shyn's baby Alleena

getting into the spirit of the holiday season

I've always loved Christmas. I mean, what's not to love? ♥

I completed the 9-day Misa de Gallo for the fourth year running. I'm not a morning person, and being that, I usually go to sleep around 11 PM or later. So it is really a big sacrifice for me to get up at 3 AM to attend mass at 4. It is especially hard to focus on the homily with only two hours of sleep, but I managed to get by.

We don't usually feast on Christmas Eve, we save all the celebrations for New Year's Eve. But that doesn't mean we don't have to prepare a little bit of something. Spaghetti is always a must, and I also made cupcakes to go with it. I added food coloring to my cupcakes, I opted for the colors red, green and blue (very Christmasy, don't you think?) but my Mom told me nobody eats green and blue cupcakes, and she made me go with red only. Bummer.

Adding the red food coloring. Kinda looks like drops of blood, doesn't it?

(Sorry, I can't keep my morbid thoughts out.)

Up close.

Red muffins for Christmas!

Before

After

I've been craving for Mango Float for a long time, so I made those, too. Dad ate my mangoes, but good thing I hid several of them in the vegetable drawer in our refrigerator. =)

Anyway, I'm having an awesome Christmas. I hope you guys are, too!

Nothing is impossible with God.
And because God loves us, he even makes the impossible for us.
-Fr. Ric

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

flats ♥

I am not, and never will be, a high-heel person. I prefer flats to heels, as wearing heels makes me wobble and lose what little poise I have. I am not a graceful person, nor am I a girly girl, but I do wear heels when the occasion calls for it.

For my daily footwear, I'm usually in flip-flops (Ipanema & Havs), sneakers (I don't wear them as often as I used to), or in flats (ballet flats are ♥). I never did ballet, but I do love them ballet flats. So as I was doing some online shopping for my Mom, I did a little side shopping for me. And look what I got: Frollic Rollable Take-Away Shoes.

The box.

Coz that's how they roll.

My Footsie Rolls in Pewter ♥

he's just the sweetest ♥

Months ago, I hinted at told my guy that I wanted this Harry Potter charm bracelet for Christmas or my birthday (it was on my wishlist). He figured that it'll be hard to look for a store selling one like it, so he started his searched online. He found one in eBay, I think, but he wasn't inclined to buy it since it was an international listing. I was disappointed, but still I kept badgering him about it.

Any way, as weeks months passed, we both kinda forgot about it, until last Sunday, when I made my wishlist, and when my birthday finally came yesterday. I was texting with him, jokingly asking him if he got me my HP bracelet, but he just flat-out told me that he didn't. It was kinda disappointing, but seeing as how I never really expect gifts during my birthday (what sucks about having December as a birth month is that my birthday gifts are always mixed with my Christmas gifts, so I get one instead of two, boo), I never really minded. Then he told me he picked out something for me, just a teeny-tiny thing, but it sure did put a smile on my face.

Last night, he dropped by our house, and he gave me this small box. As is my habit, I started shaking the box to hear what's supposed to be inside, but strangely I couldn't hear anything. And imagine my surprise when I opened it and found out that there's absolutely nothing inside!

The empty box he handed me. =P

I was groaning from disappointment and was about to give him the verbal lashing I felt he deserved, when I noticed him grinning as he pulled something out from his pocket. I was squealing with glee when he handed me a charm bracelet. Mind you, the book covers weren't as clear as the one I saw on the internet, as mine has this brownish hue (from the varnish, maybe), but I didn't care. I never had plans on wearing them, I just wanted one for myself as a keepsake - sort of like a tribute to the years of adventures with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the others; and for the times when I would mark my calender for the release of the next HP book and/or movie.

For some reason, no matter how many times I tried rotating the picture, it comes out as this.

It's dark, and brownish, and the words aren't all that clear,
but it doesn't matter since the person who gave it to me is special.
And yeah, it's a cliche, but it's always the thought that counts. ♥

twenty-two blues

I turned 19 20 21 22 today. Somehow, I don't feel any different from when I turned 19. I'm still the same old me, albeit older and, hopefully, wiser.

I stopped celebrating my birthdays a long time ago. My parents used to throw parties every year when I was younger - a typical children's party with food, cakes, sweets, party hats, balloons, games and everything. Complete with a party bag for the visitors, especially the kids, to take home after. Sure they were so much fun, but as I grew older, I find that I preferred intimate gatherings with just close family and friends more.

Ever since I hit the twenty mark, I stop looking forward to my birthdays, because it just reminds me that I get younger older each year. But my dear friends always remembered (so sweet of them), so, I'm always stuck replying thank you's to them. It's not an awful task, though, no matter how much I complain. I love reading their birthday greetings, and I feel so blessed to have friends who always remembered my special day.

As of 9:11 AM today, my friend Philip sent the best greeting I ever received - "Ei Bels.. Happy 17th birthday! Can't wait for next year when you hit Sweet 16." It's just that - short, simple, and a joke, really. But it made me laugh so hard, I just loved it! ♥

This isn't gonna be the stress-free day that my friend Shyn wished for me, though, as I have an appointment with my OB later. Boo.

But it's only for the morning, so.. I' gonna enjoy the rest of my day! =)

wishlish 2011

It's time for my Christmas wishlist! This one's shorter than last year, but I do accept more. And I never got all my wishes for last year, so I made a page for my wishlist. I'll keep adding more, but hopefully I'll be able to cross a few out. =)

Harry Potter Charm Bracelet. Which self-confessed HP Addict can resist that?

500 GB (or maybe 1 TB) External Hard Drive. I need more memory for my movies and series.

3-Tier Steamer (I'd like a Black and Decker, but I'd go for any brand).

DiCAPac for my Canon Ixus 100. I love swimming, and I love taking pictures, so this is perfect for me.

And it's much cheaper than buying an underwater camera, since I already have my own cam.

Bellatrix Lestrange T-shirt. She is my Ultimate Favorite Death Eater.

The Amazon Kindle 3. Perfect for a book-lover like me. =)

we say no to child violence

Facebook has been overrun by cartoons, it turned from the Social Network to being the Cartoon Network. It's all due to the circulating campaign against child violence. I must say, it's really nice that a lot of people are taking part in this, it's not much, but sometimes a little thing goes a long way.

The campaign ^^

See? Almost all my friends changed their profile pictures.

There's more like this on my news feed.

Now, as for my profile picture, I decided on Princess Belle, more commonly known as Beauty from the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast. She's always been my favorite Disney princess, and not just from the fact that we both shared the same name. Ok fine, so the name played a big role when I was younger, coz I thought that if I do become a princess, then I won't have to change my name. Stupid logic, I know, but tell it to my 6-year old self.

My profile picture. Isn't she just pretty? =)

She's my favorite because according to Wikipedia, She's a lovely free-thinker who likes to read and go on adventures within her own imagination. She is not shy and is not afraid to speak her mind, especially in tight situations, though she can be slightly hesitant when nervous. She is very compassionate and takes care of those in need. She can be stubborn and always tries to protect people she truly loves. She's also very patient towards others.

A true dreamer and a lover of fantasy and adventure, Belle is a shrewd nonconformist for her time in many ways. The most pronounced is her love of books, excitement and knowledge, which the townspeople find odd for a woman. Gaston says to her at one point, "It's not right for a woman to read. Soon she starts getting ideas and...thinking...". Belle also does not care about appearances, whether they pertain to herself or anyone else. This is highly ironic, considering she is seen as the most beautiful woman in her village. In the song Belle, a woman sings, "It's no wonder than her name means beauty. Her looks have got no parallel."

So I may not be all those things, but I do love to read and travel with my imagination. I am most definitely mot shy, but I do try to keep my opinions to myself, although there are times when I just blurt them out. I'm stubborn to a point, but I'm sadly lacking n patience.

And just to prove my belief that we are alike, I took this quiz and guess what the result is? ♥

According to the answers you have just chosen you are most like the Disney Princess Belle.

Belle is as lovely as her name implies but her natural unaffected beauty is far more than skin deep. An intelligent and avid reader Belle yearns for faraway places and exciting adventures. She is a loyal, loving daughter and when the beast finally wins her trust she gives him all her kindness and patience and then realizes she has also given him her heart. With her inner strength and outward beauty, Belle is a young woman who can and does make things happen.

I took another one -

You are part Belle.
You are strong, deep, and you are not a slave to petty superficial things. You are independent and allow yourself to see inner beauty without sacrificing your values. You are almost too good of a person.

You are part Cinderella.
You are hard-working and never complain, however, your trust is sometimes misplaced and people sometimes take advantage of you. Still, you are beautiful inside and out, and one day you will realize it and find true love.

I'm no Cinderella fan, but I guess I can share.

And another one -

You're BELLE from BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!
Warm, kind and caring, you always bring out the best in others, but tend to keep to yourself and a few close friends who you love dearly. You love books and dream of fairytale adventures. You know that beauty lies within and don't depend on looks alone. You think it's good to be individual and different to others, but don't go out of your way to be rebellious - you just naturally stand out. You're a strong person, but also ladylike and intelligent. You look forward to change. You'd definitely break the Beast's spell.

See? See?

I have a bookshelf full of books, too!

Aside from Belle, I also considered a few other possibilities for my profile picture. They are:

Little Lulu. I always watched this before. =)

Boo Boo Bear. ♥

Well, I mostly liked Scrappy Doo, but I just included the whole gang.

Little Foot and Cera from The Land Before Time.
My cousin's husband owned a video store before, and he'd let me borrow VHS's for free.
I watched all 13 TLBT movies (it's 13, right?) and I cried when Little Foot's mom died =(

The Addams Family. I like Cousin It, but I can't find a decent picture of him.

And lastly, Candace from Phineas and Ferb. She's so funny when she's trying to bust her brothers,
and I love it when she's making googly eyes at Jeremy. ♥

I tried looking for the Teddy Bear from Timeless Tales (anybody know about this?), but I couldn't find any. =(

So what about you guys? Reminisce, and share your childhood memories of your fave cartoons! =)

well, now i know

I've always wondered about the abdominal pains I've been getting on and off since summer (or maybe way before that, I can't remember), and now, I finally know why I kept having them.

Yesterday morning, I went to Janz' Mom for an abdominal ultrasound, and when all my abdominal organs looked to be normal, she told me to return later that afternoon with a full bladder for a pelvic ultrasound. And I did. Return, I mean. With a full bladder to boot. I was to return at 4, so around half-past 2, I started drinking water at random intervals. And right before I leave, I finished drinking the remaining water in my bottle, all 300 ml of it.

So there I was, waiting for my ultrasound, fervently hoping there is nothing wrong with me. But there is, well, not entirely.

Turns out, I have a physiologic ovarian cyst. It's not as bad as it sounds. Physiological cysts usually disappear spontaneously within a few weeks or months. It's the waiting for it to disappear that's gonna suck, since it means I'll keep having pains while it's there.

I talked to Mom's OB friend on the phone, and she told me to observe it for a few weeks or so, and get another ultrasound then to see if it grew smaller or larger in size. She also advised me to go see an OB (I'd go to her, but she's old and retired) for a proper check up.

*sigh*

little miss hypochondriac, or not

Whenever someone complains to me about the pains he/she is feeling, I'm always quick to dispense advice - be it as simple as taking an over-the-counter drug, or to the more tedious process of finding a doctor and getting a medical check-up. But the thing about giving advices is that you never seem to follow your own. Yes, I am a nurse who hates taking medications, and has to be coerced into going for a check-up when something is bothering me. I have nothing against doctors, needles, or laboratory exams - it's the results that I fear.

I am something of a hypochondriac -

Hypochondria is often characterized by fears that minor bodily symptoms may indicate a serious illness, constant self-examination and self-diagnosis, and a preoccupation with one's body. Many individuals with hypochondriasis express doubt and disbelief in the doctors' diagnosis, and report that doctors’ reassurance about an absence of a serious medical condition is unconvincing, or un-lasting. Many hypochondriacs require constant reassurance, either from doctors, family, or friends, and the disorder can become a disabling torment for the individual with hypochondriasis, as well as his or her family and friends. Some hypochondriacal individuals completely avoid any reminder of illness, whereas others frequently visit doctors’ offices. Other hypochondriacs will never speak about their terror, convinced that their fear of having a serious illness will not be taken seriously by those in whom they confide.

- Ok fine, so maybe not really. But I do have a penchant for thinking that my pains are something more serious, and I tend to diagnose myself with outrageous diseases.

Let me sight an example. There was a time when I had cough and colds, and a major headache. Carl and Jojo told me (as a joke) that I had TB Meningitis. And stupid me, I read all about it from my medical books, and I freaked out when I had most symptoms, and then I started to believe them. I never even stopped to think and consider that whatever I had is nothing more than just cough and colds. I was convinced I was dying, until Janz snapped me back to reality and scolded Carl and Jojo for convincing me about TB Menigitis.

I get a headache, I think I have a migraine. I get abdominal pains, I immediately think about appendicitis, salphingitis, diverticulosis, endometriosis, or worse, colon cancer. I once felt a lump in my breast (at least, I thought I did), and I thought about breast cancer. Turned out my breasts were just tender from the hormonal changes brought about by my impending menstrual period. God, am I paranoid or what?

The thing about studying Nursing is that you are privy to a lot of medical knowledge most people won't know about. You know which symptoms are indicative of a disease, and you know the possible complications that comes with it. If you're lucky (or unlucky, depends on how you view it), you also know how it can affect a person, because you've had/seen a patient saddled with it.

Anyway, back to me. I've been having right lower quadrant abdominal pains (usually indicative of appendicitis, but seeing as I never experienced fever, and no rebound tenderness upon palpation, I crossed it off my list) since last summer. My cousin asked me if I wanted to go see a doctor, but since I was busy with Crit Care then, I postponed it. Then my abdomen stopped bothering me, so I decided to forgo the check up. It comes and it goes, but it was tolerable, so I never really minded.

Until today. While my Mom and Dad were preparing to attend a wedding reception (I like weddings, but I decided not to go since, eventhough the groom is a relative, I don't know him personally, so why bother?), I was left to tend to our store until we close it at 6:30. It was during those times when I started to feel the now familiar sharp, stabbing pain at my lower abdomen, only this time it was more painful than before. I was toying with the idea of getting an ultrasound before, but I never really got to it. So i went up and told my Mom, and our conversation went like this:

Me: Mi, palagay mo kailangan ko na magpa-ultrasound?
Mom: Bakit?
Me: Kay yung tiyan ko gad sumasakit na naman. Summer pa to nag-start, pero since di man lagi masakit, pinabayaan mo lang.
Mom: Matagal na pala yan, ngayon ka lang nag-worry?
Me: Kay tolerable pa man.
Mom: Magaling ka din ano? Kanino ka papacheck up?
Me: Sa Mommy na lang ni Janelle. Sa clinic.
Mom: Oh sige, punta ka bukas.

That's how it is with my Mom. Straight to the point. No how-are-you-feeling-are-you-okay's with her, just okay-you're-hurt-what-are-you-gonna-do-about-it? But it doesn't mean she doesn't care, though. She'd show it in some other way, like tucking me in when I sleep (I love this, I feel like such a baby), buying me ice cream (oh, yeah, she does that), or cooking me my ultimate feel-better food - sinigang. I love sinigang, just thinking about it make me feel better already.

And so, that's the story of how I ended up with an appointment to go see Janz' Mom tomorrow. Janez told me I'm supposed to go on NPO, and I saw it as a challenge ("Challenge Accepted!" Barney-style), but then she said her Mom said that I SHOULD eat some crackers and drink a little water, which is a bummer.

I'm never one to follow orders, though, but I think I'll obey it this time. Not because I'm a good obedient child, but because I don't think I'll last 8 hours without shoving some sort of food down my throat.

recently read - november 2010

You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page

and feel a little as if you have lost a friend. -Paul Sweeney

I just love to read. ♥

• A Date With The Other Side - Erin McCarthy
• Bridgerton Series (The Second Epilogue) - Julia Quinn
• Under The Boardwalk (Costas Sisters 1) - Carly Phillips
• Happy Ever After (Bride Quartet 4) - Nora Roberts
• Hot Finish (Fast Track 3) - Erin McCarthy
• Lola Carlyle Reveals All - Rachel Gibson
• Love Letters From A Duke (Bachelor Chronicles 3) - Elizabeth Boyle
• That Perfect Someone (Malory 10) - Johanna Lindsey
• Memoirs of A Scandalous Red Dress (Bachelor Chronicles 5) - Elizabeth Boyle
• Too Perfect (Perfect 3) - Julie Ortolon
• The Book of Scandal (Scandalous 1) - Julia London
• Highland Scandal (Scandalous 2) - Julia London
• A Courtesan's Scandal (Scandalous 3) - Julia London
• The Devil to Pay (MacLachlan 1) - Liz Carlyle
• This Rake of Mine (Bachelor Chronicles 2) - Elizabeth Boyle
• Smart Mouth - Erin McCarthy
• Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (Wyndham 2) - Julia Quinn