* Invigorated. And A Letter to My Father *

Strangely since yesterday, I was feelin' high as if I have waked to bake (did ya get what I mean? hehehe. No, I don't do drugs). Even now that I'm a bit sick (mild fever), I cannot let myself lay in the bed all day and rest. I wanna get up. I wanna jump, smile at people, get things done, bake a cake, sing the crappiest song and feel like a singing idol while I'm at it, dance like crazy, gallop, gallop, dammit, eevvrryytthhiingg! Perhaps, My body is just absorbing all the positive vibes --- Do you guys get that too? when you just feel so happy and amazing without any factual basis? Dammit.
Maybe it's also because I have already gotten my clearance and grades for the past semester. I wasn't kidding when I said that I didn't do well with my studies for this semester. It was true. I was doing some shits like cutting classes, going to school late, not doing all my requirements, skipping quizzes, et cetera -- all because I felt really sad. No, scratch that. The DSM would even diagnose me as having acute depression since that was 3 months or so that I felt really down. I don't know if you could notice that from my posts, but I tried to be honest with you guys. It's just that, sometimes, I wanna post something good to mask up for the emptiness that I feel inside and that kinda helps me to believe too that I'm okay. Remember how nervous I was yesterday??? I am pleased to announce that I passed all my subjects, no failing marks baby! woohooo! I still find it hard to believe, still. If ever that I did flunk one of my major subjects, I know I would have to decide on another course. And it makes me feel ecstatic when I think that it is GOD who gave me another chance, another chance to prove to HIM and to my parents that I could do better. He gave me the brains, the talent, and I must use it.

God, this is an open letter to you too.

I know I have said this over and over again for the past few years of my existence, but I have to say it again, only meaning it more this time. I would do my very best not to let you down. Yes Lord, this time, I would prove to You that I am deserving of this chance that You have given to me to stay in my course and pursue my dreams. yes, I have slacked off this semester, but as I start another one this November 11, I promise You I'll use everything that You have given me. I am sorry if I wasn't able to go to the church in the campus yesterday, where I often visit You, but I reckon that it is not what matters. Because I know that there is no place where You are not found. Thank you, my God, for letting me pass all my subjects. Thank You for hearing me out when I cried in front of You and asked sorry for all that I have done. Now I am asking another favor from You, and I hope that You will hear it out too. Please, please help me stay true to my promises to You and to my family. I want to make my parents proud by the end of this semester. I want to set an example to my younger siblings. I want to stay true to my heart's desires to do my best for my future career. And most of all, I want to make You proud. I would devote my Sundays in serving you Lord as a good choir member. I'll sing every song with my whole heart because I know that You are listening. That's all Lord, Talk to you soon. =)

Love, Abby

We people feel hopeless, and relent the times when we are feeling much pain.

In life we do things, some we wish we had never done, some we wish we could replay a million times in our heads, but they all make us who we are. And in the end, those experiences shape every detail about us. If we were to reverse any of them, we wouldn’t be at the exact place that we are today. So just live. Make mistakes, and have wonderful times but never ever second guess who you are, where you have been, and most importantly, where it is that you are going.

I have been in much pain this semester, for losing someone that I have loved for the past 5 years of my life, for getting sick all the time, for having misunderstandings with my parents, for being disappointed with myself as I see my real senior batch mates prepare for their thesis as I go to my junior classes, for not knowing what to do with my life, and for simply not knowing who I am after I have lost the one who had been my everything.

I know I sound too dramatic, even pathetic. I maybe too honest already in this blog, but I wouldn't be anything less than that. But this I tell you, Even during those sober days, there was an undying faith in my heart, that there will be an end to all of these. That one day, I would be back to my old self, or even make a new and better self. And this is the day. I am ending all my agony. I want to start a new life.

“Joy wouldn’t feel so good if it wasn’t for pain”.(quoted from Peanut Butter and Jenny's post: an explanation)

I bid goodbye to all my disappointments in myself. I bid goodbye to all my heartaches. I bid goodbye to the anger that I feel towards my parents. I bid goodbye to my fantasies of turning back time, and wishful thinking of changing things. It only makes the "moving on" harder. I bid goodbye to my unhealthy self, I can do without all these sickness.

It is official, I am moving on. This is not about my past romantic relationship. It's about everything that I loathe for.

Ending are new beginnings.

And as I end this post, I am going to start on living positively. Start on a new self. It doesn't mean that I would make another Abby or what, I won't pretend to be some one else.
A new self means letting go of my bad old habits as I cultivate the good ones that are already present.

Now, that feels good. I feel light. Invigorated.
Look out for the new Abby soon. I promise.

Tata! =)

* Because I'm Peter Pan's Abby *

It feels like a champ when I get up earlier than the alarm clock's snooze booze. Victory!

Blogging on a messy unmade-morning bed. Bad habits are simply hard to break! =p

I woke up early at 6 in the morning despite of sleeping at 3am-ish. Surprisingly, I don't feel tired at all. I feel energetic (very), I don't know why. Perhaps I had too much cups of black joes this week. hmmm.

Made breakfast for myself, then made another batch of oatmeal with mangoes para mi madre y hermanas. Yum!

Actually right now I feel nervous to see my grades alter when I get my clearance for this semester. I know I have slacked off my academics for this past semester, which makes me feel really disappointed about myself.

Whatever I see on my clearance later, I know it's only what I deserve. Wish me luck.

To keep myself hopeful when I'm feeling down, I listen to the song ONE STEP AT A TIME by Jordin Sparks. I sooo love the lyrics. Don't ya??

Hurry up and wait so close but so far away
Everything that you've always dreamed of
Close enough for you to taste but you just can't touch

You wanna show the world but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face and the door keeps slamming

Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient, waiting
We live and we learn to take

One step at a time there's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's supposed to happen
That we find the reasons why, one step at a time

You believe and you doubt
You're confused and got it all figured out
Everything that you always wished for
Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours if they only knew

You wanna show the world but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face and the door keeps slamming

Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient, waiting
We live and we learn to take

One step at a time there's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's supposed to happen
That we find the reasons why, one step at a time

When you can't wait any longer
But there's no end in sight
It's the faith that makes you stronger
The only way we get there is one step at a time

Take one step at a time there's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's supposed to happen
That we find the reasons why, one step at a time

One step at a time there's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's supposed to happen
That we find the reasons why, one step at a time

I really hope that whatever happens later, yesterday, and the next few days, I would be able to face it with an open mind and heart, like how a mature 19-year old should do.

That brings me to my birthday countdown. I only got a month and few days to go before my birthday. Darn it, I'm turning twenty. 20. Am I prepared for this already??

I admit that I love it when I think about random, wise things that makes people say, hey you're such a deep thinker. Which makes me feel mature and a real grown up.

But really, I know deep down, I'm still a kid.

Maybe I'm just scared to let go, as a child clings to the hands of her nanny.

Perhaps I always thought that I would live to be a kid forever. I love being childish, I play the part very well. Regression at it's finest.

But I know I can't be like that all my life. I have to grow up.

Hmm. Oh well, I still got a month and a few days to suck on my lollies, spin like a princess, doodle hearts on my notebook, sing like Hanna Montanna, jump like crazy on the tripod, fart in front of my sisters, run with sweat like I just don't care, kiss mommy and daddy goodnight, play hide and seek with nanny, et cetera, et cetera.

Hmmm.

But I know that when the time comes that I must grow up a.k.a December 23, I could still act like a li'l kid by savoring each moment in my life and seeing things with full enthusiasm.

'Nuff said.

now, a little BACK TRAXX

**
November 1, 2009
After the mass....

Our dear Xavier a.k.a Chili Papa, celebrated his 18th birthday on a Halloween.

We asked him to pose for us as if it is a "thriller" mtv (MJ, remember?). Dammit. I'm such a bully =p

He was also kind enough to invite us (choir members) to head out to their home after the mass and have a "salo-salo".

The one holding the microphone is our Choir master Sir Willy. WHile the rest of us were sort of shy, He instantly get hold of the mic and started singing. hehe.

with xavier, the birthday celebrator.

And our mini "salo-salo". Simple but satisfying. Yum!

As soon as I spotted the swing on their backyard, nostalgia hit like crazy.



Sometimes, it feels real good to be a kid again.

Angela. Me, Alyssa

Fun Fun Fun! =)

Thank you dear xavier for the treat! We enjoyed "playing" on your backyard. hehehe!

***
November 2, 2009

We arrived 40 minutes before the mass celebration and my sister was darn hungry. So we decided to hangout at the nearest "mini store" near the church.

We also met a new friend, thanks to the hamburger that my sister bought which took so long like forever to get done.

The li'l kid was just passing by in a bicycle ride. Since we were pretty bored and HUNGRY, my sister and I were on our natural "tripping mode" again. So we called on to her and ask if we could take a picture with her because she looks like an "artista". The kid took the bait and posed with us. hihi =p

This is a picture of my youngest sister while sleeping at the mass. She borrowed my sister Alyssa's shades so no one will notice her sleeping. Unfortunately, her mean elder sisters are always on the go to play on prank on her. haha. poor kid. =p

Since it is an "All Souls' day:, we had a mass for our dear loved ones who ar enow on the other side of life. I liked that it was celebrated with Fr. Rey because I like to listen to his homily; it's so much solemn yet captivating enough for me to internalize each message than how our usual 3pm priest would do the same "thing". hehe.


After the mass, we went to SM Fairview to watch a movie.

Gabby (at their back), Daryl, and Xavier walked up the elevator which is going down. Tiring but fun! We were scared taht the guards might appraoch them. My sister and I can't stop laughing at the sight of the three hamsters joggin their way up. hehe =p

We watched "The Golden Compass", which is a back-movie for only 16 bucks. I love that it is cheap and offers the same service as the regularly priced current movies. It's a cheap way to have some bonding time, ayt??? =)

Oh well, that's all for this post. Mwah's!

Tata!

* Dreamin' about Chocolate on a Halloween night *

Cravings are at it's peak, as I walk into the mini bazaar on the activity center of SM North Edsa (The Block) yesterday as they feature the one that any religious dieter would cease to defeat:

Mwah!

Need I spell the words?

or should I just leave you drooling over these babies??

Goldilocks Bakeshop


Go Nuts Donuts

Chocolate Chip Haven

Cello's Doughnuts

Gawd! I don't mind if I looked like a Chocolate detective as I spy and take pictures of these gorgeous, petite demons. I love torturing myself to death by looking at my capturers.

The more my mind tells me no, the more my pleasure-seeking self drools for more

Goldilocks Bakeshop

I'm such a masochist, I know.

I am also in an awe to see the mini wonderland that they have set up.

wish I could just live here.

Bummer. I envy Willy Wonka!

Of course, we've got some pictures too before they destroy my wonderland on Novemeber 6, 2009.

Biboy (li'l bro), Kid sister Angela, Mommy, Me, sister Alyssa

I honestly hate to take pictures when my tummy calls in for some sugar!

But what can i do, I'm their camera girl

my sister and bro with our two lovely nana's: Anna Lou and Ate Elena

One more shot before we move on

Pardon for this sweets glutton-filled post. I know, I know. I seriously need to fix my diet. As we all know, the proper diet for everyday is somehow like this

As for me, my diet seems to be the inverted pyramid. *embarrassed*

I blame my sweet tooth. Ugh!

I was very much pleased to learn that my mom is willing to spend the whole day with us. I grew up thinking that my mom cannot have much bonding time with us, as compared with other families, because she is a one heck of a type-A personality-person. Works on all her waking hours. She's such a workaholic! I reckon, she is just making the most of our sem break, since when there are classes, we are all busy with our own school agendas.

So we were about to watch movies, but we changed our mind since the ones showing are all blah's. So we decided to assist my mom in shopping for her outfit for her High School reunion today. We spent the bigger portion of the time for this because my mom is sooo picky. Then my sister and I also bought school shoes. After wards, we headed to the Timezone in Trinoma and had fun fun fun!

I'm not in the following pictures (I'm the camera girl, as usual)


Did you noticed that most of us were wearing pink? I called it pink day. hehe

Before I end this post,

I would like to thank Abby(Kihano) of Abby's in Trouble Again for this wonderful award:


For me, sunshine looks as simple and delicate as this

Oh gracious! My taste buds are definitely "sweating"

And now, lem'me pass it on to my favorite bloggers:

Golden of Golden's Diary
Ems of Beauty Inside and Out
Khymm of shopaholic for Make up
Shobe of Your Little Beauty Bag
Palidor of Crazy Asian Gal
Nikki of Ask Me Whats
Tish of Practical Vanity
Holly of Holly Ann Ree
Chiara of Chiara Shines
Gale of My Wonderful World of Colors
Sheri Amor of Amourous

Enjoy a scary scary HALLOWEEN NIGHT Y'ALL!!! =)

A dream "date" scenery

as for me, no nightmares even at a halloween night, but a lot of chocolate-dreamin'

awwwww! =)

* Seek out the Angel in Every Child *

When I was younger, I have always thought that I have an angel and a devil in my head. My mother recalls that when I was a kid, I had always been proper and disciplined. Oh, "poised", would also be the perfect epitome of my younger self.

In my most innocent state

Perhaps, it's because I always choose to listen to my "angel". In fact, I loved collecting angel figurines back then, and some pocket books which have an angel theme. I kid you not, I even constructed a song for my angel, when I was in elementary.

When I recall those days, I wish I could be that goody-good again. It's so much harder to listen to your angel and rule out the devil when you're already an adult.

Profanity is a much easier game than Godliness. *sigh*

1st Communion

“In, every child, there is an angel and a devil. Seek out the angel and the best qualities will surface. There is much truth in saying; Resources used wrongly will become waste. Waste used correctly can become resources. And a miracle will happen. Appreciation is a wonderful resource.” (Note: This is actually lines form a Singaporean film entitled "I Not Stupid, Too". During the last week of the classes for this semester, prior to the final exams week, Our SCL professor made us view this movie. Theplot of the film depicts the real scenario in a typical high class and middle status family. It is really a touching movie, which made me sob AGAIN.)

I believe in the goodness of human kind that is present from the time that we are born. It is innate, natural, and undoubtedly pure. This is one of the amazing proofs that we are created in the image and likeness of God. Perhaps that is why I have always adored babies. I am really fond of children, but I have this special hing for babies. I love how they smell -- the breathe of pure innocence. However, this inborn genuineness of being "heaven-sent", is still subject to contamination from the environmental influences.

As what I have learned from our Human Development subject back then, there had been a long debate over the years as to what really is imminent in the development of a person. There are he sides which favors the nature theory(IQ and personality are hereditary); and thus the side of the nurture theory (acknowledges that environmental influences are the stronger basis) exist to rebut. Modern studies tells us that both sides are considered to be factors for the development of a person. Thus, genes, culture, society, parental guidance, and the like are all aspects of what builds the fullness of one's person hood.

Lucky are those blessed and considered as "Einstein descendants" for they seem to do well in all aspects, without much effort. However, this does not mean that those who aren't gifted with such genes are inadequate; you could always try to improve yourself in the things that you lack. My mom always tells me, "brains/talents are nothing if you don't know how to use it".

I really liked the lines

There is much truth in saying; resources used wrongly will become waste. Waste used correctly can become resources. And a miracle will happen. Appreciation is a wonderful resource.

I know a handful of of people who are talented/gifted but then don't use it in ways that would cultivate it. = (

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Fortunately, there are more ways in order to encourage children to use their talents than to discourage. As a youngster, I had always loved October since the whole month is allotted to practice for our Foundation day Field Demo. Looking back, I could remember the adrenalin rush every time our section performs (even in practices) in front of the people. I really loved dancing back then.

Now that I am already a college student, I missed those times when I was the one being photographed by my parents as I perform. Now, I am the one who accompanies my mother and assists my younger siblings, while being a full time camera girl. hehe =p

Last October 24, 2009 (Saturday), My li'l bro and sister participated in the field demo. I was sooo envious! Wish I was a kiddo again!

Here are some pixies

The Coro San Antonio is the official singing choir of the school. I used to be a part of them, back when I still have "tolerable" voice from not eating too much sweets =p
The CAT officers. My younger sister ALyssa used to be one of 'em. Good old days *sigh*
I wonder how it feels to be in their uniform. hmm.

The nursery level

Prep


My li'l bro (the one with the tennis racket and looking at the camera) and his classmates while waiting back stage.

Li'l bro with a "girl" classmate and Hans

I reckon my li'l bro would grow up to be a "chick boy". Girls are sooo fond of him!

Finally,

The kindergarten performance.
can you spot my li'l bro?

The twirp was amazing during their performance. My mom was ecstatic while we watched her baby strut the moves without missing a step. Hope I could post the video here but the blogger uploader for videos is so slow.

After the performance, Look who I spotted

awww. what a cute couple my bro and his classmate are!

hehehe. told u, my bro will be a chickboy someday. Watch out girls! =)

By the afternoon, it was my sister Angela's turn

My sister (the one in blue shirt and doing a korean pose) and her classmates while practicing.

All set and done with cpstume and make up, the Grade five level students were waiting back stage impatiently. They were soo noisy!

The Grade six level

Sorry if the pics were not that good and were far, it was very hard for me to get a decent spot. The covered court was so filled with people cheering for their votes. I was soooo exhausted!


Finally, the performance of the grade five students.

My sister was in the front row. We can't believe that she could dance very well. In the family, she was the on who didn't took up ballet classes. Oh well, must be the genes =p

We learned that the Preparatory level won for the Lower school, and the Grade six level got the first place in the middle school. Oh well, even if my siblings didn't won, we can see that they are both happy because they were given a chance to perform and be applauded. And besides, for us, my li'l bro and sister would always be the best performers of the event =)

**
Yesterday, my mother and I went to SM North Edsa to have the charger of the laptop replaced. As we were walking, I happen to catch a glimpse of this wonderland.

Even if I was blind, I would not miss this cafe, my nose would tell me heaven is just steps away!

I know I am on sugar rehab. But surely, I peek won't hurt, ayt??

Now, I got myself drooling over those babies

perhaps, I shoudn't have gone inside the cafe. It only makes me sooo weak.

Hmm. I stay brave. No chocolates, no no no sugar. I promised Daryl won't eay sweets until he allows me. hehe.

Lesson learned: Avoid looking at Pastry shops and if you are near one, a spray of perfume on a hanky would do he trick. Do these or you'll whet your appetite like crazy. LOL.

But I reckon, this would be a good alibi to eat dessert,

When I woke up (lunch time already), our housekeeper told me that my mother bought ube (purple yam) in the morning. She requested that I make her favorite dessert, which is Ube Halaya (aside from Leche flan). I was about to do baked lasagne but okay, I'll just reschedule that over the weekend. I have to be a good girl. LOL.

For the ingredients, I used

2 kilos of Ube

1/4 cup unsalted butter

2 cans of Condensed milk and 2 cans of Evaporated milk

and 1/4 kilo of sugar (not photographed)

Since we don't have a grinder specified for the use of Ube Halaya making, I just used our blender and mixer. I also let the larger bits pass through my li'l grinder.

My bro pestering me in the kitchen

He's soooo makulit yet adorable =)

Procedure:

I tell you, making Ube is easy. But it requires some effort especially, if you manually grind the Ube.

First things first, boil the Ube (yam). I think it would take you around 30mins. Then, have the Ube grinded. You could bring it to the market and have it grinded for 30 bucks per kilo. However, we didn't do that because we think that the grinder in the market is dirty, and being the OC-freak that I am, I cannot stomach thinking about the germs that might accumulate on the Ube. So what I did was, I grated the Ube into fine pieces. Then I let it pass through the blender. For the hard bits, I used my grinder (small though so I could not use it for large batches). then I ran a high speed mixer on it to make sure that it would be grinded into fine pieces. As I do so, I gradually add the evaporated milk.

After the grinding stuff which took me a hour and a half, it is now time to cook the Halaya. but first, I prepared the containers where I would pour in the cooked Ube. I brush the insides of the containers with some butter so the halaya would not stick into it. You could also use llanera, it is really up to you. Then, I set the big pot on low heat and melted the remaning butter. I transferred the ube and milk mixture into the heated pot. I mixed in the sugar and the two cans of condensed milk. Now the tiring part begins. You have to stir the Ube Halaya for about an hour or so. Be careful not to over cook the ones at the bottom, or you would end up having black pieces which has a bitter taste. My right arm was exhausted from the stirring. waaah.

When the mixture is already thick and gooey, it tells you that the Ube is done. Pure it into the butterd pans/llaneras/tupper ware. Let it cool down at room temperature. After an hour, refrigerate it to fully set the Halaya. And voila! YUMMMMM!

But mind you, it was all worth it. As long as it would make my mother happy, I don't mind the effort.

For the result, I am sorry if I wasn't able to capture some. But it would look just the same the one that I did before.

Remember this post?

I think that would be it for this post. I'm itching to get some on the fridge right now. waaaah!

Catch up with you guys tommmmmm!

Tata!

* A Sweet, Sweet Goodbye *

Finally, I am pacified. I have already expressed my gratitude to my best friend for being the wonderful person that he is for one whole semester in the most intimate form of communication; by sharing a deep dark secret ---

baked with lalalalalove

Mmmm ---

It's not that chocolates are a substitute for love. Love is a substitute for chocolate. Chocolate is, let's face it, more reliable than a man. -- Miranda Ingram

I won't be seeing him as much as we did for this semester since our schedules wouldn't match anymore (he's done with his review for engineering board exam, and I'm getting another schedule). I'll miss him sooooo. We enjoyed the last day together and hope by the next time that we would see each other, things would be the same. I know I could have done better, only if it wasn't our final exams week during the time that I baked that. Nevertheless, I hope he appreciated the effort.

Recipe
(not my usual brownie recipe though)

Ingredients:

2/3 cup of butter (used margarine and anchor butter)
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
500 grams Bitter Sweet Dutche chocolate bar
100 grams Vouchelle milk chocolate bar
35 grams salted cashew nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
a pinch of coffee
2 eggs at room temperature

Method:
Melt chocolate with butter. Set aside 1/4 of it for the chocolate ganache frosting later on. Refrigerate the ganache.

All wet ingredients first, lightly beat and be careful not to incorporate air.
Fold in the dry ingredients (except the nuts). if the batter is too runny, add some more flour. Do this little by little though.
Bake at preheated oven for about 20 mins if you are using steel pan.

Additional technique:
When done, immediately wrap in aluminum foil and refrigerate for 1 hour.
This would inhibit the further cooking from residual heat of the brownies, thus allowing it to have a fudgy inside.

Finish off:
Frost the top with chocolate ganache and top with nuts.

And oh...at the present. I am still licking my fingers off with chocolate frosting from the tub of leftover chocolate frosting. Dammit. I'm feeling really guilty.

All I want for Christmas!

But then, I must quote Lora Brody on this one: Don't wreck a sublime chocolate experience by feeling guilty. Chocolate isn't like premarital sex. It will not make you pregnant. And it always feels good.

AHHH! as if chocolate isn't enough, here's to the glutton self in me --

Cheesecake from Sbarro

Just like the mango Cheesecake, this never fails to knock my socks off. It's rich and ridiculously sweet, but not too heavy. It's actually light, without altering the density of the flavor. Mama mia. I'm in love.

apple tart from Reader's Cafe, UST Library

Nahh. I didn't really fancy it. I'd rather eat a real apple. Thank you.

Now I envy my li'l bro for getting a lot of goodies from the Trick or Treat in their school.

My li'l bro in yellow elf costume with his classmate in dracula outfit

now with his "chicks". hehehe.

huhuhu. I wish I am a li'l kid again so I could fall in line too and have my share!

This picture is funny. Looks like my bro doesn't have hands. He also looks like Pinocchio. hehe =p

My mom and the twirp

The lucky, lucky boy who has lots and lots of goodies for himself. big sister: sobs

As for the big sister, She has to kiss her sweets bye bye again. My blood sugar is now normal, but lately I have been feasting on sweets HEAVILY so I think I need to hit the red button again. Awww. Will be missing my baking pans.

Ooops. perhaps I won't.

I'll try to use my baking pans tomorrow without the sugar. Hmmm... guess what =p

This is the joy of finally being able to rest my brain. SEM BREAK --> I love!!!

by the way, I got this award:

I already had this one before from Megan, but I feel gratified for getting another one from Miss `Chievous of Orange-peel Paraboloid

And oh, all the eating (mostly fast food. eeck!) here and there during the times of stress and depression made me gain weight. ugh! Need to diet. hahaha. Not that I need it that much, still lean but I miss my flat stomach and toned legs. Hmpf. More reason to say buh-bye sweetie pies. This would be a sweeeet reunion with my veggies and oats --missed me??

I know I have a lot of things to get back on when next week comes. But for the time being, I need to catch up some zzzzzzzzz's that I had been missing for 5 months or so already. Whew. No surprise, my eyes are aching to get some beauty rest.

lalalalaloves and kisses to all! Will post again tom and catch up with my comments with your dearies' blogsss. Tata!

* Beautifully Stressed-out *

Buenos Dias mis amigas y amigos! Lo siento mucho for being supppppperrrr BUUUMMMM mode on my posts. school is getting on its full force before we end the classes for this semester on Friday. Actually yesterday our final exams' week started, and yes, I am presently "reviewing" while browsing through my dashboard.I figured, I could make a real quick post cause I miss y'all much much! Mi madre habra esta muy empadada is she caughts me. LOL. (I think I still have the Spanish hangover from yesterday's test!)

I know I am sooo behind on my comments on my dearies' blogs..but I assure you that I do read your posts regularly, but I don't really have much time to comment. School is really pretty hectic nowadays, but after Friday, I all yours blog land! Nevertheless, thank you for visiting my blog and for leaving a comment while I am virtually away.

Lemme show you li'l somethin' somethin' that I made last week for mi mejor de amigo.....

my babies were melting in their lusciousness in the kitchen.

and there it is, calling me to dip my pinky finger in the gooey mass of...ahh! as if there isn't enough temptation existing in the world. Nah-uh, I stay as a good girl.

Out from the oven, my baby is finally done. Time for me to nommm nommm nommmmmmmmmm!

Frosted and sprinkled with nuts. The good girl in me suddenly go...

AH! I lost my defenses. And to you, I surrender!

delicious. finger-lickin' delicious. definitely far from failure.

But not as delectable as the best brownie that I ever made. Click on my past posts to get into my fudgy-EST and aphrodisiac brownie recipe.

I was quite (just quite) disappointed. These babies are good. But I wanted the BEST brownie for my BEST friend. I guess I kinda followed the wrong measurements for the ration of chocolate and the rest of the batter. So nah-uh. Better luck next week!

Also for this post, I would like to share the award that I got from the gorgeous Ms. Ems Tan of Beauty Inside and out (for some reason blogger does not allow me to tag right now. hmm.)

I used her pic from her blog. hope she won't mind. LOL. Be sure to check out her interesting blog! Alright!

What could I say?? I'm pretty much flattered! hehehe. (kapal!)

Thank you Ms. Ems, you have made my day. Made me forget that I am an hour behind on my reviewing. hehe. We all need breaks, right??

Without further ado, here's my wonderful, wonderful....

Enclosed with this award is the responsibility to share 6 interesting facts about me. coolness! so read on....

1.) I am GREEN MINDED. hahaha. i love nature, veggies, everything about wellness. gotcha =p

Broccollis are love!!!

2.) Got this Nutty-obssession. Not that I could compare, but I guess, Peanut Butter is my absolute "B-T-S". hahaha. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I lurrrve mah pee-bee better than chocolate!

evil at its finest form

3.) I've got a heart for dolls (especially the porcelain ones) and stuffed toys.I reckon I'll always be a li'l brat at heart =p

The little maarte bratinella that I was 16 years ago.

4.) I have a vampire skin - allergic to too much sunshine and windy temperature. =(

Me and dul pretending to be Fibrella endorsers =p

5.) You cannot tickle me when I'm serious or ambivalent. but when I'm laughing, uh-oh! every part of me is vulnerable (desde luego except the hair!) Crazy and ticklish. They got me under my own laughter's spell.

6.) I seldom eat rice. I prefer bread, oatmeal, pasta for my carbo-needs. I just don't get it why Asians adore rice. It tastes bland to me.

My chums in the table.

And for the awardees, here they are.
Drumroll please....

Drum roll courtesy of my li'l bro


Y'ALL!
I'm sorry, I wanted to tag each of you but as you know, I have a lot to review so I could not link to all of you. Also blogger seems to have a problem as I make this post right now. My apologies!

**

After this Friday, I'm gonna miss school for two weeks....

The science gals go crazy after the brain-tormenting tests

awwww.....

Sorry guys, need to go now. Will make a more decent post next time. My books are screaming at me already. Take care y'all!

Tata!

* Senseless:The Storm Took My Brain Away *

It was already 3am and I still can't sleep. Insomnia bites again. So to tire myself and make something productive instead of lying down and counting sheep on my head, I decided to bake. i made some honey cupcakes. I put three on a tupperware, and sneaked it inside Mommy's room. I was finally done and tired by 5am. By the morning, while I was finally sleeping, these babies greeted my mom. By noon time, she went home for lunch. She squeezed me real tight, and I knew, I had made her morning ;)


Hey guys! Lo siento mucho for being MIA. I just can't find enough inspiration in this times of distress. As most of you know, my country is experiencing the effects ofthe devastation made by the storm Ketsana. And yet, we have another super typhoon, "pepeng". My family is in one with all the Filipinos in praying hard that God would help us surpass these calamities. Here in Novaliches, the sky is heavy and there is moderate rainfall. in Manila, it is Signal no.1. But in the provinces, they are experiencing the tremendous winds and rainfall. I hope that you would also continue praying for our fellowmen who are affected by the said storm.

I would also like to thank the people who commented on my last post. This blog have been my "breathing space" whenever I'm down or stressed out. And the people who pass by my blog never fails to light up a smile on my face and makes me think that "hey, it isn't that bad Abby, cheer up!". THANK YOU so much ;)

Anyways, due to the one week suspension of classes, the school requirements piled up like mountain high. Yeah, I'm exaggerating, but that is how I felt. So yesterday, my groupmates and I decided to meet up and do our video shoot for out documentary. My mom was so angry with me and don't want me to go out because the weather advisory have reported that the pepeng storm would hit us yesterday, but I had no choice. The deadline of our projects is on Monday (the resume of classes) so we really have to finish our school stuff now.

It was a relief to see Manila with a clear and sunny atmosphere from morning till early in the afternoon. I was able to capture few shots in UST for my Art Appreciation Project (Photography)





Then I headed to my groupmates and went to Quiapo for our video shoot. Then we went to San Sebastian Church to continue our video shoot.

Then we went to MK's place (my groupmate) to to the editing of the videos.

I was sitting in the living room of MK while waiting for them. I captured this when I was testing the camera.

We were sooo lucky that we were able to do the shooting with a good weather. Then by late in he afternoon, we were surprised to see the sudden change of the weather. there were already heavy raindrops by the window. Then suddenly all our cellphones were ringing. Our parents were already worried about us and were asking us to go home because the storm is already there. It is dangerous to travel home with heavy rains and we might get stucked in Manila or walk in the flood. So we have no choice but to go home even without finishing the editing of our project.

*Sigh* I didn't wanna go home yet, I was still having fun with my groupmates. i guess I kinda missed them due to the long break. It was just soooooo boring being stucked at home.

All day, I got nothing to do but ignore the piling school work and eat. MMMM. Tengo Hambre!

I'm such a sucker for cashew nuts!

I also finally had the chance to arrange room and de-clutter my messy dresser. I threw A LOT of kikay stuff that i don't really use or is already empty. And the result:

yehey!! clean and organized dresser!

I also made oatmeal for my sissies. They too must learn how to eat healthy! hehe



I also found the artwork that was a gift to me by my dear friend Juvilyn for my 18th birthday. It was just under my box for debut memorabilia!


I hope that classes would REALLY resume on Monday (today is Saturday here in Asia). I am so bored here at home and I am already having a writer's block and can't think of anything with sense to share with you guys.

Hope to have better weather tomorrow morning. I also need to see my dermatologist tomorrow since she is leaving the country on Monday. Hayyy......I wanna get well!

Again, Please pray for the Filipino people.

Hugs everyone!
Abby