Summer in November

Consider this post stale. Yes, this was supposed to be posted in November as my dog, Summer, turned one last November 21. I can't let this event pass without a post (since I've completed two birthday posts for Logan, haha). I don't wanna be charged of FAVORITISM.

Like Logan, Summer is black Labrador, too. We bought Summer in Davao as a "top pick". And we believed we got lucky. She's (Summer) a darling on her first day and nudged closed to us when she's being belly-rubbed. She'd bag the most-behaved award for being so fixed and clammed up. Though her calm behavior is very unusual for a Labrador, we found her so captivating.

Well, that behavior lasted for only a day! Summer has always this "in play" mood and it intensified wantonly each day. She would jump her highest when I release her from her cage, run as fast as she could, leaving everything that comes her way on the floor. She would sniff at the garbage can, get everything at the garbage and gobble up the fruit peelings. When Logan is doing playing on his own (or concentrating on his chosen toy), Summer would mess Logan up. This means she would jump on him, distract him or get Logan's toy. Sometimes, when Logan is spittingly annoyed, he would scare the hell out of Summer. And Summer would cry her heart out. Ha-ha

I also remember Summer getting one pack of pandesal we placed on the terrace. When I attempted to get it from her, she ran like a real racer. And when I gave up chasing her, she shared everything with Logan. Ha-ha Poor dad, he didn't have his usual coffee-pandesal morning.

And everyday when Summer is dead tired from all the running and messing everything up, she follows me like crazy! She never changed her sweetness! She'd love to be belly-rubbed. And every time she sees me near her cage, she will immediately lie down to be rubbed and pampered.

 

Sometimes, she's adorable. But, more often than not, we are struggling of some sort. Don't get me wrong, I love her to bits even for what she is not. (Do I sound like a lover? Haha) In ways she's different from Logan, Summer is equally loved! Happy Birthday! To more running, chasing and cuddling!

"Frozen" thoughts

I’m still on a high about the Disney movie “Frozen”. I’ve always been a sucker for animated movies and by far, Frozen is one of the many I place on the pedestal – when it comes to the feel-good vibe and you-wanna-be-part of-the-movie mood plus a meaty plot.

The movie has struck a tsunami of emotion in me – it kept me giggling, gushing, singing and a little teary-eyed. Blame (not blame in a bad way) it to the magical songs, the wonderful story unfolding and the characters.

Here are the songs that still keep me enchanted (and keep me humming every now and then):

1.Do you want to build a Snowman?
Do you want to build a snowman? Come on let’s go and play!
I never see you anymore, come out the door, it’s like you’ve gone away
We used to be best buddies and now we’re not, I wish you would tell me why
Do you want to build a snowman? It doesn’t have to be a snowman

This is the song Anna sings to her sister, Elsa who keeps herself locked in a room (because of an icy curse). I can feel the desperation Anna feels in trying to reach out to her sister since age five until she’s fifteen. It breaks my heart big time, feeling the great sisterly love yet you can't be with the her physically.

2.) For the First Time
'Cause for the first time in forever
There'll be music, there'll be light
For the first time in forever
I'll be dancing through the night

Finding hope in meeting The One in her sister's coronation is Anna's "crazy dream". Of finally finding a romance after waiting for forever. Isn't this every girl's dream? Gasp.

3.) Love is an Open Door
And it’s nothing like I’ve ever known before
Love is an open door
Love is an open door
Love is an open door
With you (with you)
With you (with you)
Love is an open door

I remember the crazy line from Hans "Can I say something crazy...will you marry me?". To which Anna replied , "Can i say something crazier...Yes!" You know the feeling of being so blown away with the super kilig scenes from a prince and a princess. Your heart would totally melt!


4.) In Summer
I'll finally see a summer breeze, blow away a winter storm.
And find out what happens to solid water when it gets warm!
And I can’t wait to see, what my buddies all think of me.
Just imagine how much cooler I’ll be in summer.

And my most favorite is the "In Summer" of Olaf! Just imagine a Snowman wishing it's Summer! Ha-ha I love Olaf (the Snowman with a carrot nose)singing his heart out to this tune...while he's having a sauna, having fun under the scorching heat of the sun, playing with the dandelions.

Every girl (or anyone who still has a kid heart) should definitely watch this. I think, after the movie, I want to be a princess again and sing. Ha-ha Well, what can i say, i'm downright pleased with the movie. 5 stars!

All that juice.

Finally, after being idle for a long bout, I've finally put our juicer back into juicing works. I regret that I let it sit for long. Anyway, the inspiration is from friends, Kaye and Sheng. They've been juicing in preparation for the annual physical examination (which, by the way, we can earn a bonus should we pass it!) They let me have a share of the green juice - a combination of sayote and cucumber. It looks so odd and smell a little stench-y, or should I say not your usual heavenly tasting juice. Ha-ha But I took a sip. Surprisingly, it tasted incredibly good - in a cucumber-ish way! So, i tried it at home and have my parents try the juice also.

The only downside of juicing is the clean-up part, cleaning really sucks. Ha-ha Nevertheless, for prevention of diseases and maintaining health, it's worth the pain in the neck! Happy juicing!

blessed to serve (and other things to be grateful for)

In the string of tragic events that struck the Philippines, especially in the recent storm Yolanda, I thank God for...

1.) The overwhelming love the world has shown the Philippines
The world aid - in the form of cash donation, relief kits, heavy equipment, C130s to transport volunteers and the victims, their human resources - has immensely helped alleviate the torrential devastation brought by Yolanda. Moreover, it is also noteworthy to thank Philippine companies for sending in their products, their people and cash donations.

2.) Dole Phils, Inc with the help of Mahintana Foundation for the generosity and the initiative to do the "Dolefil Caravan of Hope". Through this initiative, the employees are able to extend a support to the victims. I honor our company for matching the cash donation provided by the employees. Kudos also to our Managing Director for his big heart and for "cancelling" company-sponsored Christmas Party to extend more help to the caravan. I also honor the volunteers for taking part in the relief operations - the repacking of the goodies, hakot here and there.

I spent only few hours in the relief operation but I thank God for the opportunity to help in my own little way. I am blessed to be able to serve. I pray that the Lord will continue to give our kababayans the grace and the strength as they rebuild their lives. In this very inopportune phase, God will always see us through.  From Max Lucado's In the Eye of the Storm," When God's high hope kisses your earthly hurt, that moment is holy".

sneak-peek-slash-house-raid

It felt like we've sneaked into a celebrity's turf. Or any home featured in those home magazines. We barged in JP's (our officemate) house which was completed only this year. We compelled him to let us in. Talk about peer pressure! Ha-ha

The design / structure of his house was personally designed by himself, taking inspiration from various magazines. This is his dream house made into reality by a stern discipline of saving that started when he was in grade school (from what I heard).

The thrilled girls (and boys) excitedly scoured each corner and taking mementos at each floor. By the way, the rooftop is way too amazing - perfect for barbeque (or ihaw-ihaw parties). I don't have the photo at the rooftop - overlooking the vast greens and mountains.

Here are sneak peeks of the grandiose house (and the fun while we're house raiding!):

Like kids who'd try everything they see.

Like kids who'd sit where they can sit.



The lovely interior, black and white theme.



I can feel the enormous sense of pride of JP while showing us his house. And he reminded all of us to get a good grip of our dreams - especially a dream house for ourselves. AMDG!