Regardless of the busy workweek that I had in the office, I was able to drop by the nearby chapel just across the street for some quiet moments. Incidentally, it was also on this week that the relics of Blessed John Paul II was brought to the chapel for an exhibit. The Holy Family Chapel will now be Blessed John Paul II Parish, thus some special pieces are exhibited to the public.
I was on my way home yesterday and upon leaving the office building, I decided to go back hoping only to take images of the relics inside the chapel when my attention was called by this particular vehicle. And despite the rain, I excitedly trooped off not minding if I'd get drenched.
This was the Pope Mobile that was used when Blessed (then Pope) John Paul II came to the country in January 1995 for the World Youth Day. At that time, I was only a mere 10-year-old fascinated fifth grader watching things happen on TV. And upon laying my eyes on this historical relic, as weird and funny as it seems, I went back to that fascinated 10 year old. This piece of history is store in my phone and in my Facebook album as well.
Aside from the pope mobile, the exhibit also featured some personal relics including the vestments, the pope's skull cap and some memorabilia during his beatification. A box was also placed in front of the altar to house donations as well as prayers and petitions that will be brought to Vatican on October 2012. Of course, it was among the important things that I did not miss.
The first rain on the first of May;
A Christmas carol on a summer played
George Michael sang about a love lost last Christmas
On a scorching March that was three months passed.
And who would have thought that on the first of May
The rain just comes on one summer day
A surprise from the heavens that no one were to expect
Like a sign that no one could ever neglect.
And while all these things come all too sudden
I too am busy on contemplating
About lawyers, laws, jargons and terms others could not recall
Why am I in here in the first place at all?
Whilst I couldn't decode the real answer
A part of me is still as splendid as ever
Then a friend would say, "I guess a lawyer could be the one who is destined
Of your respect, kindness and a heart that is full of love to keep.
Well, if only those phenomenons, just mean some signs
And this friend's prediction would hopefully become true likewise
When it camps to my head at any point of day
A happy smile just crosses my face and my heart anyway.
Despite the awful summer heat, it's good that people still are that mindful about grooming and smelling good. Back in the office, the scent of different perfumes are enough to make me feel good. I used to have a seatmate who, I guess is that vain (in a positive manner, ha) because he never fails to turn heads because he smells good.
Growing up, I was never a huge fan of perfumes. I only had such fondness when I finally went to college. Calgon Cool Sunshower was the first scent that won me over. Then there was Victoria's Secret Love Spell, Pure Seduction and now, I have Calgon Marshmallow. These days, while I have Calvin Klein Eternity Moment in my closet, it's either Calgon Marshmallow or Victoria's Secret Love Spell that I bring with me in my tote bag. I love the sweet scent of marshmallows in my skin (minus the ants) and the refreshing scent of peach and white jasmine from Love Spell. I use them alternately, of course.
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Scents likewise are helpful in distracting me from this ungodly summer heat. And one of my favorite is that or strawberries. It's luscious smell instantly livens up my senses. And as luck would have it, I found these strawberry shower gels in Watson's days ago. And because yesterday was payday, I decided to grab one, luckily, it's in their promo so I got another bottle at no extra cost (yup, buy one take one deal!).
The scent is really good --even awesome. It feels as if I am slathering fresh, mashed berries on my skin; and maybe it indeed is; because the product itself has these little strawberry seeds in it.
I had tried to use it last night and need I say more? I got my money's worth and I need not travel up to Baguio to experience strawberries for I have it in the comfort of my own home. I can even smell it in my skin long after.
A line from an old song goes, "the heat is on". And I know you will agree with me when I say that the weather these days had been so crazy. I hold office at one of the country's budding business district and my schedule converted me from a former night owl in the advertising industry to a day person. And since the ungodly hot weather strikes most in the morning and mid afternoon, going out of the building to grab a cup of iced joe or even fast food bites is such a harsh activity lately. If there could be modern-day vampires (aside from Edward Cullen of course), then you can count me in.
Like other people, I try to do some alternative to lessen the agony of this season. Take it from these photos:
While I was lucky to be given a day off for Australian Anzac Day last Wednesday, I took the chance to pay my favorite hairdresser a visit. It has been months since I had my haircut and while my hair had grown slower since I went for a bob cut four years ago, it has been long enough to cover my nape and just makes me more uncomfortable especially in the afternoons when the temperature shoots the highest.
I also sport wearing summer dresses and cotton sleeveless tops whenever I am just at home. The summer dress I am wearing on that photo was from SM. I think I got that for PhP 199 (about $5) and it's one of my favorite items in my closet lately.
The other thing that people do these days to feel at ease with the weather is going to malls. We're too far from Antartica or even the North Pole, so the most accessible place similar to their temperature are our shopping malls. Given that I had a bit of a tough week at work, I decided to give myself a treat this afternoon and ordered a Spam with cheese and egg sandwich and a tall iced tea from Starbucks. While the sandwich was originally a breakfast item, it was sufficient fill me. Their iced tea is not like the usual teas out there. They use real (as in brewed) tea and it's evident with the taste and the dark color. Now with regards to the price, I'd say I got my money's worth with what I had.
What about you? Any tips that you can share on how you ward off the summer heat?
I was descending the office building in time to go home this afternoon when this line from a movie crossed my mind:
"Sa bawat isang pinipili, may isang libong bagay kang tinatanggihan."
Just this morning, in the middle of performing my duty at the office, I received a phonecall. It was from a leading publishing company inviting me for a scheduled interview for the position of web editor. Sadly, after years and months of waiting for that call, I had to decline the invitation.
It has always been my dream to land a career in publishing and fulfill my dream of becoming an editor. But then, after that phonecall, one thing was in my mind: you have to let go of one thing in exchange for something better; for if I chase two rabbits, I know I shall end losing both.
I knew after that, I had made a decision of letting go of something I wanted for so long.
Considering the pros and cons of it, I realized, yes, while the position sounded enticing, some things are uncertain. If I decided to accept the invitation, I'll have to go back to square one and if worse comes to worst, I will not get the post eventually. I had tried in different publishing industries but it will just be good at first -- but not at its last stages. Making me think that maybe, I'm not destined to be there after all.
Whereas I now have something feasible with me. I may only be on a project-based employment, but still, there is certainty in it. Besides, the pay might not be that hefty but it suffices my needs; aside from the fact that I have wonderful superiors (and a boss who looks like Superman star Christopher Reeve -- or maybe it's just me!). While I sometimes question what do law firms, lawyers and the law profession have to do with my life (being the journalism graduate that I am), I guess there is a purpose why I am in this career in the first place. It will probably just unfold in the right time.
In the end, there might just be right things that come on the wrong time. But in my case, I know I was given something better. I am happy that I did not let it go away.
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| Photo: Google Images |
You might think that the things that happen daily are signs. But if you'll link them all together, it will lead you to one, honest, beautiful answer.
Few nights, ago, I had this strange dream that I was an expectant mother. Of course, I woke up to find out that it was just a dream. While it left me with a weird feeling, I tried to know what that dream meant and found this:
To dream that you are pregnant symbolizes an aspect of your personal life that is growing and developing.
At one point, I realized how that dream could be related to my views about marriage. I have been cynical about it for the longest time; the thought of both having and not having a partner in a married union just sends out those feelings of fear and worry.
But little by little, I just felt those feelings change. Last Holy Wednesday, this thought entered my mind. While doing one of the files at work, the decision of finally settling down camped in my mind, and it had stayed there until now. I don't blame it on the reality that people around me are getting engaged, getting married, having kids or whatnot. It just happened. All of a sudden.
And one morning, while I was inside the church, I found myself trying to include in my prayers, that person God has planned for me. I used to do that but I ceased because of those fears and worries. I tried to ask for it again that morning, and surprisingly, the feeling of serenity and calm followed, and it has been there since.
I want to believe that that feeling signifies the clarity I may not be verbally asking, but God knew I needed and always wanted.
Love. It can really sometimes be both weird and surprising.
I've been away for quite a while from blogging. I have been fairly busy with a lot of things both at home and mostly at work. From my brother's unexpected surgery (which was a success) to working out things with our finance department for a matter that has long been overdue, which I finally got last Monday.
And speaking of work, today happens to be my first month in the law firm. And I am not at the office. Instead, I am staying at home as today is a Maundy Thursday. For hitting a great first month, I decided to get something for myself last week.
I have always been curious about QWERTY-type phones so I decided to get myself a Nokia X2-01. I did not really check the other types for two reasons: 1) the other phones are way too pricey, and 2) this really was my first choice. When I first saw this in a Nokia store in SM City Taytay, I already knew this is the type of phone that I would want and nothing else. But because this is my first time to own this kind of phone, I admit that I am having quite a hard time but reading the manuals and Nokia's online tech support helps. I was hoping that I would get a different color but the store where I got this only had the black one and blue (which is so boyish). I opted to get the black instead thinking that it still looks sophisticated (but my office mate K, calls it "posh" :-p)
On the other hand, there are a few things I had picked up on my first month at the firm. I'm both lucky and thankful that though my bosses are Australian lawyers (yup, I work for a law firm from the Land Down Under), they're diplomatic, forgiving and cool. Of course, I'd commit mistakes once in a while but because they teach me how to do things in an encouraging manner, I really try my best to make up for those glitches and do things better (if not best) on the second attempt. And they don't hesitate to give compliments for each and every job well done.
Now, if you've got people like them for a boss, who would not be inspired to work hard?
My relatives, upon knowing that I work for a law firm, once suggested that I go to law school and become a lawyer. And while I enjoy learning and at times studying the law-related jargons, I had to give them an adamant no for a response. I'm happy with what I am doing and I guess, that happiness suffices me for now.
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