Post-Midterms

     A huge sigh of relief was what my friends and I shared the day we got through Midterm Exams Week (February 4-7, 2013). 

     Of course, we all felt the need to detoxify our stressed and beat up minds and bodies. So we did our somehow traditional post exam 'gala'. 

     We went to Resorts World Manila last February 8. As usual, we ate... a lot! And watched a movie. This time around, we watched Jackie Chan's latest and last action movie entitled "Chinese Zodiac". I don't know if I can say that I'm a fan of Jackie Chan but I love all his movies (the ones I've watched, at least) and I never fail to laugh and be amazed by his action stunts - makes me wish that I knew martial arts and kick some ass! 

We always match our outfits...somehow. Without actually meaning to. Creepy. Hahaha.

These two are also starting to unintentionally match their outfits! Hahaha.

     It may sound cliche to actually say this... but there is never a dull moment with these three! We laugh at the silliest and simplest of things. Mostly we laugh at each other but that's what friends are for, I guess. As they say, "Real friends don't get offended when you insult you. Instead, they call you something more insulting back". Ain't that true. 

Our matching customized name bracelets! ♥ 

Just because our thesis topic is all about this product. ;) 

     No matter how different you may all be from one another, so long as you still manage to get along and actually laugh and have a good time together, consider them as more than just friends and be siblings! I honestly don't know what I'd do without these 3 Nerdies! ♥ Love them to the moon and back. 

     Keep your friends close! ;) 

Procrastinating

     Right now, I'm supposed to be writing the synthesis for my group's thesis. But, obviously, here I am blogging about what I'm supposed to be doing instead of actually doing it. 

     I got a good enough reason, though. My brain functions better and is able to think better under time pressure. Maybe it's the adrenaline rush but I have tried and tested this personal theory of mine that I really do work better if I am in a hurry. Which is ironic since I am the slowest person in the world... At least according to my sisters. 

     First off, I'd like to post a few photos of who my thesis group mates are. I am proud to say that amidst all the discouragements that we received from our professors and higher batches, we still ended up grouping together. 

     Since we're close friends, many have doubts that we'll make it through thesis still being friends. But I have great faith in these two! We tease and practically hate each other every passing day. So what's the difference this time? Hahahaha. Anyway, we decided to document our progress with the thesis and how the stress will eventually affect our physical appearances. 

     Go ahead, spot the difference! I certainly hope they're good ones. ;) 

Day 1: December 6, 2012 

Day 2: December 11, 2012

Day 3: January 22, 2013

Day 6: February 4, 2013

     As you can tell, I've been missing out on some thesis meetings with these two. But I have a perfectly good reason! So I hope they understand me. And... I am paying my dues now by doing the synthesis. Well, by doing in later on. Wish me luck! Otherwise, these two will kill me. 

     Hope you're all having a productive day! Stay in school, kids. ;) 

     A. 

January 26, 2013

     I'd like to greet you all a happy start of the month for February! It's my birth month. ♥ I'll be turning 22 in a couple of days. But more on that later... I have a number of backlogs to post. So let's start with the title. 

     Last January 26, Pachig and I celebrated our 3rd year anniversary of friendship. Remember my last year's post? One where we visited the Manila Ocean Park and rode the Eye of MoA? Well, for this year, we celebrated alongside my church friends by going to one of the coldest places you'll ever find in Manila: Tagaytay! Sadly, though, it wasn't that cold there that day. But whatever. It was better than Manila weather. 

We were 11 inside the car... So we both had to fit ourselves in the front passenger seat. 

South Luzon Expressway. 

We got a flat tire halfway to our destination. 

Dress: Forever 21 | Cardigan: The Landmark | Shoes: Auztralian

This guy sliced up my McDonald's Hotcakes for me. ♥ 

At the restaurant in Tagaytay where we had our lunch. 

Pretty view! You can see the ever famous Taal Volcano behind me. 

L-R: Sheryl, Rachel, Maple (my elder sister) and Arnah

Spectacular view! 

Because of this...my sister and I are planning on going to Santorini, Greece! Hahaha. 

Church friends! ♥ 

In case you were wondering where we went... The food's great! So is the view. ♥ 

We bought plants! 

We also bought fruits! 

And a trip to Tagaytay is NOT complete if you don't buy yummy tarts at Rowena's! 

Dropped by Nuvali for some snack and additional sight seeing. 

     Just sharing a happy memory with you guys! Enjoy your weekend. :) 

     A. 

2013 is MY year!

     Ever noticed how almost everyone claims that "it's going to be my year" every New Year? If you haven't and I'm the only one who does notice...then I guess I'm a nerd. But I am proud to say that I am not one of those people. The only time I claimed that THIS is going to be my year was when 2013 arrived.

     I hate to say it but... I told you so!

     January 31, 2013 (Thursday), I was scheduled for an interview at the US Embassy Manila at 9AM. I've rehearsed and prepared so much for it that I was getting sick of it. The night before the interview, suddenly, all the people around me were saying that I wasn't ready and that I should reschedule. Know what I did? I defied all of them and went ahead to the interview at 7AM the next day.

     As I waited for my turn to be interviewed, I observed the other people around me: fellow students, professional looking people, stressed people, sad people, quiet people, and praying people. I was among the praying people group.

      All the odds were against me. I need not explain but yes, I was brave for even applying for a US visa. But you see, I have faith. I don't just hope... I have faith. I believe in greater power. One that controls everything around us. One that has the ability to change the paths we get to. In short, I believe in God. I know that in this generation, only few believe but I am not among those.

     Before I bravely headed off to the Embassy, I printed out some inspirational messages so I had something to read and do while I'm waiting. My mom advised this to me and I followed it. I'm glad that I did.

     You see, it is very nerve wrecking to be sitting in a place where you will receive a verdict as to whether you can or can not go out of your country and do what you want. They have control over you. I really don't like the thought of it. I felt like I would puke even if I had nothing in my stomach. So, I pulled out the 9-page long print outs and I started to read.

     Miraculously, the very first things I read were exactly what I needed to read/hear.

     After reading this, I suddenly felt calm and assured that I will get my visa approved. And voila! After a few minutes, my number was called and it was my turn to be interviewed.

     My number was 1272.

     I don't believe in luck. I believe that this was all His doing. It was my turn to be happy. It was time to finally get away from my country again and experience new and great things in life!

     So, by March 2013, I'll be heading off to Minnesota! I don't know if I'd have internet access there so my posts won't be as frequent as it is now. But, I'd still try. :)

     I hope you guys have great news to share as well! We are all blessed. You just need to name them one by one so as to know how many they are. ♥

     A. 

Filler

     I've been busy with school.

     I think I might go crazy if I don't take the time to take a little break.

     So here I am now...taking my break: blogging. ♥

     But since I have nothing interesting to say, I'll just post random photos that your eyes may feast upon... or simply look at for a while.

     I hope you've all been having a good week! I haven't. My best friend got beat up by hold-uppers and I haven't seen him since. I hope I can take care of him but I can't - I'm busy. Ugh. Anyway, more on that next time.

     A.

Cadbury Cheesecake by Banapple! ♥

Sweater and Mustache watch from Platinum Mall, Bangkok. 

My personalized bracelet! ♥ 

Origami flower. 

Deathly Hallows necklace.