An amazing feeling...
Unexplainable happiness...
Serenity....
Gorgeous view....
Nice smell of the lake.....
Nice rose (drinks) at the lake....
How is it possible to have all these emotions just because of cycling around the lake?!
Who am I to ask? I just gave in to the feeling and felt unexplainable pleasure. One of the happiest days of my life. Weird but true.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
I watched the movie Kite Runner and I was forever touched by the character of Hassan. I admire his loyalty, his friendship and his ability to forgive. I didn't read the famous book but I heard things about it, good things. I refused to read it coz I was told it's too heavy. I prefer a book for an entertainment and not those eye opening ones.
After watching the movie, I heard that there will be a sequel for the Kite Runner and I also heard the story will be heavier and again I told myself I don't like those kind of books.
Last Saturday as I was chatting with Rom I realized it has been 9 months since I read a book and I miss the enchanting feeling of being caught up at the characters so I decided that my itinerary for Saturday was: eat out for lunch, buy a book and work.
I asked for recommendations from two friends: Rom and Mark so I went to FNAC but I didn't get that far in looking for the 3 books because there's this one which I fell in love at first sight. It was there under new releases and when I picked it up, I wasn't able to put it down anymore. I chose a few more books but decided I'm getting the book: A Thousand Splendid Suns.
A Thousand Splendind Suns is about two Afghanistan women with 15 years age difference and with mishaps got their lives entwined.
I finished it in one seating, I can't put it down nor stay away for too long. After the reading the book, I felt so blessed to be enjoying such freedom as a person. I often see people getting annoyed by teenagers playing loud music in the bus, I also get annoyed hearing people openly ridiculing our government. Not realizing that in other parts of the world music is not even allowed nor talking against the government can mean severe punishment and worst death.
I grew up in an environment that men and women are equal in terms of school, work and rights. I grew up with a mindset that I need to be educated to be able to have a promising future, I had dreams of doing this and that, becoming this and that and if God permits settle down in my own terms and the time I want.
I'm 28 now, striving to be the best in my field and settling down is not even yet considered but the two women characters in the book were way younger than myself when they got married. They were only both 15 years old. Gosh, I was having my high school crushes during this time but never even thought of marriage yet. One of them had 8 misconceptions before reaching the age of 20 and the other had two kids before 23.
One of the characters, Marian never experienced formal schooling. The other Lila, experienced schooling but never finished due to war. They were both married to a guy they don't love. They were battered wives and the meaning of their existence is to please their husband.
I can't help myself but be thankful for the often unnoticed blessings that I have. Book is excellent especially for women. I highly recommend you get a copy. It will not only make you appreciate what you have right now but it will also educate you on what happened in Afghanistan.
Two years ago Sanna, a friend from the office let me borrow her dvd collection which includes the whole 5 season of Sex in the City. I watched every episode with gusto, hoping one day I will be like one of them.
When I found out there's a movie coming, I knew I need to watch it the first day so I organized a girls' day out in the office. I invited 10 ladies but only 5 of us can make it to the dinner and only 3 of us can make it to the movies... Despite it only being 3 of us, it was actually fun. I guess even if I watched it alone, I would have still come out satisfied.
So the movie...
I was crying like crazy on one of the intense part of the movie when Mr. Big stood her up at the wedding. It was like a slow movement when she went out of the car and hit him like crazy. What touched me most was the way Charlotte reacted, her face was amazingly good.
Over all, the movie was great. Better than the series. Four successful ladies with different stories but at the end regardless of our status in life it is good to know that you have friends to run to when life is throwing shit on you. It is also nice that regardless of your status (married, single, with bf or none) that you have friends to share a different life with.
From the four girls, I'm more like Charlotte. She believes in fairytales and a happy ending story. But how I wish I can be Samantha, who doesn't care shit about relationships only fuck hahahhaha.
I'm 28, these girls started to have a life after late 30s... I guess my life is not meaningless just on the process of trying it all out. I was told that on the 20s this is the time you try things and see what suits you. On the 30s you try to stabilize your career and your life... At 40 you finally find a different meaning in life.
Our generation is more of like want to have it all now. Once in a while I have to remind myself I can't have everything right now and right here so far so good...
I had dinner yesterday at Little Pinoy with 6 of my closest friends, 3 friends were not able to make it.
Dinner was a thanksgiving for 2 great years in this city. I arrived in GVA at past 9 pm in cold Geneva 2 years ago. It was good that Crowne Plaza had a shuttle from the airport to the 
hotel otherwise I would have been in big trouble because I arrived here without Swiss Francs.
Seeing my closest friends all together is a bit weird actually hehehhehehe but anyways I was happy to have dinner all at the same with them which never happened yet until last night.
Reason to celebrate is basically to thank the people that made GVA my 2nd home. Thanking the friends who laughed and cried with me. I am actually happy to know that I have a couple of very close friends here, I didn't imagine I have that many =)
Looking back, it has been a pleasant journey. Switzerland has been a great place for me to learn, explore and have fun. I've matured here a lot, personally and in terms of work. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this country.
Thank you and cheers to two great years in GVA and more years to come...
A vibrator!!! hahahhahahah
I attended an all girls get together/ dinner yesterday arranged by an 
expat english community here in Geneva. Brought a spanish red wine to go with bolognese.
There were at least 15 girls from different age range who came. Get together was all about to do girl stuff together, talk about nails, make-up, boys, clothes, shoes, party and sex toys!
Yup you've read it right. There was an expert who showed us how to use sex toys and how to do safe sex. I was surprised that everybody was really paying attention, I never thought that girls in a European country still needs this sex toys and safe sex education.
For the first time I was able to put a condom on a 
banana. It was so funny coz I keep on pulling it from the wrong side. Gosh we were taught on how to put condom on a banana using our mouth, everybody went crazy.
At the end there was a raffle and of course prizes are sex toys and I won a vibrator... Hahahaha... Other prizes were Frank (a dildo), nutella (don't even ask for what), different kind of vibrator, something for the anus, ring for penis and many more that I cannot imagine about.
Crazy sex stories were shared, unimaginable but fun to listen to and be educated.
We went home very late but I met some new nice friends and really had a good laugh.
Grabe, time flies so fast! I can't believe I'm back again in Geneva after one month of being in the Philippines
I'm back on my two feet, finally recovering from the operation and from the gastos of the operation hehehhee. The rest rejuvenated my whole spirit and I loved the time that I was just at home doing nothing. I still remember vio telling me: "the doctor said magpahinga ka pero hinde magbuhay baboy!" Grabe, kumakain pa lang ako itatanong na agad sa akin ni mama ano gusto kong ulam mamaya or bukas... I miss you mother!
This trip to the Philippines was different compared to the two previous ones. This time no out of town, no grand plans but just to stay at home. It was actually great. I rested my mind and body.
I came back here fully recharge. Work is doing great, I didn't even have time to relax which is actually good coz I don't have time to be homesick.
What I appreciate about everything that has happened is that never ever take your health for granted. Stop when your body is telling you to stop. Also, regardless of the love of friends and colleagues there's still nothing compared to the love of family.
So Geneva, I'm back!
I'm finally going home tonight to Philippines.
For the first time in many weeks I was able to sleep continously last night. I had an operation last Monday on one of the best hospitals in Switzerland, people going there were mostly diplomats. A Swiss insurance doesn't even cover that hospital because it's very expensive but it was all worth it.
I had the best care in the best facility. I have friends who took care of me and who claimed the responsibility of being my family here. You guys are great, your companionship, your support and your nonstop sms, calls helped me walk through it.
Unfortunately it wasn't enough for me. At the end of the night I was still in pain or I can't sleep and it doesn't make it easier knowing you are alone on that room. I was discharged last Friday, friend picked me up and another friend helped me do my grocery so I have somethng to eat at home. Another friend brougt me home. And again I don't know how to thank you guys.
At home, I can barely do things without feeling so tired easily. I know I needed to go home so I can finally rest.
I'm taking one month off, I will be doing all the follow-up tests there in the Philippines. Just knowing I will be with the care of my mom plus the constant companionship of tatay, archie and kuya already makes me feel better.
I will be wheel-chaired today from the check-in to the gate and from one plane to the other till i reach my parents. But that's okay. I will finally be home.
To my friends in PH, hope to have the chance to meet up with you. To my friends in GVA, thanks and I will see you soon.
I'm going home....
hmmmm... I received an email from Glocals which is an expat online community in Switzerland. The email is about highlighting the latest on the website and I saw the headlines about an article featuring YouMeCo. I've met her on the Bellinzona trip last Feb 3, 2008. One thing that captured my attention was her message, Live life passionately.
I was about to go to the shower and get ready for an early night before I read the article and of course I have to postpone my shower and update again my blog.
What do we exactly mean by Live life passionately?! Does it mean leaving at the edge? maximizing time? have fun on every possible way? go out like crazy? shop like an addict? travel the world?
I don't think there will be synonymous answer to this. Live passionately will always be interpreted differently by different people simply because different people values different things.
I wouldn't even try to rationalize with others, I just want to rethink out loud by writing on what are the things that I'm passionate about and here's what comes to mind right now:
1. My relationships - outside I'm a very active person, talking to almost everybody and laughing my heart out even on simple things but liking somebody doesn't come naturally to me, it needs chemistry even for friendships.
I only allow a few people into my life not because I don't want to but it's just so hard for me to like a person whether romantically or for friendship but if I do i'll give time, effort and anything just to make that person happy even for just a while.
2. My work - I love my work and I have no issues sleeping in the office if I have to just to finish something even for a week (we have a steady supply of coffee and red bull in the office). I love performance appraisals where you'll be assess according to your work, I love to know how i'm doing and where to improve. I want to climb up the ladder, I want to be up there.
And of course....
3. My parents and my family - i grew up in a very close family. My dad wasn't around when we were growing up because he was working overseas but despite the distance I never felt he was not with us but my mom was great taking care of us. Right now I would give anything to make them happy. It always makes me smile that even if I'm too far we still talk like crazy. I call them when I needed guidance at work, money matters or if I want to share with them some great news. There's only one thing I can't share with them: I can't discuss my relationships with them. Hahhahaha they might be shocked!
They will always be my strength. And of all the people in my family it's actually my mom that I wanted to please most. My ultimate dream is that time will come that she will not ask me for anything because she has everything already. I love you ma and tay! I will always be here....
The rest of the things/ people in the world are nice to have but not must to have.
After 48 years (an expression for very long) my vacation leave has been approved. I originally asked for one month, it was reduced to two weeks. I know I was pushing all my luck for the one month, I'm actually already thankful for the two weeks. It's a crucial time for our department so I'm just thankful that I can get off for two weeks.
It's perfect timing... My energy level is heating rock bottom and I needed to go home to recharge, relax and have fun so I can come back full of spirit again. Some friends suggested traveling on some other parts of the world but for me vacation does not literally means visiting places but it only means being home with the people that truly matters.
I can't wait to reclaim my place in our home and in the lives of the people that I love where I really belong. I just broke the news to my parents today and my siblings. Archie already knows as early as January about the vacation plans. My parents were very happy and excited and it makes me glad that I actually felt how happy they were just on the tone of their voice.
I have no grand plans, I just wanted to be under the sun, relaxing at the beach, watching late movies with my parents and archie, seeing vincent, roaming around with kuya and ate, pigging out, sleeping in my room, watching Tagalog shows, knowing what's going on in the Philippines, hopefully seeing friends. Just thinking about it already makes me feel so excited.
It's still one more month but who cares, I'm already looking forward to it. Pinas here I come!!!
After a week I'm not that upset anymore about what happened. I was avoiding his calls in the office for the past week, knowing he will invite me for lunch or to meet up.
Today he gave me a ring and I decided to pick it up. I agreed for lunch only in one condition, I will have to spunk him first. And he asked why.
When we were at the parking lot, he apologized. He already knew why I wanted to spunk him and this was the conversation:
Him: I am surprised you wanted to take the bus instead of me bringing you home.
Me: You told me to take the bus.
Him: But I was only joking and I was shocked that you are really taking it.
Me: It shouldn't have even crossed your mind to joke about it. And you should have insisted.
Him: Yah I know and I'm really sorry.
Me: I hate you so much. I told my dad and archie about it and they call you stupid.
Him: Can I buy you lunch?
Me: Not interested, next time do not do that to anybody.
We had our lunch after this discussion. It was back to normal, talking about everything and updating each other about what's up and what's not in our lives.
