Author: Lotlot
•8:15 PM


Last December 23, we, the One On One ESL Academy, Inc. teachers, had a lunch at Kaishu Japanese Restaurant. That restaurant was owned by the owner of the school where we are presently working.

It wasn't my first time to eat in a Japanese restaurant, so I was able to familiarize some of the foods in the menu. However, I and the other teachers preferred to order the Kaishu Bento in that it was composed of many single-portion dishes. BTW, Bento is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine.


The bento box contained sashimi, tempura, rice, miso soup, halo-halo, etc. I really like Japanese food so I enjoyed eating despite the fact that I'm not yet good in using chopsticks.

I have eaten foods from other countries. And, I can say that Japanese food is one of the most delicious and the healthiest foods in the world. On the other hand, I consider Japanese tea as the healthiest tea.
Author: Lotlot
•8:04 PM

They said, " true giving is one that hurts.". Meaning, when you give something to a person which is no longer important or valuable to you, e.g. used clothes, used toys, etc, it isn't a true giving.

Nonetheless, I believe that if you give those used things heartily, it's a true giving. And, I think it depends upon the person on how he/she values the sense of giving. What matters most is you treat it as free will giving. Moreover, you are wearing your smile as you wrap the things that you wish to give.

I have wrapped already the gifts that I will give to my family, relatives, friends, etc. on Christmas day. On Tuesday morning, I'm going to buy some more gifts, likewise some more ingredients for our Christmas desserts.


On Wednesday morning, I will go home. And as soon as I arrive, I'll buy everything needed for Christmas Eve, especially the food, firecrackers, etc.. Afterward, I will make the desserts while my mother and my sisters will be preparing for the food.


I'm so excited to go home and spend Christmas with my family. How about you? Are you excited? Will you spend Christmas with your family? On the other hand, have you wrapped already your gifts for Christmas?

Merry Christmas everyone!
Author: Lotlot
•7:24 PM

When Tess and I went shopping in SM Supermarket, we passed by a stall which sells things that bring good luck, good health, money, happiness, etc.

Due to curiosity, we stopped by at the stall in that we heard a sound of a bell. Then, we saw nice bracelets in different colors, stones and styles. So, we picked many of them hoping to find the nicest.


Minutes later, I saw a bracelet with different colors and stones; as well as, with a unique cut & style. Thus, I immediately asked the saleslady to tell us its details.


According to the saleslady, the bracelet brings good fortune, good health, prosperity, money, happiness in the relationship & marriage, etc. So, we were inspired to buy. We bought two bracelets of the same style, stones & color (one for me and one for Tess).


Surprisingly, the saleslady did a ritual before she gave the bracelets to us. Firstly, she got a mortar and pestle which was made by steel, I guess. Secondly, she put the bracelets inside. Thirdly, she whispered something. Fourthly, she beat the mortar with the pestle many times which made a very loud sound. Finally, she gave the bracelets to us.


Some people don't believe that there are things which bring good fortune. They consider it as purely superstition. Nevertheless, I partly believe in it. What's wrong with trying and believing in such things? As long as it doesn't harm me, why not try?

I wear the bracelet everyday because I believe in the good things that it may bring. Besides, I'm now starting to feel and receive the blessings or fortunes it brings.

Need some proofs? Here it is..

First
: Tess offered to pay for my bracelet.

Second
: I've been receiving many blessings since the day I bought it.

Third
: I'm happier than before, regardless of the rocky road, trials,etc

Fourth
: this is something that I have to discover ..hehehe
Author: Lotlot
•7:13 PM
Yesterday, Tess and I together with Kuji san toured around Cebu. We had much fun. We enjoyed a lot during the trip. We went to different nice places, e.g. Fort Bonifacio, Magellan's Cross, Sto. Nino Church, Taoist Temple and SM supermarket.

When we arrived at the Taoist Temple, we took pictures. Then, we roved around the place and took a look at the spectacular view of Cebu. Afterward, we went inside the shrine where we could tell our problems and ask or wish something to Buddha.

The procedure in telling problems or asking and wishing something to Buddha was interesting. First, we washed our hands. Second, we lit the joss stick. Third, we got the pair of wood. Fourth, we wished/asked something. Lastly, we dropped the pair of wood on the floor for us to see if our wishes were granted or not. The answer would depend on the position of the wood. It could be YES, MAYBE or NO.

Fortunately, Kuji san got YES to his wish. Tess got MAYBE. And, I got NO. I was a little disappointed with the result. However, I told Kuji san and Tess that possibly Buddha didn't hear my wish because I wasn't able to follow the whole procedure. We forgot to kneel down before we dropped the pair of wood.

Anyway, we continued roving around the temple after we made wishes. Then, we left the temple and went to SM supermarket.

I arrived home at 8:30 in the evening. Before I slept, I thought of my wish. I was still disappointed with the result. Yet, I was still hopeful that it would be granted.

When I woke up this morning, I received a call that surprised me and made me very happy.

Guess what? My WISH is GRANTED!

Therefore, I believed that Buddha was just teasing me yesterday. HE was supposed to answer YES, but HE answered NO for me to ponder.


Thanks, Buddha! Thanks, Mom Lin! Thanks, Dad Charlie!
Author: Lotlot
•2:32 PM
Plan Diversion

Shockingly, my room was in chaos as I entered. I knew someone has entered my room when I was in the beach.

While I was arranging everything, I saw my wallet on the floor. My money was still there but Joseph's photo was misplaced.

Immediately, I got the idea that Mrs. Honor might have gotten inside my room. So, I tried to find out if some things were gone. Then, I noticed that our papers for the wedding were gone. Who got the papers? Why did someone get them?

Without delay, I told Joseph what had happened. He got mad and he suspected his mother. He confronted her. Unfortunately, she denied. But, she told Joseph that getting married early wasn't a good idea. And, she suggested to have the wedding after I graduated college.

With what happened, I decided to go back to my boardinghouse on the following day. Mrs. Honor was right. Getting married was not the right thing to do at that time.

So, I informed Joseph's family that I would go back in my boardinghouse. At first, they didn't want me to go; however, I was able to convince them hours later. On the other hand, Joseph didn't agree with my decision. He wanted me to stay. Yet, things got complicated so I was really determined to move.

Finally, I went back to my boardinghouse on the following day. And, I was happy with my decision because I felt I was free.

In the evening, Joseph came to visit me. He brought red roses and chocolates. Minutes later, I brought him to the yard. We sat on the lawn chairs under the rose apple tree. After we sat down, he...

to be continued...
Author: Lotlot
•2:47 PM
Today is my father's 54th birthday. Happy birthday, Tatay! May all your wishes come true!

I'm sorry I can't attend your small birthday party. We'll just celebrate your birthday again when I go home this Christmas or New Year.

Again, Happy Happy Birthday! I love you!


Author: Lotlot
•5:44 PM
When it comes to helping other people, my mother is the BEST example. She's a very helpful person; thus, I idolize her.

My father is helpful too; but, my mother is more helpful than her. I think that's one of the big reasons why my father won in the local government election last year and why our house is full of people everyday?

My mother is willing to wake up late at night as long as it is for the people. She's willing to give her last money and food just to help other people. And, she's willing to do everything for everyone. Thus, she is loved by our neighbors.

My mother has the heart for other people. And, I think I take after her. It breaks my heart every time I see beggars and scavengers ; and the needy as well. So, I promise myself to keep on helping them in my own little ways.

Thinking of the less fortunate, I asked myself, "What more can I give?". Then, I came to think of helping them more by the time I reach the peak of success.



Anyway, I like the song above, " What more can I give?". because of its lyrics. Also because, it always reminds and inspires me to pursue my goal for the needy. And for me, helping them is one way of thanking God for the many blessings HE gives.
Author: Lotlot
•5:22 PM


I really love music. My day isn't complete if I don't listen to music; probably because, I consider it as part of my life. Furthermore, I feel good every time I listen to it. When I am in a bad mood, music is the BEST remedy.

As a natter of fact, " No matter how bad I feel inside, it's the music that can BEST heal my soul.", is one of my favorite lines. On the other hand, "Let the Music Heal Your Soul", is one of my favorite songs.
Author: Lotlot
•4:01 PM

Last night, Tess and I talked about SUCCESS in our lessons. I was amazed by her answer on the question, " What does success mean to you?; because, it made me see how beautiful she is inside and out?

In the topic, many important things were mentioned for us to measure whether we're successful or not; as well as, for us to choose which is the most and the least important, e.g., a good love life, friends and fun, a happy family life, plenty money, a nice home, a successful career, something else.

Surprisingly, Tess and I had the same meaning of success and we had the same choice for the most and the least important things. For us, a good love life, friends and fun, a happy family life, a nice home and a successful career are very important. On the other hand, plenty of money is less important.

When I asked Tess to add more things which she considered as very important, she answered A HAPPY MARRIAGE. I was surprised. I didn't expect that a single woman like her would start to think on the importance of a HAPPY MARRIAGE...[well, I wish you luck, Tess. May you have a happy marriage when you get married one day.].

Furthermore, Tess said that a GOOD FEELING was one of the most important things to consider in success. For her, if a person feels good each day, he/she's successful. In this area, I definitely agreed with her. I told her that I also considered myself as successful if I felt good each day, that is, my heart is free from guilt, remorse and any bad feelings.

In the end, we've known the reason why we always smile and laugh. It's all because our hearts are free from any bad feelings. Then, we congratulated each other for it before the lesson ended. As usual, we smiled as we bid goodbye.

At this point in my life, I consider myself as successful. I may not have plenty of money but I almost have everything that makes me SMILE before I sleep at night and as I wake up in the morning. Thanks, God!
Author: Lotlot
•3:06 PM
...it hurts when you are being accused of some things which you're not guilty of. Why does anyone have to make false stories? Why not seek for the truth first before bringing the issues up to the sky? Does he/she has a hidden agenda of doing so?

...it hurts when you are being blamed for some things. Is it right to put all the blames to letter Z? Why not blame letters A to E? Why not blame himself/herself? At times, the blamer has to think and act justly.

...it hurts when you try giving your best to your job, but someone misinterpreted it. Why not try his/her best instead of minding someone's achievement or success? Why not use the achievement of others as an inspiration to step up rather than an inspiration to pull someone down? Isn't he/she aware that there is always greater and lesser than us, regardless of position/status?

...it hurts when someone thinks negatively to the good things you show/share. Why does anyone has to think negatively towards the good things that someone is doing? Why not tell the real reason of interfering instead of giving words of discouragement or telling bad things against others?

...it hurts when someone interferes with your private life. Does anyone has to include someone's private life in work issues? Doesn't he/she know his/her limitations to the position that he/she has?

...it hurts when you hear someone backbiting you while you're doing your job. Is he/she jealous or envy? Why can't he/she be frank instead? Doesn't he/she know that he/she has flaws too? Why not work with his/her self-esteem? It might be very high or low.

...it hurts.....it hurts.......it hurts.......
..






However, the truth will always prevail. I know one day the sky will know the truth behind. When it happens, for sure all their doubts, accusations and blames will be gone. On the other hand, all the heartaches that I feel will be erased.

I believe in karma - the bad and the good. Each day I try my very best not to do things which will hurt other people because I don't want to experience bad karma. From another standpoint, I always try doing good things and giving my best to everything that I'm doing for me to experience good karma.

Thus, I hope someone can realize how rewarding and fulfilling it is to achieve/succeed on something through our own effort and good doings and, how good it is to sleep when our mind is free from guilt before it's too late.

Wake up! Life is too short. Make each day of your life worthwhile...Good luck!
Author: Lotlot
•2:38 PM
Boxing is one of my favorite sports on TV in that it helps lessen my fears of some things; also, because there are many Filipino boxers. Not to boast, Filipino boxers rule in the field of boxing. As a proof, the famous boxer, Manny " Pacman" Pacquiao, is a Filipino.

Yesterday, I watched Manny Pacquiao's fight against the Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya. In the fight, Manny showed how great he was in boxing. His opponent, Oscar, surrendered after the 8th round.



Before the fight, I thought Manny wouldn't win because Oscar was taller than him, older than him and had more experiences in boxing than him. But my mind changed when the fight started. His moves were amazing. He was the lead from the first round to the 8th round. No wonder, why Oscar surrendered?

Anyway, congratulations, Manny Pacquiao! You make us proud!
Author: Lotlot
•5:08 PM
I love listening to Reggae/Reggaeton music. I feel like dancing whenever I listen to it.
Anyway, this is my favorite reggaeton remix
of the song,
"Let Me Love You"
by Mario.




Honestly speaking, Mario is one of my favorite R&B singers.
BTW, this is the original
Let Me Love You



On the other hand, I like this reggae remix of Daddy Yankee's song too,

Gasolina
Author: Lotlot
•4:38 PM


If I were a boy
Even just for a day
I’d roll outta bed in the morning
And throw on what I wanted then go
Drink beer with the guys
And chase after girls
I’d kick it with who I wated
And I’d never get confronted for it.
Cause they’d stick up for me.

[Chorus]
If I were a boy
I think I could understand
How it feels to love a girl
I swear I’d be a better man.
I’d listen to her
Cause I know how it hurts
When you lose the one you wanted
Cause he’s taken you for granted
And everything you had got destroyed

If I were a boy
I could turn off my phone
Tell evveryone it’s broken
So they’d think that I was sleepin’ alone
I’d put myself first
And make the rules as I go
Cause I know that she’d be faithful
Waitin’ for me to come home (to come home)

(Chorus)

It’s a little too late for you to come back
Say its just a mistake
Think I’d forgive you like that
If you thought I would wait for you
You thought wrong

(Chorus)

But you’re just a boy
You don’t understand
Yeah you don’t understand
How it feels to love a girl someday
You wish you were a better man
You don’t listen to her
You don’t care how it hurts
Until you lose the one you wanted
Cause you’ve taken her for granted
And everything you have got destroyed
But you’re just a boy

Author: Lotlot
•7:17 PM
Today is my younger sister's 23rd birthday. How I wish I could go home? It's been years since I didn't attend her birthday celebration.

Anyway, Happy Birthday Sis Mae!

'99galleries.com'



Author: Lotlot
•5:54 PM
unto the beach

When I went downstairs, I was supposed to ask an apology to Joseph's parents and to inform them that I would go back to my boardinghouse but something different happened. Mrs. Honor pretended that nothing bad happened that night. Instead, she told me that we would go to the beach on the following day to celebrate Kenneth's success. Kenneth received many awards when she graduated Elementary on the previous day. Most especially, she graduated as valedictorian.

The morning of the following day, we went to the beach. We brought lots of food and drink. We ate and drank while we were talking funnily and seriously. On the other hand, we swam to the fullest extent and we played volleyball, scrabble, chess etc. In short, we really had much fun that day.

Five hours later, Mrs. Honor told us, " Eugene, Josephine, Joel and I will go ahead because we still have important things to do at home. So, Lota, Kenneth and Joseph please remain here. You have to watch over Joel's kids. Three hours later, Joel will pick you up..okay?". Because we still wanted to swim and play in the beach so we nodded.

When they left, we continued swimming. Although we watched over the small kids but we still had fun. While Kenneth and the kids were playing ball games, Joseph and I spent time with each other. We talked seriously about what happened on the previous night. He asked apology for what his parents did unto me. Moreover, he assured me that he would protect me. Lastly, we talked about the wedding.

Three hours later, Joel came to pick us up. As we arrived home, I went directly to the bathroom; afterward, I went to my room. Surprisingly, my room...

to be continued...
Author: Lotlot
•5:31 PM
Last Sunday I bought R&B, Reggae, Disco and Pop CD's. While I was in the video store, I came to think of buying an instrumental CD in that it's good to be played in the early morning.

Furthermore, I wanted to have a CD of my favorite instrumental piece. I have liked that piece since I was young. However, I forgot its title. So, it took time for me to choose the right instrumental CD to buy.

Finally, I've decided to buy the one which contained 150 songs. Then, I played it as I arrived home. I was hoping that I could hear my favorite piece. I really enjoyed listening to it. I prepared food for my dinner while I was listening to it.

Luckily, my favorite piece of instrumental music was being played. I wasn't able to control myself. I jumped for joy as I heard it. I immediately ran to the living room to look at the DVD player. Then, I looked at the number of the song that was being played. Afterward, I got the CD on the table to search for the title. At last, I knew it. It's Ballad Pour Adeline.

You wanna listen to it? Here it is...
Author: Lotlot
•3:55 PM
Unexpected things happened

As I arrived home, I've heard Joseph shouting his mom. Seconds later, he opened the main door; then, he slammed it before he left with his bike. I was scared when I saw his angry face in that it was my first time to see him that way.

I knew it was not the right time for me to know what had happened, especially that I saw Mrs. Honor sitting silently in one of the chairs in the study table, so I decided to go upstairs to change clothes. The house was very quiet. I didn't see anyone in the living room, except Mrs. Honor.

It was never in my mind the thought that I was the reason of their quarrel until I went inside my room. I found a letter on my bed. It was from Joseph. In his letter he said,

" Luv dear,

You don't have to keep distance from me anymore. I've accidentally seen and read your letter for my parents this late afternoon. Now, I know the reason why you aren't talking to me anymore. It's all because of my parents.

I feel bad against my parents for many reasons, particularly in trying to meddle our relationship, in talking to you without my permission and in touching my property [the notebook]. I'm old enough to be interfered in my personal decisions. They're trying to touch my private life and I hate it.

I'm sorry for what my parents did unto you. Don't worry, I can assure you that it will not happen again. I will never allow anyone from this house to hinder us and the decisions that I'm making in my life.

Don't worry about them. Meanwhile, I want you to focus your attention on our coming wedding and on your studies as well.

I love you very much..you know that..

luv u so,
Joseph"

My heart pounded fast after I read the letter. I felt guilty. I blamed myself for what happened. If only I didn't write a letter to Joseph's parents, they would not quarrel. I regretted for the wrong deed that I did. Thus, I decided to quit from my relationship with Joseph and to go back in my boardinghouse.

After I made my decision, I went downstairs to ask an apology to Mrs. Honor and Mr. Eugene and to inform them that I would go back to my boardinghouse. However, something different happened when...


to be continued...
Author: Lotlot
•7:48 PM
It's December 1 today. Christmas is coming. So, Advance Merry Christmas everyone!


OFFICE THINGY

OFFICE THINGY

Me not U

Me not U
ako ni