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Mobile"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"I Blog, Therefore I Am."},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"My Life, My Time. Views \u0026amp; Reviews."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/-\/Musings?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=6"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/search\/label\/Musings"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/-\/Musings\/-\/Musings?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=7\u0026max-results=6"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Abbie"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/14265494155672178468"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg3ZlB3UUlhyXMQIaOi0DTXHREeL7tPKYtpZW-Cgma25DaIFEbiZkZ0D08RVrDzo_ROLV5ScywRCzPoxvWl-vj28vl2O-0rfZuHdTJurdaZeEmlLum-GUVmb2ouddpHRQ\/s113\/AbbieGorgeous.jpg"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"28"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"6"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756132.post-3371934571510566479"},"published":{"$t":"2009-01-01T23:19:00.013+08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-02-08T02:52:10.999+08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Abbie"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Drama"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Family"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Forces of Nature"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Friends"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Memories"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Musings"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Smart"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Work Tales"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"THE YEAR I TURNED THIRTY"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003EIt's more than twenty three hours since the New Year and I am still stuck on 2008 (but not because I want to). It's just that I was too tired in the last few days to make a serious and emotional \"looking back post\" and it's only now that I become inspired to actually write one.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI usually describe my years according to the major milestones I felt or experienced in that year. Like 2004 was The Year I Fell In Love, alternately 2005 and 2006 were the The Year I Messed Up and The Year My Heart Got Broken In So Many Ways (I still can't decide which is which) and 2007 was The Year I Became Smart - literally and figuratively. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2008 was a year of great blessings for me. Yeah, I still have the occasional trials and hardships in various aspects of my life but it was nothing compared to the tumultuous years I had in the past (Hello, 2005 \u0026 2006!). 2008 was very generous to me even if I don't deserve all the things that were given to me.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Year I Turned Thirty was probably the best description I can give to 2008. Turning thirty years old (and single at that) can be a dread. I used to fear it when I was still on my twenties. But being on this year actually opened doors for me. Come with the age is the respect and a certain reverence. I am still funny, clumsy  and carefree but I already sense a certain maturity within me which I've been hoping to achieve for years. My views and convictions are now on the serious path compared to the ideals I had a few years back. Oh, and thirty is \"happiness\". I'm now happier and more contented with my life compared before.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe most-asked-and-I-often-despise question of the year was of course the boyfriend question. \"Do you have one?\" \"When are you going to have one?\" \u003Ci\u003E\"Mag-diet ka kaya\u003C\/i\u003E so you can have one?\" I am tired of answering these questions so I often answer in jest or sarcastically. My usual answers were \"I am not interested!\" or \"I've long given up on love!\". Then there will be another batch of questions and opinions ranging from \"But why? You're still young! Don't give up!\" to \"Why? Are you now interested in women?\". Oh well! The truth is I feel so indifferent about it. Yeah, there are guys out there who asks; and friends keep on fixing me up with people BUT I just don't feel it. The past, though very painful and a bit traumatic, is no longer an issue for me. I have longed forgiven myself and moved on from it. I just want to be happy all by myself for the meantime. I want to be single and discover things for the meantime. I want peace and serenity for now. I'll be ready when I'll be ready. :)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt was a less emotional year for me except for the fact that one of my good friends unexpectedly died last February. Binchy definitely struck a cord in all of us but we believe that he's now in a happier and better place. Aside from that, everything was smooth-sailing and drama-free. My relationship with my family and friends became stronger than ever and I was also given a chance to bond more with my bestest friends through several trips, vacations and travels last year. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWork is great and I learned a lot last year. There was the usual pressure and competition but it helped us more than it broke us. Heading a team was really a challenge especially if you were out to prove something. There were a lot of guts, second guessing and prayers involved as we launch one project after another. I am definitely happier and more contented with my current career compared to all the other past jobs I held. It allowed me to have independent ideas, kick-ass\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E diskartes\u003C\/span\u003E, and most importantly it gave me the opportunity to have a work and personal life balance. The pay-out at the end of the year were just icings on the cake. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI sailed through in 2008. It's a neutral year for me (boring at times actually) and I will definitely miss it. I am sure that 2009 will be a bit different since I know it will involve a lot of challenges and risk - not only for me but for everyone (Hello, Economy!). I also know that I will be fighting a lot of internal battles this year with the choices I will make...so help me God. Stay tuned! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELet's rock 2009! Happy New Year!\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/feeds\/3371934571510566479\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2009\/01\/year-i-turned-thirty.html#comment-form","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/3371934571510566479"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/3371934571510566479"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2009\/01\/year-i-turned-thirty.html","title":"THE YEAR I TURNED THIRTY"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Abbie"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/14265494155672178468"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg3ZlB3UUlhyXMQIaOi0DTXHREeL7tPKYtpZW-Cgma25DaIFEbiZkZ0D08RVrDzo_ROLV5ScywRCzPoxvWl-vj28vl2O-0rfZuHdTJurdaZeEmlLum-GUVmb2ouddpHRQ\/s113\/AbbieGorgeous.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756132.post-6354840573906133158"},"published":{"$t":"2008-07-13T23:31:00.004+08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2008-08-03T03:40:48.193+08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Abbie"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Birthday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Musings"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"THIRTY THINGS BEFORE THIRTY"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003EThey said that there's a power in writing down your thoughts, aspirations and dreams. So here I am writing down some things that I want to fulfill in the next 30 days. The list is a combination of random things, chores and even attempts to life changing experiences. I hope that I would be able to strike most of the things (if not all) on my list. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECountdown starts NOW.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1. Abstain from rice for \u003Cstrike\u003E30 days\u003C\/strike\u003E or more (or drop it altogether). \u003Ci\u003EI'm doing well with this! A few more days to go!\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2. Abstain from the Internet for three days (work stuff not included).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E3. Aplogize to Amiel for a not so forgetten mistake four and a half years ago.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E4. Book a ticket to \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tacloban_City\"\u003ETacloban\u003C\/a\u003E or Singapore (or both!).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E5. Fix my desktop computer from its \"problems\". \u003Cstrike\u003EStart saving for an \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/abuggedlife.com\/2008\/05\/31\/hp-2133-mini-note-pc-first-impressions-with-photos-kills-the-asus-eee-900\/\"\u003EHP Mini Note PC\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strike\u003E and a Macbook. (the HP is not for me!). \u003Ci\u003EI already reserved for the HP! I'll be getting it a couple of weeks from now!\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E6. \u003Cstrike\u003EBuy my niece a new toy \"just because...\"\u003C\/strike\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E7. Clean my room.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E8. Cook three pasta: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/abbieunreal.blogspot.com\/2008\/07\/my-basil-pesto-pasta-was-good.html\"\u003E\u003Cstrike\u003EPesto\u003C\/strike\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Pomodoro and Creamy Mushrooms \u0026 Ham\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E9. Change hairstyle and do something drastic with my hair.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E10. Get my reimbursements and payback; file my liquidations.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E11. Get something nice for the woman who carried me for 9 months.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E12. Get unnecessary hair out of the way: wax, \u003Cstrike\u003Epluck, thread.\u003C\/strike\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E13. \u003Cstrike\u003EGo home before 7:00 pm from work for two weeks.\u003C\/strike\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E14. Go to mass every Sunday. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E15. Go to my fitness program for at least 10 sessions in the next 30 days.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E16. Have a good massage \u003Cstrike\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.plurk.com\/p\/1rbsk\"\u003Eand get my nails done\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strike\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E17. Have \u003Cstrike\u003Ethree\u003C\/strike\u003E FYA\/proposal approval at work. \u003Ci\u003EDone with one, two more to go!\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E18. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/abbieunreal.blogspot.com\/2008\/07\/myponds-7-day-beauty-blog.html\"\u003E\u003Cstrike\u003EJoin a blog contest\u003C\/strike\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and win.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E19. Log-in at work before 9:30 am for two weeks.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E20. Make peace with one of my on-line \"frenemies\".\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E21. Meet someone.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E22. Meet with my Goodyear and Honda friends.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E23. Organize my iPod playlist, add new songs \u003Cstrike\u003Eand buy a new leather protector.\u003C\/strike\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E24. Pay ALL of my bills on time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E25. Print important and memorable digital pictures and files.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E26. Renew my passport or at least submit the application for renewal.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E27. \u003Cstrike\u003ESleep for a total of 35 hours for one work week (Sunday - Thursday).\u003C\/strike\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E28. Go to Boracay with my highschool friends. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E29. Upgrade my on-line account to premium either on \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/abbiereal\"\u003EFlickr\u003C\/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/abbiereal.multiply.com\"\u003EMultiply\u003C\/a\u003E and buy a domain for \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/abbieunreal.blogspot.com\"\u003Emy blog\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E30. BE HAPPY!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELet's re-visit this entry 30 days from now and see what I achieved! :)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/feeds\/6354840573906133158\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2008\/07\/thirty-things-before-thirty.html#comment-form","title":"9 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/6354840573906133158"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/6354840573906133158"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2008\/07\/thirty-things-before-thirty.html","title":"THIRTY THINGS BEFORE THIRTY"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Abbie"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/14265494155672178468"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg3ZlB3UUlhyXMQIaOi0DTXHREeL7tPKYtpZW-Cgma25DaIFEbiZkZ0D08RVrDzo_ROLV5ScywRCzPoxvWl-vj28vl2O-0rfZuHdTJurdaZeEmlLum-GUVmb2ouddpHRQ\/s113\/AbbieGorgeous.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"9"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756132.post-9006009866818401346"},"published":{"$t":"2007-09-02T22:34:00.000+08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2007-11-02T20:10:20.665+08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Beauty"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Musings"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Rants"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Work Tales"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"HERE COMES THE CAROLS"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003ECarols. As in Christmas Carols.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's now the ninth month of the year and the advent of the \"BER\" months. As expected Christmas Carols are already being played on the radio, at the malls, and even the recessional hymn at Church tonight was \"O Holy Night\". We are now in the midst of ushering the most magical time of the year - Christmas (here in the Philippines, anyway)!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI had a fairly good and less strenuous week compared to last week. I was dead tired the week before since we were on Strategic Planning session for two whole days and I was the one who compiled and made our presentation. It turned out fairly well. I am really proud of what we did.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe highlight of my week was the issuance of two checks that served as my last pay from my previous company. Whew! I was not expecting it so it was truly a welcome surprise. Since there were a lot of pains and hurts associated with them, I decided to invest most of the money rather than spend it. The long nights, the lost friendships and relationships, the chaotic life, my absence in family and friends' get-together, the work stress, and the more than 10 lbs. I gained from the experience can never be returned back to me (well, I can lose the weight!) so I feel that there will be no fulfillment or gratification in spending them. It was a very very hard and challenging two years and I can fully say that I am indeed in a better place now. My deposition, my outlook in life, and the even the relationship I am having with my friends and family now is truly way way better. When I look back at the time spent there I cannot help but ask myself: \u003Cem\u003E\"what was I thinking?\"\u003C\/em\u003E. I am not bitter and I definitely moved on from it already. It was just a very disappointing phase in my life which is hard to forget.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMoving on to lighter topics, my teammates and I celebrated our groupmate's Maffin's birthday last Wednesday. We had lunch at Recipe's in Greenbelt 3 (always a yummy!) and had some cakes in the afternoon. Here are some snaps:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/photobucket.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Maffin @ 29\" src=\"http:\/\/img.photobucket.com\/albums\/v94\/abbie12\/Maffin.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/photobucket.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Kathy, Jannah, Cel, Maffin\" src=\"http:\/\/img.photobucket.com\/albums\/v94\/abbie12\/BSDGRoup.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:78%;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMaffin's Angels at Recipe's Greenbelt\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESpeaking of desserts, I spent a good quality of my time last Friday at the lounge of the Smart Bro Internet Zone which is at the Ground Floor of our building to wait for the rain to stop. I read some magazines, updated my calendar with meeting schedules next week, and had a taste of Nescafe Point's winning chocolate cake called Chocolate Café Single. It's oh-so rich and sinful! The caramel glazed on top of the cake is the best!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/photobucket.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Chocolate Cafe Single\" src=\"http:\/\/img.photobucket.com\/albums\/v94\/abbie12\/Chocolate.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy week ended with a stroll at the nearby mall where I had my nails done at Laxare Nail Spa for two friggin' hours. I almost fell asleep in the comfortable lounge chair with the length of the service (which is actually good). It was truly a money well spent. I would've probably stayed longer if I opted for the Foot Spa. Laxare is really a good place for pampering services. They also offer superb Thai\/Swedish Massages which is not as expensive like the ones offered at The Spa or Urban Spa. Laxare Nail Spa is located at the 3rd Level of Festival Mall in Filinvest.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI also went to Powerbooks and contemplated on buying three books. I have this crazy rule that I will not buy any book if I still have unread books at home. I also make it a point to buy just one book at a time. I had this \"gluttony book\" thing since I can remember so I imposed book rules upon myself to save my bank account. The three books I grabbed were \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Apple-Way-Jeffrey-L-Cruikshank\/dp\/0072262338\"\u003EThe Apple Way\u003C\/a\u003E and two chick-lits. I forgot the title of the other chick lit but the other one is \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Blonde-Theory-Kristin-Harmel\/dp\/0446697591\/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1\/002-8901610-9939263?ie=UTF8\u0026s=books\u0026amp;amp;amp;qid=1188745029\u0026amp;sr=1-1\"\u003EThe Blonde Theory\u003C\/a\u003E by Kristin Harmel which I ended buying.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/photobucket.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"The Apple Way\" src=\"http:\/\/img.photobucket.com\/albums\/v94\/abbie12\/TheAppleWay.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/photobucket.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"The Blonde Theory\" src=\"http:\/\/img.photobucket.com\/albums\/v94\/abbie12\/Blonde.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Apple Way was written by Jeffrey Cruikshank and it discussed the management lessons of the world's most innovative company today. I am interested in reading the book since I know that I would learn a lot from it which I can readily apply to my work – since my company is also at the forefront of innovations. I browsed the first few pages of the book and its an interesting read. I'll probably get a copy next week. Here are some of the wonderful insights which we can get from it: \u003Cem\u003Emake the customer and the product king, balance manufacturing with delivery logistics, motivate and inspire people outside the company to do your marketing and PR\u003C\/em\u003E (blog I say more?), \u003Cem\u003Einvent new distribution channels, decide on your company image and stick to your guns, leapfrog the competition and learn from both success and missteps. \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe book which I actually bought, The Blonde Theory, is your usual chick-lit. I finished it in two sittings. It basically told the story of Harper Roberts, a 30-something lawyer who cannot keep a relationship because men are intimidated by her intelligence and success in her career. To prove that it's not really her but her career that drives men out, she went out with different males and pretended that she's a dumb blonde instead of the hotshot attorney that she is. The men all fell for it\/her. Duh! It's actually a silly book but it entertained me for some hours so no complaints here.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHave a good week ahead!\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/feeds\/9006009866818401346\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2007\/09\/here-comes-carols-carols.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/9006009866818401346"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/9006009866818401346"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2007\/09\/here-comes-carols-carols.html","title":"HERE COMES THE CAROLS"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Abbie"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/14265494155672178468"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg3ZlB3UUlhyXMQIaOi0DTXHREeL7tPKYtpZW-Cgma25DaIFEbiZkZ0D08RVrDzo_ROLV5ScywRCzPoxvWl-vj28vl2O-0rfZuHdTJurdaZeEmlLum-GUVmb2ouddpHRQ\/s113\/AbbieGorgeous.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756132.post-3148284339794901718"},"published":{"$t":"2007-08-07T23:08:00.000+08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2007-11-02T20:14:19.802+08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Abbie"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Birthday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Musings"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"THIS YEAR'S LIST"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003EIt's been a while since I last drawn up a wish list for Birthday or Christmas. I was waiting for a ride the other day when I nonchalantly began jotting down some ultimate wants this year (and next). Hope I can get most of them \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E(friends and family, your full attention please!). \u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere it goes...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1. Finally forgetting it or finally making it \u003Cem\u003E(been singing this tune since early this year, seems like I am gearing more and more towards the former).\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2. For a certain someone to finally look up and notice. : )\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E3. Good health for the rest of the family\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E4. Making new friends, keeping old friends and reconnecting with lost ones.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E5. More, more, more patience \u003Cem\u003E(and less biatchiness).\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E6. The gift of true assertiveness\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E7. A loving and accepting heart *big gulp*\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E8. One quiet and peaceful day on my ride to and from work\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E9. Less whines and brat attacks\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E10. Samsonite Backpack for my laptop \u003Cem\u003E(or a very cool laptop sleeve at least)\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E11. 1GB Memory Stick Duo for my SE P990i\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E12. New desktop monitor for my PC at home \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E13. A second cellphone for my Service Unit\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E14. Trip to Beijing, China to visit \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.tabulas.com\/~taetin\"\u003ETin\u003C\/a\u003E in time for the 2008 Olympics; and to celebrate and welcome the Big Three-Oh there.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E15. Trip to Iloilo in January to attend Tisha and Rhett's wedding\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E16. Roadtrip to Vigan \u003Cem\u003E(been planning this for the longest time!)\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E17. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.dorothyperkins.com\"\u003EDorothy Perkins \u003C\/a\u003EFlare Jeans\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E18. Shoes from \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/schushop.multiply.com\/\"\u003ESchu\u003C\/a\u003E which I ordered on-line to finally arrive\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E19. A new functional office bag \u003Cem\u003E(\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bagsonmymind3.multiply.com\/\"\u003EM Barretto\u003C\/a\u003E?)\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E20. One fine day at \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thespa.com.ph\/\"\u003EThe Spa\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E~*oOo*~\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'll be off to the Queen City of the South for work on Thursday afternoon to attend our Visayas Regional Meeting. It's been years since the last time I was in Cebu. Been too looooong if I may say. The trip will be a quick one since I will just be presenting some updates and programs that we will have soon. I'll be there less than 24 hours so I will not have time to meet with friends and stuff. In fact, I only have one must-do in Cebu - eat at Cheavers! Yay!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EP.S.\u003Cbr \/\u003EI love the weather lately! I love, love, love the rain! I love the cool rainy nights!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/feeds\/3148284339794901718\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2007\/08\/this-years-list.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/3148284339794901718"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/3148284339794901718"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2007\/08\/this-years-list.html","title":"THIS YEAR'S LIST"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Abbie"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/14265494155672178468"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg3ZlB3UUlhyXMQIaOi0DTXHREeL7tPKYtpZW-Cgma25DaIFEbiZkZ0D08RVrDzo_ROLV5ScywRCzPoxvWl-vj28vl2O-0rfZuHdTJurdaZeEmlLum-GUVmb2ouddpHRQ\/s113\/AbbieGorgeous.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756132.post-5010035428316506166"},"published":{"$t":"2007-08-05T20:59:00.000+08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2007-11-02T20:16:45.184+08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Abbie"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Him"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Musings"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"THE FARMER AND I"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003EWhen I was fresh out of college all I wanted was to be this big-time corporate yuppie who can outwit and give intellectual views and opinions at any given time. Being employed in a big corporation was one of the best places for me then. In there I learned a lot and I gained a lot of friends who are as talented and as competitive as I am. It was the beginning of the fulfillment of my dream.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThen I met you. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI met you unexpectedly and life was never been quite the same. My dream of world domination suddenly went out of the window and the dream of a simple life with you came into being. I will never forget the soulful Tagaytay conversation I had with you years back when we dreamed not of careers and high-flying jobs but of the simple life at the farm. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou were the farmer and I was the writer.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe said that we'll do it in a heartbeat. We'll move far and away to our little farm where you'll be contented with your vegetables and I with my little notebook filled with countless stories and memoirs. That's the simple life we both dreamed then. Who needs technology and money when we have each other in our own simple nest?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBut, of course, the farm went away with you. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI am now back at my cube in the high-rise building with other go-getters like me. I am back to the rat-race once more. Back to my original pursuit of conquering the world. I often wonder what became of you. Are you a Farmer now? Do you already have another Writer with you? I am afraid that I don't want to know the answers. But, sometimes, when I am alone at night, I cannot help but dream of the farm and the endless love it promised would give.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUntil we meet again.\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/feeds\/5010035428316506166\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2007\/08\/farmer-and-i.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/5010035428316506166"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/5010035428316506166"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2007\/08\/farmer-and-i.html","title":"THE FARMER AND I"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Abbie"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/14265494155672178468"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg3ZlB3UUlhyXMQIaOi0DTXHREeL7tPKYtpZW-Cgma25DaIFEbiZkZ0D08RVrDzo_ROLV5ScywRCzPoxvWl-vj28vl2O-0rfZuHdTJurdaZeEmlLum-GUVmb2ouddpHRQ\/s113\/AbbieGorgeous.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756132.post-3248869783640055333"},"published":{"$t":"2007-07-08T18:59:00.000+08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2007-11-02T20:21:50.621+08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Abbie"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Musings"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Smart"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"SURVIVING THE FIRST WEEK"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003EMy vacation days are definitely over. I started in my new work last July 2 at this Simply Amazing company. I've wanted to work at this company for the longest time. I've been applying for various positions since I resigned from Honda in 2004 but I've been unlucky until now. But as they say...dreams and prayers are always given to us at the RIGHT time. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI truly believe that NOW is the perfect timming for me to work at this company. I am now more mature, knowledgeable, understanding and experienced in the very complicated corporate world. I know that I am also more armed to face the work battles and various personalities ahead...so bring them on!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/photobucket.com\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/img.photobucket.com\/albums\/v94\/abbie12\/AbbieSmart.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Abbie @ Smart\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cfont size=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFirst Week Snaps\u003Cbr \/\u003E(Yeah, hair was pulled back! Can you believe it?)\u003C\/font\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI survived my first week on the job unscathed. Everyone is friendly and is helping me adjust to the new work environment. My boss treated me to a Welcome Lunch together with my group last Friday to familiarize me more with the people and the culture at our company. My boss is cool but truly expects a lot from me. I have a lot of deliverables and I have to make my section really fly-high. I understand all the concepts, templates, budgets and plans that were discussed to me (thanks to the years at Honda and Goodyear) but I must really undergo training and immersion to familiarize myself more to the different operational procedures, services and products. I am expected to have a three-week training but it was moved for the meantime because of an upcoming launch that I must supervise. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/photobucket.com\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/img.photobucket.com\/albums\/v94\/abbie12\/Smile-1.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Oscar The Grouch is not allowed\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cfont size=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe sign that you'll see at our doors.\u003C\/font\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe culture of the company reminds me so much of Honda. It's conservative, the organization is less flat and the people are also industrious and capable. Even budget approvals and proposal frameworks are the same. I also love the way it gives importance to employees' welfare and to the adage \"work hard, play harder\". We have regular company outings that has a very huge budget per person (my fellow groupmates just had theirs in Boracay), birthday celebrations (it's free HP \u0026 The Order of the Phoenix movie watch for the July and August celebrants) and fun parties. I am definitely loving this company!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E~*oOo*~\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI had dinner last Thursday, July 5, with my Highschool friends \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.tabulas.com\/~taetin\"\u003ETin\u003C\/a\u003E and Jamie at Chef De Angelo in Glorietta. It's been a while since we've last seen Jamie. We organized a dinner get-together so Jamie can see Tin before she leaves for Beijing in mid-July. We had fun reminiscing yesteryears and talking about our gallbladder-less abdomens. Too bad we were not able to take pictures. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy other Forces Friends (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/lilacstardust.blogspot.com\"\u003EAileen\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/charuzee.multiply.com\"\u003ECharo\u003C\/a\u003E) and I will have another get-together this Saturday to properly say \"See Yah!\" to our dear Ex-Manang friend, Tin, who will jet-set again to Beijing for a very deserving new career. We will truly miss her. Sometimes YM conferences, Tabulas entries and Multiply posts are not enough. :( \u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E*Photos are from my Nokia N70 thus not so post-worthy."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/feeds\/3248869783640055333\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2007\/07\/surviving-first-week-my-vacation-days.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/3248869783640055333"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6756132\/posts\/default\/3248869783640055333"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.abbiereal.net\/2007\/07\/surviving-first-week-my-vacation-days.html","title":"SURVIVING THE FIRST WEEK"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Abbie"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/14265494155672178468"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg3ZlB3UUlhyXMQIaOi0DTXHREeL7tPKYtpZW-Cgma25DaIFEbiZkZ0D08RVrDzo_ROLV5ScywRCzPoxvWl-vj28vl2O-0rfZuHdTJurdaZeEmlLum-GUVmb2ouddpHRQ\/s113\/AbbieGorgeous.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}}]}});