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Sleeping through Pedring

I have been indoors for more than 24 hours. Looks like Typhoon Pedring has finally bid us goodbye, but Typhoon Quiel is about to say hello.

No photos from me, not even of the flood last night. I’d been taking advantage of the bed weather see, so I’ve actually been sleeping a lot. Oh and yes, I skipped work last night. At first it was the flood, but then I didn’t make it halfday either – I had been feverish all of a sudden. Must be because of getting wet from the rain several times the past few days.

I left work after lunch with the storm still raging yesterday. I had my big violet umbrella but because of the wind, I still got wet. Globe was having issues and I have had no signal on my mobile for about two hours by then, so imagine my surprise when one message came through! It was my brother, checking in for updates. Unfortunately, I lost signal instantaneously and couldn’t respond. I left my bag in the car and walker around the parking lot looking for a good spot but there was none to be found.

Oh. I did stop to snap this photo of a small tree, casualty of Pedring:

Photo Sep 27, 12 38 04 PM

And also of my bumper, casualty of the driver known as me:

Photo Sep 27, 12 40 03 PM

I bumped against a wall while backing up from where I parked the night I wrote about my non-talent in parallel parking.

Anyway, I gave up and drove home. Along E.Rodriguez, I had to reroute. A big tree in front of the Iglesia ni Kristo fell right smack on the middle of the road. A big red firetruck blocked the street from incoming traffic.

Photo Sep 27, 12 54 35 PM

Photo Sep 27, 12 55 11 PM

I had a choice of following the majority of motorists and turn right towards EDSA, or turn left towards God-knows-where. I chose the road less travelled. Good thing there were street signs, and I easily found my way. Right on Lantana, and another right on New York. Left on E. Rodriguez. There weren’t a lot of vehicles on the road, and the traffic lights were all out. I learned later that power was out since 630 that morning.

It wasn’t difficult to find parking space, but I still wasn’t sure if I would be able to walk home or if creek had already overflown. As soon as I was parked, my phone signaled for new messages. One from my dad asking me to get lunch for everyone. They weren’t able to leave for work. Alfred also sent a message saying he was already home and couldn’t contact me. So I called Mom to say I just got their messages, and I’m going to McDonald’s to grab us all some lunch.

When I got back, I realized I couldn’t bring my bag and all the food with me and balance my umbrella at the same time. I also realized I couldn’t park my car. Dad came to the rescue. Haha.

So we all ate. And there was no power. I had a choice of sleeping through it, or go out and hangout with relatives at the (can we call it) porch. Or I could read a book. I ended up sleeping. And slept I did until very late in the evening.

And this morning? I slept some more. Well. Sleep is good. It cures many ailments. It’s good for the skin. And what I wouldn’t give right now to have better skin. I can’t wait to use my VMV voucher for a Superskin Facial. These Gratiae products also seem good, has anyone tried them?

I hate Parallel Parking

I tweeted that title this afternoon, after minutes of frustrating over parking my car. I really hate parallel parking.

The road home is under construction.

Photo Sep 19, 1 05 57 PM

Since Monday, I’ve had to park by the roadside a block away. On the first two days, parking wasn’t such a hassle. Heading out at night though is close to nightmare. First, I’d have to walk through the messed up road. 

And then I’ll be greeted by dogs that love barking at the slightest sound. I own a dog, but I am terrified of dogs. I used to go around the back of the Chapel on my home just to avoid the dogs that were sure to be blocking my way. So anyway, because I have to get to work, I face the dogs and try to ignore them.

But then I’ll have to back up and maneuver the car for heading out. That has proven to be tougher each night. Tonight will probably be worse, but I hope not.

Now back to me and parking.

It’s still a hit or miss thing.  Parking. Months ago, I took this photo:

Photo Jun 30, 3 44 01 PM

I was happily within the two lines of my own parking space. Haha. That’s not always easy. Specially when you have cars on both sides, and at the slot behind you. It is not easy. Forward, back, turn. repeat two or three times. But that night, and on some nights, it was perfect.

On most nights though? It’s just three things – my car would be parked slightly in a slant. Or my wheels aren’t straight. Or I totally give up on my slot and takeover someone else’s. Like last night.

Then there’s parallel parking. When there’s plenty of space, I can do it. I’m sure any driver can. But when there’s just enough space for one car, uhm, I’m not so sure. One time, I called my dad to takeover. We were just outside the house and I couldn’t for the life of me, get it parked properly.

And there’s this time. In the end, I left my car slightly jutting out from the rest of the parked vehicles. Just slightly. I don’t think I’m in danger of getting hit by any other car since the road is closed anyway. Unless a big rv towing truck or a garbage truck forces its way thru the road. I think some would call the way I parked – park mayaman. Just like how this Mini Countryman is parked proudly behind St. Luke’s. Parang, no one will dare scratch me, hah! (we tooka

Photo Jul 06, 1 38 40 PM

Anyway, here’s another photo of my parked car, with a kitty parked underneath it:

Photo Jun 18, 11 30 08 AM

Were you hoping to see a photo of my haphazardly parked car? I was too frustrated to take a photo. Haha!

Make-Phoebe-Over Birthday Giveaway

I started stalking Phoebe’s blog due to last year’s Sweet November giveaway. When the giveaway was done and I didn’t win any of her fab packages, I stayed subscribed because I was interested in her product reviews. She’s a beauty blogger and sometimes I wish I was as savvy with taking care of my skin and face as she is.

For her birthday this year, she’s hosting another giveaway and there are 3 stashes up for grabs!

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Each stash looks so full and a lot of beauty essentials in there too. SmileJoining is easy, and if you have a suggestion for Phoebe’s new do, then you’ll have an edge over other entrants. So head on over to Phoebeann.Com and learn more about this fantabulous giveaway!

 

I got a couple of things bugging me since last night, and that’s not good when you’re driving (believe me!). I’ll write about them too, unless other things takeover. So here’s a non-beauty related mini-rant: A little annoyed that my work PC wasn’t moved over the weekend. Maybe they can repair one of the unused pedestals there and replace the casters so I have some place to store my bag and papers instead of crashing in on other people’s workstations. Better yet, have the thing repaired so two of my TLs can share it (after waiting in line for over a year!).

Some things I won’t Miss

I was looking forward to a few events this weekend, but I missed them all:

  • Rock Rizal concert
  • Manila International Book Fair (I even dreamt about walking between the aisles and checking each trade show booth and spending a fortune on new books!)
  • Mercato Centrale
  • UAAP Cheerdance Competition (Would have been nice to be in Araneta to witness it, but I did watch it live on TV)

The concert and the book fair were both held at the far MOA. Had the boyfriend been around on Friday afternoon, it would have been a possibility. But he was out on a road trip with his parents. Mercato would have been possible this morning, but I really wasn’t up to it. After all, that one happens every weekend.

And I don’t really mind missing out on those events. There was nowhere else I’d be than home, so I couldn’t miss out on these:

Photo Sep 18, 1 04 09 PMPhoto Sep 18, 12 00 28 PMPhoto Sep 18, 12 00 34 PMPhoto Sep 18, 12 00 36 PMStrawberries and CreamPhoto Sep 18, 12 00 39 PM

Amir is growing up so fast! He can stand now and he’s always up. He knows to reach out and ask to be carried. At nearly nine months he’s two front teeth are out. And he makes a lot of noise!

We’re just so glad that he’s still healthy, and maintains his happy disposition.

Sugar Cookies

I love you Amir! And we loved having you home for the weekend!

Big Hearts for the Pangantucan Central Elementary School

Farm Girl Blogger friend Zoan is in need of big hearts to help her raise some money for her hometown school – the Pangantucan Central Elementary School.

A big fire razed the school last Friday, and nothing was saved. The Local Government is prioritizing the rebuilding efforts. The children must have their school back.

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As for Zoan and her friends/townmates, they are pooling funds together and raising enough money to sponsor the school’s Drum and Lyre Band. Their town fiesta is happening soon and the kids are touted to play. However, all they’re instruments were torched in the fire. To make sure they have something to practice on, and that they perform, Zoan is hoping to raise enough money to sponsor a drum or two, or more.

I am pretty sure that the school needs so many things and they need them fast. The more they have to wait on funds and/or manpower to rebuild, the more that the kids are behind on their school work. I think it’s wonderful that Zoan is rallying people to take care of this one particular concern of the school band instruments. Somebody has to think about these things right?

Interested in making a donation? Hop on over to the the Farm Girl Blogger and find out how.

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