It had been a long time since I last blogged, and for some good reasons.



The first week of October was our semi-annual install and I had been busier than a bee. It was a very challenging release, not only because it's the most complex one we've had, but a high profile one at that! Even after the release, we've spent lots of hours resolving problems that were popping up.



On the night of Oct. 7, I flew to Las Vegas for a weekend trip. I met my roommate there with her sister and her sister's family. I was so excited because for one, I'd be able to get away from work for a little while. Next, I was anxious about the photo op. Third, it had been quite a while since I had last been in Vegas - 1999 to be exact. True enough, I became trigger-happy taking lots of photos. Vegas is an amazing city. I wonder how much electricity is consumed there everyday?! Due to budget constraints, we were able to see only one show - Lani Misalucha and the Society of Seven.



I was left home alone for a couple of weeks before I met L and family in Vegas. It was very quiet at home and I was able to accomplish a lot of things. For one, I was able to do a couple of LOs - Love all these years led us to this.



Coming back to work had been as hectic as when I left. There was even a time when I was forced to take the day off because I was getting so hot-headed. E even told me that I looked disgusted while she was talking to me. My day off had been a productive one - I used it to make christmas cards. L was even teasing me that she'll buy some cards from me to send to her family back home. We'll see....



Is my life back to normal? If normal meant I'm not home alone anymore, and that things has slowed down at work, and that our guests have returned back to New Zealand, then yes, my life is indeed back to normal.

Star Struck



Guess who came by the office today? Just Lenny Krazelburg, Ian Crocker, and none other than Michael Phelps himself!!!!!! We had a kick-off staff meeting for FY05 and before the meeting ended, they came out from the backstage and we were on our feet clapping. My jaw dropped to the floor! I couldn't believe they were actually our company guests! I've always hoped they'd (especially Lenny and Michael) drop by the office to thank our company for sponsoring them at the Olympics, but knowing their busy schedules, I doubted that would happen. You can just imagine how star struck I was when I actually saw them up close!



There was an autograph signing and picture taking between 3-5. My friends were there, and they have pictures to show for it, but I, unfortunately, was busy slaving away. Our release went in today and we were having a few problems that I couldn't get away from my desk because I was burried deep with fixes and migrations. I missed that chance! Nevertheless, I will sleep happy tonight because I actually got to see my crushes - Michael Phelps and Lenny Krazelburg!

That Dizzy, Shaky Feeling

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 shook Parkfield yesterday - a long way away from where I work. Still, we felt the shake because our building is on rollers. I was on conference call, and as soon as I felt the building shaking, I dropped off from the call to get a better feel if I need to hide under my desk. At first I thought I was getting dizzy, but I had gotten used to the shakes (have actually experienced it on this building more than a couple of times already) to know that it's an earthquake. My next-cube neighbor is actually panicking - she wanted to get out of the building as if she's safer there. I was praying silently and deep inside, I'm truly scared. Some folks are actually laughing it off (as if earthquakes are an everyday occurrence in California).



This incident reminded me of the 1990 quake that destroyed lots of homes and buildings, and claimed thousands of lives in the Philippines. I was a freshman then and I could vividly recall how two gentlemen carried me out of the cashier's office into the open. I was closed to getting squashed in there when people panicked and were trying to beat each other out of the building. Funny how, after I came out of that cramped space, I thought about the shoe I dropped. The guy came back inside to get my shoe telling me "miss, mamamatay ka na lang, sapatos mo pa ang naisip mo". I was in a daze at that time that I failed to thank these good samaritans, let alone, look at their faces. Well, whereever you are, your act of chivalry is deeply appreciated.



On a lighter note, good thing I got my shoe back because I had to walk home that night. Can you imagine me walking with just one shoe on? :)

Peace and quiet



My roommate's sister Z and her family came to visit from New Zealand. They arrived last Wednesday. Since it was their eldest son's birthday, we invited very close neighbors to celebrate with us. Dinner ended at half past 11. I went to bed late and was dozing on and off almost the entire Thursday. On Saturday, Z's friends from college came by for a get together and we hosted yet another set of guests. It was 12mn when we finished cleaning up. I called hubz and we talked 'til around 1am.



I woke up this morning with a migraine. My roommate and everybody else is busy preparing for their 2 week trip through the West Coast. They plan to go to Yosemite today, then Tahoe tomorrow, then to Utah, Arizona, Las Vegas, then back to San Francisco. My roommate has been telling me they haven't started driving out and she felt stressed already! I don't blame her - that's a lot of driving to do in two weeks! Good luck L!



They left at around 9am and I have the house by myself. I went to church where an elderly passed out because of low blood sugar. There was a commotion inside the church and good thing, the ambulance came quickly.



I was able to finish a couple of pages for our scrapbook. I called them We're Engaged and All About Us layouts. It took me 4 hours to finish both of them, but that included conceptualizing the design and printing photos. I'd like to think my layouts are getting better. Comments please.... :)

And oh, by the way, I finished a greeting card for my bestfriend M's birthday on the 7th of October.

Counting five days 'til we go into Production! Please pray for a smooth and successful install.

Check this out



I get asked what my husband does on his spare time. Well, he has a remote controlled plane which he flies every weekend. When I went home a few months ago, he dragged me to where they're flying these RC planes and I was really impressed at how he manuevered his'. Call me a proud wife but when someone comes up to me to say how good my husband is in flying, I am also flattered. So, I'd like to share you this video of his flying abilities. This was posted at an RC Tech Community website.



Way to go C!

Mushy Stuff



I'm feeling mushy today. I just finished reading Nicholas Sparks' "The Wedding". I thought love stories were always written by women. This book intrigued me because I heard some friends talking about how good it is. Needless to say my friends are as mushy as I am.... :)



This book revolved around a man whose marriage spanned for 30 years until he one day realized that his wife is almost about ready to leave him. He has spent years prioritizing his career over his family. Though his love for his wife never changed through the years, he didn't know how to show it. With this realization, he made it a resolve to court his wife again in order to regain the old feelings back. How he did it is the meat of the story. The ending is oh-so-touching - tugging to my heart! I was in the bus reading the part where he wrote a love letter to his wife and it kept me sniffling. I consider it a good love story when it brings tears to my eyes.



I'd truly recommend this as a must read for romantics like me.... :)



Sigh, I wish hubz is here so I can snuggle with him. There's no better way to read a love story than to have that special someone beside you whom you can hug.

September Birthday Greetings



A lot of people celebrate their birthdays on the same month as I do. December's truly a busy season - not only for weddings but for pregnancies as well! :) To all of you, happy, happy birthday!!!!



M today

our neighbor G on the 16th

D on the 17th

E and my brother M on the 19th

C on the 24th

Ninong B and my second cousin R on the 29th

P on the 30th



Pahabol birthday greetings to

E on Sept. 6

my inaanak M on Sept. 10

my former team lead P on Sept. 10



To all of you, I pray for all the very best that life has to offer!