Routine

I've been here for 2 weeks now and I can say I've settled quite easily.  I've visited a few times last year and it has helped a lot in terms of how living is like here. The only thing that I'm still having difficulty with is having to wake up so early.  I feel as if I'm back in school because I need to be up so early.  I'm always looking forward to weekends cause I can stay in bed way longer.

I'm up at 6:30 so I can prepare my brown bag and have breakfast as well.  By 7:25, I should be on my way since the bus arrives at around 7:30.  I get to the MRT station at 7:45 where there will be a 4 minute wait for the train to arrive.  By 8:40 I'll start my 10-minute walk to the office.  I get there before 9.

I have no official work load yet since I'm still immersing so I can't say if I'm gonna be busy.  I just hope I manage my time well.  The only thing I like about my schedule is the fact that I can still pass by the mall after my shift.  I usually end up at the supermarket.  I don't know why but I just love going to supermarkets.  I'm there almost everyday.

Also, I swore to stick to my diet once I get here.  I've tried but from time to time I still slip back.  The smell of local food is just too good to pass up.  I also saw this bread and I think it's perfect for my diet.

The bread slices are too thin but it's packed.  I just got this on my way home this evening so I don't know if it's good. 

My thoughts are all over the place.  Hehe.

Send-Off

Last Friday, I bade goodbye to Sykes.  It's been sad thinking that come Monday, I'll no longer be reporting to our Ortigas office, my place of work for nearly four years.  What's more saddening is the realization that my friends and I will no longer be sharing a laugh over spam, sisig, Quickly, Yoohoo and Ministop's chicken.

Frankly, I didn't expect to feel so sad but during my last few days, if it's even possible, my team and I have grown much closer.  They truly have been the best one could ever hope for.  Sure, we've had our share of arguments here and there but it has never gotten in the way of our relationship as friends.

We had our last dinner at Tramway.  Some of them also decided to tag along with me at the airport.  I also received a few presents to remember them by. Thanks much.

The slippers from the team and Aidz that Chammy tried in vain to hide

Boxers and a few pairs of socks were what Oliver gave me

PJs from Clarice

My sister and Joanne also surprised me with this tumbler

team picture

Joanne and Micah also dropped by and decided to tag along with my brother who was bringing me to the airport.

Diet. Out the Window.

The mindless eating during the holidays made me gain a bit of weight. This is a cause of concern for me since the pain in my lower back is once more starting to rear its ugly head. I swore to stick to my "abs diet" last January but I haven't been as successful.

First off, we started the year by having a filling buffet at Royal Plaza. We then had to spend our team fund at Dampa during the 2nd week. Clarice also treated us out at Max's while celebrating a mini-success. The 3rd week, we discovered Kenny's feast and we just had to eat there twice. I also went back to Singapore where we celebrated Abby's birthday at an eat-all-you-can dinner at Sakura.

The 4th week, Yuth had our favorite chicken curry prepared at his restaurant, Khao Pad. Add to that our countless trips to McDonald's and Dairy Queen. Craving for a late night meal, Portia, Selle and I went to Mang Inasal at around 3 in the morning where I had three hefty servings of rice!

I haven't been as successful this February. Our team went to Tagaytay and the trip wouldn't be complete without having Bulalo and Mushroom Burger. Clarice discovered Sisig Hooray and we became addicted it to that I had to eat there three days straight. Over the weekend, I met up with Jencarps and we had lunch at Cyma and then desserts at Crepes and Cream. Come Tuesday, I met up with Rhommel and we finally had our breakfast buffet at Richmonde.

This weekend, Micah and I met up with Joanne at Trinoma. We had dessert crepes at Crazy Crepes which is way way better than Crepes and Cream. Craving for old fashioned style chicken, we then had dinner at Savory.

I have a couple more buffets to go to. After that, I swear to then go on a diet.

In Pain

My back problem that had me confined and bedridden for three days a couple of years ago is back, full force.  I woke up feeling a slight pain in my lower back which escalated by mid-afternoon.  The effort of standing up is painful and it travels down to my right leg.  

My brother who I live with is flying off for a vacation which leaves me home alone.  And worse, I also have a plane to catch this afternoon and I'm travelling alone.  I'm scared.  

Mangoes and Oranges

This thank you has long been overdue, nevertheless, I'd like to say my piece.  I ordered the Coconut and Mango cheesecake from Rob last December.  He delivered it to our office and gave it as a gift. 

The cheesecake was wonderful and I'm not saying that because I feel obliged.  It really is one of the most delicious cheesecake I've ever tried.  The cake's texture was very smooth and though a bit unusual, the coconut complimented it well.  Weighing almost a kilo, you truly get your money's worth!  I couldn't stop talking about it that I had to ask my brother who just got discharged from his second throat operation to try it out!

Selle and I also had an affinity with Minute Maid ever since it was introduced last December.  I, however, found the Premium Minute Maid kind in Singapore.  It tastes just like the one you get in your in-flight meals.  A true contrast to the sweet Minute Maid pulpy orange.  I liked it so much that I just had to take some home with me. 

Knowing my love for orange juices, Clarice gave me our newest find.  Chuvaness blogged about it and so did Lori.  I'm also a fan.  I finished the big bottle in one sitting.  I also took home some, I'm not sure if my sister liked it but who wouldn't?  It's as fresh as you can get. 

I also tried out Florida's Natural since the one pictured above doesn't have the pulp bits, unfortunately, my throat still hurts after drinking it.  

MegaMac

All the Mega McMeals...

are bound to make someone FAT...