Post Birthday Syndrome: A Photo Documentary

Emotions down. Alcohol flushed. I’m ok and have finally time to choose some photos to post (and to blog it). Hehehe.

The Cake:



Yes! After months of craving this Aristocrat torte-something cake (can’t even recall the name) I finally got it for my birthday! It’s like varieties of sans rival all packed in one… and when you cut it, it looks like a checkered board! And see the plate of pasta? Evidence of stroganoff Mommy Ria cooked for my birthday.. YUMMY!

Blowing of Candles (make it one HUGE candle instead)





Not for tradition but more of for fun, the kids (Milan and Audrey) helped their Ninang ‘Ba (that’s me!) blow the candle. If you’re wondering what I wished for… it’s world peace! HAHAHA!



The cake’s quite hard to cut!



After some struggle, have a cake Myles before Audrey gets it (Myles’s the one taking the photos. See how Audrey stares down at the cake)

A Photo Sequence of a Satisfied Kiddo



Ahh… Audrey finally got her hand on the cake, seriously. Either she’s telling herself, “I can do it! I can get a piece and eat it by myself” or ”You can’t escape from me, you cake! You’re going straight down to my tummy!



Big mouth… "In you go, cake!"



Did you just take my picture?! See how I’m holding my fork! Tiny as it looks I’m going to stab you with this!”

Of course, it’s a joke! How can a cute kid like Audrey think of that?

Nuninu… ninu…

?

It’s my birthday today.

First day of the week that I came in to work after having a flu over the weekend. It isn’t any special day. Aside from the fact that there might be half a billion people celebrating their birthdays today (like one of our clients and one of his employees downstairs), we all seemed to share the same “fate” that the astrology stars tells us.

But still, today is my birthday.

Got up, drank my meds and went to my favorite quiet church/chapel near our home to talk to HIM upstairs. It’s been quite a tradition in my family to practice this going to church on your birthday. I missed a few years doing so because I am not located near a church or chapel, but most likely, I just don’t care a damn if it was my birthday…

… except for today I guess. And HE knows why.

Typical working day. It feel on a Wednesday with our usual Tuesday schedule. Our madam president decided to declare yesterday a holiday because it’s the last day of Ramadan. Politics… don’t ask why. So our schedule was moved.

And I am just sneaking this entry while a meeting is in session.

One of my evil thingies for the day… and I feel more to come.

Happy birthday… to me.

Some people are quite shocked knowing it’s my birthday. After knowing that, they greet, the give a kiss and a hug or just alternate the sequence. Perhaps those gestures make a birthday special. Technology some elevates the kind of greeting one can get on his birthday…

There’s email…
Some e-cards…
Text messages (SMS as it’s technically termed)… these I received quite a handful… a bit having a sore thumb… hehehe!
Phonecalls…

Relatives and friends near and far (and some acquaintances from the past and now) did greet me. Me-happy (imitating Jarjar Binks’s way of speaking).

Though there are those who seemed don’t believe it’s my birthday today… hahaha! Can’t blame them. Perhaps I am showing some bluffing facial expression… I thought it was kind of insulting but come to think of it… they don’t believe me, they don’t get a treat!

Harharhar… wickedness again! I am evil!

My dear friend Annie is here coming from US of A but I can’t see her till Saturday. I had o make sure I have no virus to pass on to her because she has to attend the wedding of her sister her. My VBF, Jose seemed to switch places with her and currently walking in the center of the universe, New York City. He’s never missed a day without texting me and sharing his experiences there like getting lost in the subways of Manhattan and lost his trail or path in the Central Park. He’ll be back soon… like in 2 weeks time.

Sigh

Life goes on… and in a few more hours, I am officially 29.



Yey?

From TransAmerica to the Lady-Boy

Ok. I am sick in bed yet I can’t wait to blog this. Hell I care if I get sick again because I am straining myself when I am not yet well.

Before I get lost in thoughts I better start.

Since I was occupied with my work last week and now I am stuck in bed I missed blogging. Yet I have a couple of things in my head, I decided to do this first. Topic: Transsexual.

What about them? It just so happened that in the very same week 2 different worlds somehow “united” in this topic…

My VBF is in NY right now, blogged about his TS (shortcut for transsexual) aunt and our client who just came in from Thailand relayed to us how those TS in Bangkok called Lady-boys are soooo famous to foreigners.

First of, New York, center of the universe as claimed. My VBF met more TS than expected (quoting him: “I have not been in the company of so many trannies in my life!”). He was even invited to this Silver Swan bar (yes, it’s a soy sauce brand in my country BUT there it’s a famous TS bar) but he has to dress up like a TS. O-K, I told myself… will my VBF give in? Nope he didn’t (yes!) Being an art-comic fanatic and cultured more than 5 gentlemen combined (if there are still any, btw), I still know my VBF. He mentioned in his blog how weird he’d look like if he’d dress up and catered a wig… I could imagine. But with his description of these TS, they have the power to manipulate and I’d say it again manipulate men that they drive crazy. His auntie was able to demand an iPod nano from this guy she’s dating that she didn’t really like going out. And she shares one story of another TS friend of hers (or his) that another TS asked for a NEW car and it was given just like that.

WOW.

Boobs flashing through plunging necklines and cross-legging with some tight mini skirts… some power.

Effortless power…

And I am quite ashamed that I, having a non-surgical breasts and an authentic vagina is so picky and don’t have a boyfriend for more than a decade.

Well, to each his/her own… as they say.

Going half across the world… we stop for the story of our Asian brothers (or sisters) the lady-boys. Thailand is now before for cheap shopping spree but not it’s more known for CHEAP gender-change operation. I have another gay friend who is seeking for a gender change. He told me he’ll be getting one and he plans to bring me there as his companion when he gets it. O-K… I told him half-hesitation and half-happy for him. I felt privilege for among our friend he wanted me to be with him. But I am quite afraid for myself. Ah… I might freak out when I see their testicles and penis in a jar being handed to me and the doctor saying, you might wanted to hold this for your friend in the operating room.

Of course, that’s an exaggeration but if that do happens, I will faint… for the first time!

Anyway, 2 of our clients went to Thailand for business transaction. At night of course, it is expected to go “out” and “explore” the place. Brian, who was assigned to conquer Thailand in one of our clients “expedition” did mention something about these lady-boys in his blog. But relaying the story is quite different from being read I suppose. Cholo, one of our clients’ BA who seemed to be an “expert” on looking at REAL ladies was REALLY confused with these lady-boys. They ARE PERFECT. That’s his only clue on how to differentiate from God-made female species from those doctor-perfected ladies. He did mention Filipina celebrities that look like those lady-boys! Even one of their co-employee looked like one lady-boy… except that this lady-boy doesn’t have much arm hair (sorry, Monica! That’s what Cholo said)…

These lady-boys are such a hit on tourist. Well, sex is really sold there… but I don’t want to dwell into visual description or anything like that… but I wonder… how TS and lady-boys do it? I mean 2 different cultures… well… geesh…

Nevermind.

Sober

I had a weekend day off yesterday. I call it a day off because for the first Saturday as far as I recall, I had a weekend that I went out by myself, with my own plans.

Freedom.

I was even able to do errands for a dear friend. I don’t feel tense or had to rush.

I took the bus from my town to the city.
Rode the jeep heading to my old university.
I walked under the shaded rows of the huge acacia trees.
I passed by students and some passed by me.
Went inside the university chapel/church, talked to God sitting.
It was calming.

I am relaxed.

Despite it’s the weekend where malls are on sale, I couldn’t care less. Luck was somehow on my side yesterday. Traffic didn’t eat my time that much. I had lots of time to spare. I wasn’t able to find any book in relation to the work I’m suppose to be researching on. But it was ok. My bookstore visit was half disappointing. No “book” on modular thing I saw before but I got these…













Shel Silverstein’s The Missing Piece and The Missing Piece Meets The Big O.

I bought the books. For myself. Expensive. But I felt satisfied on the purchase. I love the stories. Simple. Considered under children’s book category but it reflects life’s questions and obstacles. And I can relate to it.

Reminders.

––––––––––

I went home quite early (in the morning, almost 1AM). I went out for just a beer with a couple of new found friends. (Take note: I just had ONE beer.) I am contented. REALLY. Perhaps, because I get to:

1.) eat those baked scallops I’ve been craving for weeks!!!

2.) go out with no hindrance, no questions asked. (Although it’s in my dad’s voice when he opened the gates for me that he’s not happy that I came in “late” and alone.)

3.) do the initial “structural plan” for one project I am assigned to with the help of a friend Ü

I don’t need to be tipsy or drunk to be satisfied in a day/night out. The mere fact that I got out, with a few money to shed, I am happy.

Temporarily.

Still, I was happy.

When Strips Reflect Reality

So many things in mind to blog about and here I am stunned.

Hmmm… why not let the infamous cat speak. Folks, Garfield presents…

LIFE

Strip no. 1



It is better to shot your mouth when you have nothing better to say. Why? Because you'll be an annoyance to everyone. You take their precious time, ruin their day, etc. etc. Speak ONLY when it is needed… like when you are asked to. But there are really some people who are quite insensitive about these incidents. I guess people on the "other" side should just practice shielding themselves. Turn on your radar, kids!

Strip no. 2


How we should envy Garfield. It’s simply exposing his claws will make other retract knowing he’s in a bad mood. And he has the right to show it. Others are banned to do so… and with frequent containment will lead to depression, mood swings or fatality: DEATH?

Strip no. 3


Haaaaaa… that grin that’s stuck there for no apparent reason. I am a victim of that recently. Say… am I? Nah…

I could relate to Jon…?

OMG! Nooooo…..

(Chanting repeatedly: There is life outside the office... there is life outside my room...)

Tuesdays, Idle Times and Missing Someone

It's on of those Tuesdays – my Tuesdays... when my team just came in from our usual meeting with our client. The meeting went quite well. New ideas here... revisions there... longer than usual.

And as the meeting ends, this came in...







Hot pizzas came to pacify our grumbling tummies. (Our pizzas have better toppings than in the photo, of course) :p



Another day ended... tomorrow awaits. So do our revisions and work.

As much as I wanted to sleep, my mind resists. I wish it would function on "work" mode for me to do some computations and proportional calculations (yes! I do some Math even in designing... I wish I took up some subjects under Industrial Design). I decided to read a few blogs and posts some myself.

A simple Nemcy-time... Ü

I was on and off YM. Nobody interesting to talk to. Until I saw my VBF, Jose online! He fled our beloved (note: sarcastic description) country a couple of days ago hopefully just for a vacation. But I have this feeling that he'll catch some big "fish" there and he'll be leaving me for GOOD! It's his second day there and he's pissed, BIG TIME. Yep! The land of so called milk and honey isn't what we see in Hollywood movies. Unlucky for him, he is first staying in a relative in Jersey City which I find filthy and dirty too... and I am not exaggerating!

Unsorted trash in each corner of the street, vandalism of ugly graffiti on street walls, buildings with chipped off wall paints just to name a few...

His cousin's internet connection he described as "jurassic"... and I think as I understand what Jose said, the PC itself has NO USB!

WHATTHA....?!?

That's just some of his rants on our less than 5-minute chat. His time in this net café owned by a supladong pinoy is almost up...

Thank God, my brother was fortunate enough. His job is somehow related to computers and is doing well there in New Jersey way back when I visited and hopefully up until now...
1.) He has cable internet connection
2.) A very nice house with extra rooms to accommodate visiting relatives and friends
3.) Lives in the suburbs that is clean, peaceful and good neighbors
4.) He's patiently taught me how to get to and from New York and drives me off to and picks me up from the nearest bus stop/area
5.) Generously gives me "allowance" as my reward when I do him and his family favors

Sigh...

I wish I'm there right now... I miss my niece, Noelle :(

I miss Jose too... I feel his rants even he's far, far AWAY. 28+ more days to go before he gets back here.

He said, he miss me too.

Sigh.

At least he gets to sleep in his female cousin's PINK room!

Call it consolation.

Booze For Boost

It’s always been use as an excuse that people tend to be more “open” (or should I say careless) when they are drunk. Or they’d say I need a drink or two to do this or say this.

Ah… ok…

Talking and drinking seemed to be coupled lately. Well, a form of release… an excuse to go out AND talk.

I still don’t think that getting drunk would “boost” up the courage we need when we are sober. Excuses, excuses… well, until the past few days.

It’s always been a form of relieve when I go out for the night, for a drink or two, hang out with friends or just be myself to think things over. And last night was one remarkable night Ü

I didn’t get laid or anything. (Too bad ba?) And I am not drunk now just to say that… I know how some people think so uunahan ko na kayo!) I was in a hot seat actually. This friend of mine kept on telling that it’s my night every time I attempted to throw the question(s) back at him.

Yes, questions were thrown right in my face even before my hands got to touch that cold SanMig Light. I was stupid to think that he’d pop up THAT question.

Geesh…

What was I thinking?!?... I’m such a wuss (and it’s my first time to use that word!) I think I was even blushing then. I just got to my seat, perspiring from walking and not no beer was even ordered for me.

Ah… yosi?! I asked for cigarettes. Hope it was as easy as puffing out that smoke to blow out all emotions (or distractions).

He did ask (some) questions. Somehow I expected it BUT not the intial question that I thought I would be.

Assuming… ’Tang ina!

The talk was brief enough. With a few laugh trips. The night ended well (yet early for me –– hahaha).

He’s cute when he’s drunk… nyak! (Sorry… thinking out loud…)

Serious na ulit …

Now I understand why I am sticking to where I am now. I understand where that spark of hope is coming from. It’s somehow a code or unwritten rule when the trust is there. I may be taking the risk knowing the whole world is against it. They find it either being martyr or plain stupid. But I have that thing in me. It’s BACK. Thanks… (you know who you are!)

Hell… can’t explain it that well or find the right word but I know IT’S THERE.

It’s just this (stupid) grin I can’t wipe off my face! We have deadlines to beat for tomorrow…

Oh well…

Cheers!

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I nabbed the photograph above over the net. I think it was posted on Flickr. If it's yours, I acknowledge it. Thanks, dear!

Query

That question asked to me by a friend…

I told him, I do ask the same question too. With his situation, he somehow openly told me where he is and obviously sees how he feels about it.

Talk to …

And he did. Good for him.

He’s staying. He’s is back (as he announced the other night).

I am happy.

Sigh.