Honey's Lesson

This weekend I was supposed to meet up fellow alumni from high school who were coming from a long drive from Chicago. I volunteered to be their tour guide and perhaps I could help them find a nice clean comfortable hotel room in the city that would fit to their budget. But those things didn’t matter after all because I waited for them to contact me through phone or e-mail. I learned that they ended up staying in the Newark airport area, approximately 15 miles to NYC. It would have been favorable for them if they had at least bothered me. I know people who know people. I network. In fact they were not even imposing since I agreed to assist them in the first place.

Though I was indisposed this weekend and because I promised that I would spare my weekend with them, I would surely meet them up. One thing about me is that when I promise something I always make sure to honor it. I will assure they will get what they ask for when I affirm. I always adhere to my words.

Later that Sunday I found out that they didn’t make any trouble to contact me because they were “nahihiya” and that I am seven years younger than them. I thought the concept of being in the alumni and being collectively part of such constituent, age is absolutely irrelevant. Whether you were on the top 10 or bottom 20 in the class should no longer be the issue. At this age, we should have outgrown that “hiya” trait. It will only mar us from getting success and wanting more in life.

And that reminds me of my good friend’s blog about “hiya”. She writes, “Shame is a huge obstacle to really getting the results we want in life.”

A Reason

There’s always a reason for everything. Two weeks ago when I declined a job offer from another company because they wanted me to start in two weeks and I was not prepared to leave from my current job for another six weeks, there was a reason for saying “no”.

On Monday I was transferred to Actuary Department to tackle a new role as a Project Manager/Analyst. My previous experience as an Applications Manager and my financial background suit me well to this newly created position. It excites me because I will be able to utilize my business and analytical skills.

The Verdict
What if

St Paddy's Memories

NYC celebrates St. Patrick Day on its 247th year marching up on Fifth Avenue and passing the St. Patrick Cathedral at 53rd Street. The parade starts off at 44th Street and ends at 86th Street.

Also, exactly four years ago was my townhouse’s blessing. Friends and relatives came for the blessing and brought food and drinks. I would not say it was potluck because I assigned them what kind of food they should bring - to avoid doubling - instead of bringing gifts that I might not like it or not suited to my taste for my townhouse in the Philippines.

Though it was in July when we begun to move to lower Manhattan, it was three years ago when my current company had announced that we were moving from midtown Manhattan. Our company was preparing to alter its status to for-profit so relocating to the Wall Street area would be an excellent notion to be visible amongst investors - so I just thought.

Dental 101

I just got back from my dentist for the nth time and it will be another week of torture and agony of chewing solid food. I’ve already lost count of my visits when my dentist has begun to work on my teeth since November 2007. This is what happened when you don’t go to your dentist. They recommend to see them at least twice a year even they scare you out with all those things that they put and insert in your mouth. The last time I went for a dental work, it was ten years ago. Now I regret that I didn’t go that often as I could. I’m paying for neglecting my dental hygiene.

My upper gum has suffered 70% bone loss, so my dentist performed periodontal surgery on my upper left gum four weeks ago. Then tonight he did on the upper right gum. Next week I'll come back to remove the stiches and another weeks of healing process before I'll see him again.

He said, “It would take months before he completes the whole thing”. Fine by me. Thank goodness my dental plan covers 99.99% of all procedures.

I will see him again on Thursday.

Making into Top 12

For the second time in a row, I was disappointed with Ramiele Malubay for not taking a risk of her song choice and lacking of confidence on last night’s Lennon-McCartney theme on the “American Idol”. She chose to sing “In My Life” while she pointed out it was dedicated to her close friend who just booted out last week. I would assume that was Danny Norriega. She broke down on camera after Ryan Seacreast announced Danny's departure.

Ramiele hasn’t been taking advantage of her big voice. As petite as she is, she can deliver vocal power but she seems holding it back singing like a bland karaoke-bot. All three judges have been advising her to take some risk and avoid “boring” songs if she wishes to win all the way. If she continues to sing safe songs, she may not fulfill her dream to be the first Asian-American Idol as she underscored on her past interviews.

She needs to learn from her competitors and listens to what the judges have to say. I know she can do better than that. I’m hoping she will pick songs that will rock the judges next time. Tonight she will be moving to the next round, though she was one of my bottom three performers last night.

Restaurant Show

I live in a diverse city where every street or avenue has different flavors and flares that perk up my senses. I love to dine out and I am passionate about food.

When I travel to exotic countries, I make sure I sample every traditional dish they serve and sometimes unconventional. Because locals are the food critics of their own domain, I befriend with them. They like tourists who sincerely show appreciations of their food, language and culture. Once I earn their respect and they know that I am truthful to them they take me to what I called “off-beaten-path” of cheap restaurants or small kiosks where most tourists don’t have the chance to go.

Today is perfect to spend a day in Manhattan. Outside temperature is freezing with a single digit windchill factor, but inside you will warm up with delectable food and huge variety of pastries. Chefs, restaurant owners, and traders from all over the world come to assemble for the annual NY International Restaurant and Foodservice at Jacob Javits Center. This special event lasts until Tuesday, March 11th.

The annual gathering is catered to trade and business visitors only. My niece’s boyfriend’s sister is a manager of one of the five stars hotel in Manhattan so I got invited. I’m so lucky to be part of this exciting food show.