Tuesday, 30 November 2010
mystery solved
Here's the reason for that amazing roast potatoes and poached salmon.
Let's start cooking shawe?
Let's start cooking shawe?
Dear Nurses
Student demonstrations today
I took this photo because I think you ought to know that tuition fees are hiking up (but that's not old news as it is covered everyday the minute you watch the news in the morning and just before you switch off that darn tube at night). I once argued with some of you about doing Mentorship and Renal courses but met with ambivalence by some and a strong "NO" from most of you.
I remember my mother saying when I was growing up that, "Education is the only wealth I can afford to give you".
We are lucky that we get to study for free. Take advantage of that opportunity. You are not doing this for other people but yourself.
footprints
Just like tradition, I take photograph of my footprints on the snow.
It is like a reminder that past although intangible and a vivid part of memory, remains a stark subsistence to living a life. It reminds me that dreams did grow wings; that it has taken a shape I once imagined.
It is like a reminder that past although intangible and a vivid part of memory, remains a stark subsistence to living a life. It reminds me that dreams did grow wings; that it has taken a shape I once imagined.
snow
Now this is winter. Oh how I yearned for this moment to come!
This is the second day that I opted to stay at home. I love going to work but with my rattling chest and on and off feverish state, I decided that optimum rest would be good to hasten faster recuperation. This is the THING... the sub-zero temperature and damp weather conditions are exacerbating respiratory ailments and are causing longer recovery period. It is a fact (I don't have the evidence based article to support this but ask your mother if you think otherwise).
Barbra had to stop haunting me with her inimitable singing and followed up the real diva scheme with Aretha's Love Song's Album. This is bliss.
Originally, I started writing for the reason of an emotional outlet. It has been fairly therapeutic for me over the years but ever-since, my repertoire has changed slightly. Blogging has evolved into something of a hobby that goads me to keep on going. There are days that I'd look back and realise how much of a remedy this blog's been to my ailing memory.
Today, this is one post that I write for the sake of showing gratitude that I can express myself for no other reason but a passing, flitting moment. The past month was too much of an emotional exercise that I am now exhibiting immunity to affective ramification. Winter is such felicity. Everything turns cold but my heart. Although fervently warm, it is confined within reason.
Snow is coming down like beautiful hardened tears... simply exquisite.
powder
London is finally getting the action.
As this event triggers a wave of serious chain reaction, I'd carry on listening to Barbra Streisand's Christmas Album.
Heater : Check
Jumper: Check
Sweatsuit: Check:
I am glad to be indoors with my warm broth.
I've said this a million times, but I do love winter and its accessories.
As this event triggers a wave of serious chain reaction, I'd carry on listening to Barbra Streisand's Christmas Album.
Heater : Check
Jumper: Check
Sweatsuit: Check:
I am glad to be indoors with my warm broth.
I've said this a million times, but I do love winter and its accessories.
Monday, 29 November 2010
magic of SINIGANG NA GABI mix
Boil a broth with spring onions, shallots and fresh tomatoes, then season with pepper and salt (bit of sugar optional).
Bring to a boil, put the salmon fillets in... Stir in the sinigang mix.
Three minutes of boiling... simmer down and add seasoning according to taste.
Voila! DINNER!
Bring to a boil, put the salmon fillets in... Stir in the sinigang mix.
Three minutes of boiling... simmer down and add seasoning according to taste.
Voila! DINNER!
visual feast
I have seen the I AM TOUR twice at the O2 Arena, London.
But watching the DVD (with adds on) tonight, I see why Beyonce is QUEEN (A SAINT in the eyes of some people I know). I am not a STAN but this woman is a rara avis.
So, go BUY the DVD. Your grandchildren will be proud of your generation upon seeing this.
But watching the DVD (with adds on) tonight, I see why Beyonce is QUEEN (A SAINT in the eyes of some people I know). I am not a STAN but this woman is a rara avis.
So, go BUY the DVD. Your grandchildren will be proud of your generation upon seeing this.
yelp
F___K THIS FLU!
So allow me to be positive.
- I didn't go to work
- I slept and dreamt of you
- I blogged nonsensical stuff
- I watched telly to my heart's content
- I watched more telly to my boredom's content
- I chatted with a dear friend from SFO
- I chatted some more
- I cooked tuna omelette
- I recorded a video despite having sore throat
- I was delirious and allowed myself to be
- I watched porn and ...
sketch
Cipriano Mayor III (Class 1993)
Rian is a Practice Development Nurse in St Thomas Hospital, one of London’s most famous hospitals. Juggling between world travels and work, he still managed to earn his Diploma in Teaching at King’s College. His expertise is not just in clinical setting but in West End musicals, as well.
Balik Turo - FEU - Personality sketch
Right.
Someone's gonna get fired later (did you hear that NAM?).
Sigh.
S is for
This iPhone is handy.
It is early Monday morning and I still couldn't find comfort from soft pillows and warm covers. Sleep is evading me. My body's ravaged by flu and my mind's tormented by decisions, decisions and more decisions. At least I have decided not to go to work tomorrow... Errr... Today. That's one less thing to worry about.
A block of flats had power cut last night and due to inability to cook a decent meal, I decided to head out to city centre for an easy and fast grub. It was strange... a power shortage in London? For over four hours without light, television, Internet and other basic amenities, it transported me to the time when life was a lot simpler; when meeting a friend for coffee meant a whole lot of predetermined trust and faith that the person would be there at the agreed time and place. For several hours, there was deafening silence but peaceful nevertheless. For the first time in weeks, I heard the soft breeze hissing against the sills and even the sound of my footsteps as I traipsed over the wooden floor. Yes, it was odd yet reminiscent of past and childhood.
I am now in that cusp between young and middle adulthood. Maturity is a given. I may know it by heart but practising the art of stability, security and sound judgment is a hit or a miss. However, my definition of these elements of maturity varies and differs from .... let's say, most friends I know. I am typing this post at 3:44 am and I'm still cerebrating about life in general.
I hate complications. Tonight's lesson is simple: Simplicity gets the basics covered.
It is early Monday morning and I still couldn't find comfort from soft pillows and warm covers. Sleep is evading me. My body's ravaged by flu and my mind's tormented by decisions, decisions and more decisions. At least I have decided not to go to work tomorrow... Errr... Today. That's one less thing to worry about.
A block of flats had power cut last night and due to inability to cook a decent meal, I decided to head out to city centre for an easy and fast grub. It was strange... a power shortage in London? For over four hours without light, television, Internet and other basic amenities, it transported me to the time when life was a lot simpler; when meeting a friend for coffee meant a whole lot of predetermined trust and faith that the person would be there at the agreed time and place. For several hours, there was deafening silence but peaceful nevertheless. For the first time in weeks, I heard the soft breeze hissing against the sills and even the sound of my footsteps as I traipsed over the wooden floor. Yes, it was odd yet reminiscent of past and childhood.
I am now in that cusp between young and middle adulthood. Maturity is a given. I may know it by heart but practising the art of stability, security and sound judgment is a hit or a miss. However, my definition of these elements of maturity varies and differs from .... let's say, most friends I know. I am typing this post at 3:44 am and I'm still cerebrating about life in general.
I hate complications. Tonight's lesson is simple: Simplicity gets the basics covered.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
NUMERO 1
I don't care about World Tour Finals.
So a walking advert called RF won the event... but Nadal remains number 1. This will sound ageist but Nadal is 24. Did you hear that? ... only 24!!!!!!!!!!
So a walking advert called RF won the event... but Nadal remains number 1. This will sound ageist but Nadal is 24. Did you hear that? ... only 24!!!!!!!!!!
fables
I love bookstores (puhlease! Don't raise your brows!).
Along Charing Cross Road, bookstores are the main attraction. Most of these stores sell cheap books as if encouraging the new generation to at least read a book a year and take them out of the comfort of their video-gaming ritual and social networking addiction.
So many books to read ...
But I ended up with this:
Now raise your brows!
Along Charing Cross Road, bookstores are the main attraction. Most of these stores sell cheap books as if encouraging the new generation to at least read a book a year and take them out of the comfort of their video-gaming ritual and social networking addiction.
So many books to read ...
But I ended up with this:
Now raise your brows!
first risotto
Talking about firsts - after several months of not cooking risotto, I finally managed to motivate myself to cooking one. Some natural instincts like cooking don't necessarily die into oblivion. It is similar to love.
... and I am passionate about food and love. A marriage combo that I need to get going.
first item
Burberry Brit Waxed Fishtail
This is my dream coat at the moment. I have moved on from that Junya Watanabe coat. I just think a price tag of nearly a sterling grand isn't justifiable. This coat is more within my price range if I starve myself for two months.
I still don't know why I have this penchant for coats. Why oh why!
flu part trois
Doctors and Nurses make the worst patients ever.
I had appendisectomy years ago and I must have terrorised the poor nurses during my brief stay in the surgical unit. Every time I get flu (or flu-like symptoms), I immediately regress to child-like demeanour or worse, childish guise. A diva in the offing.
But why am I writing this post?
It is simply because, if my body couldn't traverse the packed Oxford Street and be lured to an impulsive buying spree then this would definitely set my mind free. Now what do I want for Christmas?
It's time to start planning, inside my bedroom.
Rafro Fedal
OK.
It is a Nadal - Federer final.
The last match ever of the year.
It's scintillating but daunting.
My analytic nous is in hyperdrive.
I need to go out and shop.
I'd pretend my life is NORMAL.
It is a Nadal - Federer final.
The last match ever of the year.
It's scintillating but daunting.
My analytic nous is in hyperdrive.
I need to go out and shop.
I'd pretend my life is NORMAL.
Flu part deux
There. Saturday's gone just like that. I blame this friggin' flu.
I tried to make an effort though. I took my medications on time, showered and got dressed only to change mind at the last minute. I felt it wasn't right to brave the gelid conditions out there. A below-zero temperature is no ordinary condition. But I missed the chance to put layers upon layers of garments. It's one of the reasons why winter is fanta-bulous of all the four seasons in a year.
Trying not to sulk, I forced myself to watch some crap television programs. I was glad Nigella - the minx chef was on. It was later followed by Grand Design and watched the 3 hour- 11- minute- semifinal match between Nadal and Murray. I must have screamed the house down and aggravated my ailing condition to the hilt. X-factor was on just before 8 pm and fell asleep even before it started.
I woke up just now and felt robbed of my precious weekend. If only this flu bug is something externally macroscopic, I'd douse it with petrol and watch these parasites squiggle as they burn. If not by burning, I'd hammer them with a mallet one by one and see their flesh splattered all over the floor, walls and ceiling. It'd be a better exercise for the day.
Only then I'd feel satisfied.
I tried to make an effort though. I took my medications on time, showered and got dressed only to change mind at the last minute. I felt it wasn't right to brave the gelid conditions out there. A below-zero temperature is no ordinary condition. But I missed the chance to put layers upon layers of garments. It's one of the reasons why winter is fanta-bulous of all the four seasons in a year.
Trying not to sulk, I forced myself to watch some crap television programs. I was glad Nigella - the minx chef was on. It was later followed by Grand Design and watched the 3 hour- 11- minute- semifinal match between Nadal and Murray. I must have screamed the house down and aggravated my ailing condition to the hilt. X-factor was on just before 8 pm and fell asleep even before it started.
I woke up just now and felt robbed of my precious weekend. If only this flu bug is something externally macroscopic, I'd douse it with petrol and watch these parasites squiggle as they burn. If not by burning, I'd hammer them with a mallet one by one and see their flesh splattered all over the floor, walls and ceiling. It'd be a better exercise for the day.
Only then I'd feel satisfied.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
random musing
He said...
" ... under promise, over deliver".
Ed Miliband, the new leader of the Labour party uttered this line and I got excited. I found it really interesting so I looked it up.
"The phrase "under promise over deliver" has become a popular business principle, for it is better not to promise something to your customer that you cannot keep than to under promise and to surprise your customer with good service. So how can this not be good?" - Wiki
Wala lang.
" ... under promise, over deliver".
Ed Miliband, the new leader of the Labour party uttered this line and I got excited. I found it really interesting so I looked it up.
"The phrase "under promise over deliver" has become a popular business principle, for it is better not to promise something to your customer that you cannot keep than to under promise and to surprise your customer with good service. So how can this not be good?" - Wiki
Wala lang.
being single
It's been a while since I was in a relationship... in my own definition at least. If I ask another thinking, rationale soul (called real friends) then they'd probably disagree with that notion. But it seems like forever now. Is two months forever enough?
It is probably because after the crumbling of one long term relationship, another charming person comes along to sweep me off my feet. Typical (this sounds like the arrogant prick in me is having a field day). But yes, my track record speaks and brags for itself. But on scrutiny, I'm not too impressed with how it panned out in the past. However, learning how to have full emotional independence is something I'm trying to effectuate and eventually, consummate (hopefully not for long though) after the failings of my last relationship.
Since being single, socio-emotional life has been tempestuous and bumpy. It only proves how labile one's psyche is when love matter is concerned. Few made me re-capture that twinkle of my eyes but thanks GOD to friends, checks and balances are in order. In unison they'd say, "Enjoy being single. See and feel what it's like to be yourself again and be selfish". But I thought I'm selfish enough.
I am single.
I will be single for a while.
My plea: I hope Mr. Perfect doesn't come along just yet and wreck havoc to my less virtuous, wavering self.
It is probably because after the crumbling of one long term relationship, another charming person comes along to sweep me off my feet. Typical (this sounds like the arrogant prick in me is having a field day). But yes, my track record speaks and brags for itself. But on scrutiny, I'm not too impressed with how it panned out in the past. However, learning how to have full emotional independence is something I'm trying to effectuate and eventually, consummate (hopefully not for long though) after the failings of my last relationship.
Since being single, socio-emotional life has been tempestuous and bumpy. It only proves how labile one's psyche is when love matter is concerned. Few made me re-capture that twinkle of my eyes but thanks GOD to friends, checks and balances are in order. In unison they'd say, "Enjoy being single. See and feel what it's like to be yourself again and be selfish". But I thought I'm selfish enough.
I am single.
I will be single for a while.
My plea: I hope Mr. Perfect doesn't come along just yet and wreck havoc to my less virtuous, wavering self.
easing down
"Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully."
- Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
I am a fast learner. I am seeing things clearly and I'm glad that I feel this way.
waiting... waiting...
There's a buzz all week that snow will blanket UK yet again. It was freezing cold last night (-3C to -10C) and I have used up my GAS meter for all night of heating. Despite that however, I slept with my hoodie, pyjama and socks.
I woke up disappointed. From the seventh floor, I see white patches of frost on rooftops but flicking channels on telly showed snowfall all over areas outside London. I'm jealous. Terribly jealous.
I hope snow comes my way and f____k this flu I'm ridden with.
I woke up disappointed. From the seventh floor, I see white patches of frost on rooftops but flicking channels on telly showed snowfall all over areas outside London. I'm jealous. Terribly jealous.
I hope snow comes my way and f____k this flu I'm ridden with.
Friday, 26 November 2010
meet Charlton
Moi, NAM and Charlton
This is long overdue.
Charlton meet w.w.w. and w.w.w., I believe you've met Charlton before.
www: Hell yea. He is one clever boy.
Charl: Naks.
www: Seriously. I like your blog.
Charl: Perhaps, if you're into Easter holidays, free-diving and truth serums.
www: ... and of twilight and dawn?
Charl: I prefer the artsy black and white photos.
Yes.
Charl: Naks.
www: Seriously. I like your blog.
Charl: Perhaps, if you're into Easter holidays, free-diving and truth serums.
www: ... and of twilight and dawn?
Charl: I prefer the artsy black and white photos.
Yes.
This blog is really long overdue but I'm glad things have remained the same. I must say, I admire the consistency.
dieting
So I eventually decided to go to work, getting rid of the clout of the soft bed and warm duvet.
As an extension to the conversation about dieting, I'm surprised how I managed to survive the day with mere yoghurt, banana and water for lunch. I must admit, I thought I was going to pass out as I trekked the two flights of stairs to the Renal offices. I knew it was unhealthy but my appetite was non-existent. It was already 13:15 when Barbara asked if I'd like something from the canteen.
I had a ticket to watch the evening tennis match at O2 (Djokovic vs Roddick) but decided against the idea. Cogitating a Djokovic match minus RAFA did it for me. So I focused my thoughts on using my mental faculty to eat something. After work, I willed myself to a Wagamama Seafood Ramen and Chili Squid but felt sick thereafter.
I usually say that I eat my depression away while losing weight means a happy frame of mind. I am starting to decompound what it means to lose an appetite. I am trying to dichotomise the balance between melancholy and mirth hoping that I'd get an answer to this extreme subconscious wilfulness not to eat.
I must be in limbo of human emotions.
As an extension to the conversation about dieting, I'm surprised how I managed to survive the day with mere yoghurt, banana and water for lunch. I must admit, I thought I was going to pass out as I trekked the two flights of stairs to the Renal offices. I knew it was unhealthy but my appetite was non-existent. It was already 13:15 when Barbara asked if I'd like something from the canteen.
I had a ticket to watch the evening tennis match at O2 (Djokovic vs Roddick) but decided against the idea. Cogitating a Djokovic match minus RAFA did it for me. So I focused my thoughts on using my mental faculty to eat something. After work, I willed myself to a Wagamama Seafood Ramen and Chili Squid but felt sick thereafter.
I usually say that I eat my depression away while losing weight means a happy frame of mind. I am starting to decompound what it means to lose an appetite. I am trying to dichotomise the balance between melancholy and mirth hoping that I'd get an answer to this extreme subconscious wilfulness not to eat.
I must be in limbo of human emotions.
early waking moments
Friday.
It is nearly half seven and I'm still hogging the duvet. Last night, my throat was sore and my back was aching. I'm like a decrepit old man that with minor exertion crumbles to pieces. I actually feel old these days. I have theories: lack of regular tennis regime (and good warm up), advancing age and dieting.
I'd ignore aging. Only when someone finds the "elixir of youth" that I'd start saving millions to afford staying fresh (uhmmmm not really - I take pride with my growing wisdom!!!!). I hate and fear Botox and other invasive surgeries. They're a confirmation of how insecurity gnaws one from within.
The warm-up prior to tennis matches is paramount. Only an idiot would play club tennis without proper stretching and conditioning. TRANSLATION: I'm an imbecile for knowing and not practicing this golden rule.
Yes, the dieting. I have been doing three rounds of 50 crunches a day and (don't laugh) a 2 kg dumbbell BID - 50 each arm a session. Doing this regimen has affected my appetite greatly that from a bowl of rice, I now manage to eat a cup each time. I am addicted to caffeine more than ever and I take lansoprazole at night for having changed from gastro-gavage to a manic diet. I swear I'd lose hair if I continue doing this but I'm glad it's out of my worries now (no need to point out the obvious).
It is Friday, still blanketed by a humongous king-sized duvet and I'm wondering whether going to work is the best option.
It is nearly half seven and I'm still hogging the duvet. Last night, my throat was sore and my back was aching. I'm like a decrepit old man that with minor exertion crumbles to pieces. I actually feel old these days. I have theories: lack of regular tennis regime (and good warm up), advancing age and dieting.
I'd ignore aging. Only when someone finds the "elixir of youth" that I'd start saving millions to afford staying fresh (uhmmmm not really - I take pride with my growing wisdom!!!!). I hate and fear Botox and other invasive surgeries. They're a confirmation of how insecurity gnaws one from within.
The warm-up prior to tennis matches is paramount. Only an idiot would play club tennis without proper stretching and conditioning. TRANSLATION: I'm an imbecile for knowing and not practicing this golden rule.
Yes, the dieting. I have been doing three rounds of 50 crunches a day and (don't laugh) a 2 kg dumbbell BID - 50 each arm a session. Doing this regimen has affected my appetite greatly that from a bowl of rice, I now manage to eat a cup each time. I am addicted to caffeine more than ever and I take lansoprazole at night for having changed from gastro-gavage to a manic diet. I swear I'd lose hair if I continue doing this but I'm glad it's out of my worries now (no need to point out the obvious).
It is Friday, still blanketed by a humongous king-sized duvet and I'm wondering whether going to work is the best option.
Thursday, 25 November 2010
back in business
HURRAH!
I have my broadband installed.
I am alive.
Oh, double that.
Oh, make that infinite.
US OPEN
I waited for this moment for a very long time.
Finally, Nadal conquered NYC. His US Open triumph was all the more reason why I MUST gloat posting this photo here. YEY.
Finally, Nadal conquered NYC. His US Open triumph was all the more reason why I MUST gloat posting this photo here. YEY.
meet Jepoi
Sincerely, he is a lovely guy.
He is one of the many major reasons why I go to NYC for holiday. He is the best moderator for "Cranium" game and a chauffeur cum alalay cum NYC map cum chef cum barista cum dear friend rolled into one. A model with brains.
Happy with that Jepoi?
He is one of the many major reasons why I go to NYC for holiday. He is the best moderator for "Cranium" game and a chauffeur cum alalay cum NYC map cum chef cum barista cum dear friend rolled into one. A model with brains.
Happy with that Jepoi?
blast from the past
These pics show why Folsom Fair in SFO is way way way better than the London Gay Pride.
ENJOY!
ENJOY!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)