I.Am.Rizza > * <

WishList > * <

SWEETEST THINGS> * <

BITTER AND SOUR> * <

Devilish.Angelic Dreams > * <

Flavors Of All Time > * <

SWEETEST HELLOS AND AWFUL GOODBYES > * <

Be Nice Please...

My Box Of Chocolates > * <

DreamCatchers

Dollhouse In A Prairie > * <

Last friday, I decided to stay at my grandparent's house in Paranaque for Kim's 18 birthday, mommy and daddy's despedida and fiesta. Needless to say, we had fun.

We went there around 4pm and decided to do some "wine tasting" with cousins and Kim. I decided to bring the girls at Mall of Asia to buy some alcoholic beverages for a night of Basic Alcoholic Beverage Drinking 101.

We got there around 7pm and took our time in choosing the right wine/alcoholic beverage. I chose Bacardi, Baileys for her intro 101 and Champagne to take the edge off. (LOL)

After that, we went to YellowCab for dinner. Kim, Jackie, Inah, Nikka, KC and I ate 18" New York Pizza, 10" Hawaiian Pizza and Chips with Cheesy Salsa. We took pictures, talked about Kim's birthday and made fun of everyone. It was sort of her pre-18th birthday celebration. We kept on laughing the whole time. By 9pm, we went to seaside for henna. My cousins wanted to try it out. We ended up going home almost 11pm.

When we got home, we couldn't really celebrate her pre-birthday party because a neighbor/family friend passed away next door. It was also her last wake. We decided to stay indoor for our drinking session. Jackie, KC, Inah and Nikka liked Baileys better. Kim and I decided to drink Bacardi Apple. We were wasted by 1am. Kim was all red. I was too. By 3am, we went to bed and the next day para kaming giant tomato because of welts scattered in our body. Buong Saturday, Kim was so worried about her skin. I kept on teasing her na she's no longer an alcoholic beverage virgin LOL.

By nightfall, we decided to sleep in a huge tent outside our grandparents house. Para nga lang kaming nagcamping, we even had our midnight snacks around 1am. She officially turned 18 today. Dapat may party but hindi lahat ng plans nasusunod.

It's a good thing we have some back up plans for her birthday. It didn't go like how we planned it a couple or months ago due to financial constraints with her family. My uncle renovated my grandparents house so don na agad napunta yung money. I talked to them a couple of weeks ago and planned a getaway celebration in a nearby beach resort. It didn't push through as well because Mommy and Daddy arrived from California. They stayed here for almost 2 weeks and naging busy lahat. Kim's birthday took a backseat kaya when I arrived last friday I decided to splurge a little for her kahit hindi pa niya birthday. And since Fiesta today at my grandparent's place, Zash, Shaun and Sharlene dropped by. Too bad they missed our the girl night out qne the drinking lesson 101 for Kim.

I still want the birthday party at the beach to push through. I just need people to pitch in a little. I can't shoulder the expenses alone eh. Hopefully, someone would help hehehe. I want her to have fun din naman kasi lalo na now that she's 18. As I've learned through the years, time is precious and life is too. So we should make the most of it.

Anyway, I just got home. Mommy and Daddy went back to California na din kaninang 9pm. Kim's birthday by 12 midnight is officially over but I know the party has just started so I'll try to keep the dream alive LOL. Sana this coming week beach party na,

HAPPY MOMMY'S DAY TO EVERYONE.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIMMY!

I.Am.In.My.Dollhouse posted at 5:31 PM

Dollhouse In A Prairie > * <

If you're wondering what my blog title is all about - well - these are movies and books that I've watched and read this weekend.

I would like to share my two cents about all of it.

THE UGLY TRUTH

I wanted to watch this movie during its movie premiere but I was so busy with a lot of stuff that I haven't got the time nor the company to be with. I don't think my younger cousins would appreciate this kind of film. Anyway, I love Katherine Heigl. She's amazing in this movie. I am a fan of her since her "My Father, The Hero" days. I think acting wise she's okay in this film. It's a bit raunchy but as the title suggests it - It's the ugly truth about men and women when finding love. Men based it on sexuality. Women based it on their so-called "ideal list." This movie made me realize that women like to feel secure first in love before diving to the next step. On the other hand, men are more likely to be more random about the situation. They later make assessment on whether the girl they slept with is someone they could spend more time with. However, this movie also makes me realize that eventhough men and women are so different when it comes to their approach in finding a partner, they're are still drawn to the fact that the person they're with should be someone they're comfortable with. If a guy and girl is comfortable with each other regardless of the situation or topic, they are immediately drawn to each other. That's how Katherine and Gerard became a perfect match in this movie. The movie will give you the lowdowns on love and sex but it would also make you realize some other things. You will notice it once you watch this film. I'm giving it a 4 out 5.

THE PROPOSAL

This movie made me laugh and cry. Sandra is definitetly good in making romantic comedy movies. Her personality is so quirky. She can make you laugh and make you cry then again it's probably because the movie is a good one. Ryan is also fun to watch. Their chemistry is good. This movie kinda reminds me of "While You Were Sleeping." The main girl and guy hid something to the family of the guy that once they tell the truth something bad could happen to the oldest member of the family. I like how they focus the story in making it funny for the audience. Siguro if they lessen the funny parts the movie would be a total snooze. One thing na nagdala sa movie was it's witty, funny lines. I was laughing until the middle part of the movie. I cried lang sa last part. The part where she needed to tell everyone the whole lying thing. It wasn't tearjerker pero I got teary eyed because I could really feel how much it hurts for Sandra's part to be on that position. From the very start of the movie kasi, you can really tell na she's a very lonely person kahit yung persona niya sa office is a cold, bitchy woman. In the end, you'll see the walls of her falling down and makikita yung vulnerability niya. I give this movie 4.5 out 5 just because it made me feel different emotions after watching the film.

THE BEAUTY AND THE BRIEFCASE

My cousin gave me this external hd that has movies in it. One of those is this tv-movie. It's a little cliche because I've seen this kind of role from Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde and Isla Fisher in The Confession of a Shop-a-holic Girl. I grew out of those kind of movies and this one brought me back to those times. Hilary shouldn't play this kind of role na eventhough the script is a bit mature pero she should stop playing stereotypical roles of a blonde girl/fashion/cosmo dream/perfect bf must-haves kind of thing. Aside from the fact na irritating yung voice ng mga ganitong kind ng roles and yung actions nila, the story is a bit cheesy. Mejo shallow yung storyline. I don't think women in their 20s would love this movie. Maybe if you're 15 and you're starting to enjoy the fashion life and boys - yeah makakarelate ka. Even if the role of Hillary Duff here is 20 something, it feels like her characterization is too immature. I'll give it a 2.5 out 5. Not bad but not my kind of movie.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

This is the book that I just finished reading a few days ago. This reminds me of Twilight Saga. I am fan of the saga and I am familiar with the story. This one is almost the same as the Twilight except of the vampire and werewolf thing. This book is about a fallen angel named Patch. His wings were stripped down a long time ago and in order to get it back he needs to save someone and be her/his guardian angel. As a fallen angel - a bad one - he needs to kill. Unfortunately, he fell in love with the girl and the rest is history. SOUNDS FAMILIAR???? Just like what I've said para siyang twilight binago lang yung characterization and situation but when you analyze it parang same din kasi he can't kill the girl because he's in love with her. He'll protect her from other fallen angels. Mejo mixed reactions yung akin about this book. I kind of like it. I even named my new netbook as "Patch" but at the same time parang I feel like ripped off siya ng story ni Stephenie Meyer. If you try to write stories na almost the same yung story line then readers will compare it to the first book that they read na same ng flow ng story. I like the concept of the fallen angel but I wish it was not about a young girl in HS again na he needs to kill then later on he'll protect because he loves her. It would be nice if Becca Fitzpatrick tried a different approach sa character niya na si Patch. Maybe change the story to a bad boy Patch who died and later became a fallen angel. He was given a task to do to reach heaven but it becomes complicated when his task is about his girlfriend or something. I think it would have been way better then again it's just my opinion. It's still a good read for teens and young hearts like me.

I.Am.In.My.Dollhouse posted at 3:30 PM

Dollhouse In A Prairie > * <

It's been 103 days since I lost interest in blogging. My last blog entry was made 90 days ago and at that time I forced myself to write something for a dear friend of mine who died 103 days ago.

One of the reasons why I stopped blogging for quite sometime was the fact that my "thinky" died out on me last year. I had to use my phone and relatives laptop/desktop to finish my work. Another reason was because I lost someone dear to me this year. I didn't know why I suddenly lost interest in blogging my life. I just want to spend my time with the people that I really love. Life is fast. It's unpredictable. I just want some "breathing moment."

Also, it kind of make me sad that she's gone because she used to read my blog entries all the time. I know that I won't be seeing her in my view page anymore but I know she's watching in heaven for everybody she loves.

To start of my so-called time away in blogging, I spent most of my time with cousins. I did my usual routines and was able to finished everything in good faith. I became more cautious with my father's health problems and we were back and forth in Perpetual Hospital for his regular check up with Dr.Luna. Fortunately, he is okay and healthy.

I've also been trying to improve my relationship with God by praying the rosary every single day. It was one of my new year resolutions. I've been doing that for a couple of months now and I haven't missed a beat so far. Mostly, I pray for forgiveness, protection, guidance and blessings. I always mention my friend's soul, my mom and tatay's soul to be at peace. Good health for family and friends. I'm getting use to that kind of routine. I figured... may 24hrs sa isang araw, why not spend 20 minutes in praying everyday. It's not a bad deal or a waste of time. Besides, I'm used to that kind of routine since my high school days at St.Paul College where we had to pray every single weekdays 3x (before our first class, before lunch and before going home). I really recommend this to my friends and family kahit na ano pa ang religion nila. Spend 20 minutes with God everyday. It helps. It really helps.

Then I also spend quality time with cousins a few weeks ago in Canossa just to unwind. It's something that I always need but haven't got the time to do it or the company to be with. It de-stressed me from a lot of things that's why mas happy na ako now. Lalo na after Chie got me "patch" - my new love hehehe. Thanks so much cuz. It's hard because with everything that I had to sacrifice last year financially and materially - ito yung something na pwede kong mabili but I sacrificed that "luho" for something or someone na mas important. It's a good gift. I consider it as a blessing from above through my cousin's generous heart. LOL

I was so excited about it that I tweaked everything the night I got it. THANK YOU. MUCH LOVE Chie.

It's definitely one of the reasons why I got inspired again na magblog. Losing a friend, dogs, thinky - so much to comprehend pero God always comes through no matter what talaga.

I don't want to consider myself na religious na but this year made me appreciate everything more and it greatly improved my relationship with him.

The summer is not over yet. The election is 10 days na lang ata or less and Kim's 18th birthday is 9 days to go. Mommy and Daddy are here in pinas. Life is good. Hopefully, I can make things even more special for those that I love.

I'm definitely back.

I.Am.In.My.Dollhouse posted at 9:19 PM

Dollhouse In A Prairie > * <

I.Am.In.My.Dollhouse posted at 11:25 PM

Dollhouse In A Prairie > * <

I celebrated my birthday last November 20 with loved ones. No party just a good day/nightout with my family and friends. I decided to spend it with Edward Cullen and the rest of the New Moon fanatics LOL.

My birthday started out around 11am in French Baker. Dessa and I had our brunch before watching the movie. Around noon, we were inside the movie house with the rest of the moviegoers. The movie lasted a good 2 hours or less. We then had our late lunch at Shakeys. We talked about old friends, Edward, Jacob and Eclipse LOL. I'm a fan of the Twilight Saga...not the movie but the books. I read it way before the movie buzz circulated around the world. I love the fact that they made a movie adaptation of it though.

By 4pm, Dessa left me at the mall and I met up with Tita G and my cousins. They wanted to watch New Moon so we or should I say... I watched it again for the 2nd time that day. We then had our dinner in Mcdonalds before I went home. Papa prepared a nice birthday dinner for me. We talked for a while and had a great time as well.

My birthday this year was way better than the ones I had a year ago when my father forgot about it. It was a simple day but the things I did with my loved ones are something that I would always cherish for the rest of my life. I am still thankful for the blessings I received and will receive every single day. I also want to thank Jon for his present. He didn't have to give me anything but he actually spent a lot just for me. THANK YOU.

As for the NEW MOON review... Hmm...It's okay. Like what I've said I'm a Twilight Saga Book fanatic. I like the movie but I love the books better. The effects were way better in New Moon but there were some snooze moments for me in this film. New Moon is my least favorite out of the Twilight Saga. I'm not a Jacob Black fan kasi and talagang I didn't enjoy the part sa book about him and Bella. It was a snooze, blackout moment for me pero I think the actors did justice sa mga characters nila. I think Taylor Lautner is hot and did a pretty good job. It just so happen na New Moon is my least favorite kasi kaya I feel like I didn't enjoy most of the scenes.

But I can't wait to watch ECLIPSE next year. I heard na it will be shown around June or July 2010 which is a good thing because I don't need to wait for my next birthday again just to see the movie adaptation of this Saga. I think this one would be exciting. Eclipse is my favorite out of all the Twilight Saga. Mas action packed and more vampires. Hopefully, maging maganda yung movie.

Also, I've been hooked to So You Think You Can Dance Season 4. I know it's already a re-run of the past seasons ng SYTYCD pero I love Mark Kanemura, Joshua Allen, Katee Shean and Courtney Galiano. I love their dance routines. I'm also waiting for the season finale of The Amazing Race 15. I'm a Meghan-Cheyne fan. Too bad the Globetrotters are gone na. I would love to see them sa final 3. In this season, either Meghan-Cheyne or Brian-Ericka sana manalo. I don't like the brothers. They play dirty and I'm not sure if it's Dan or Sam pero nakakairritate yung pagiging yeller/nagger nung isang brother.

Anyway, I am excited about my DLSU Human Bio reunion at Lucille's place in Laguna. I can't wait to see my college friends again. I'm sure to go but I'm hoping na wala ng problems na mangyari. I'm a little worried about papa kasi. He's been having stomach problems lately. I told him to take some laboratory test para malaman yung condition niya. I am hoping na this is just a minor thing. I don't want him to get sick or to have some health problems. Although I know it's inevitable lalo na pagtumatanda but I am still hoping na he'll be okay.

That's just about it... November is my month so yon lang nangyari sa life ko now. 29 and Beyond... There's no way of denying it na talaga. I'm getting old and I'll have to get use to it na.

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MAMA JEAN (RIP - 16), TATAY PETER (26), MOMMY (25), TITA ROSE (15) and RAINE (27)

I.Am.In.My.Dollhouse posted at 12:17 PM

Dollhouse In A Prairie > * <

My father and I went to Manila Memorial Park last October 30 around 3 am. We were the first one there. The security personnel told us to wait for 5 am before we can enter. Every year, we always visit our dead relatives early to avoid traffic and crowd of people. However, this year we decided to visit mama and tatay early due to the bad weather we've been experiencing lately in the country. May mga minor damages din pala ang Manila Memorial Park from Typhoon Ondoy. When we arrived there, the management were trying to fix everything. It was my first time to visit MMP na parang walang tao talaga in broad daylight. Usually, cars come in and out sa place and as early as October 30 may mga families na in their Mausoleum or tents. This time wala talaga.... We were the only ones na may picnic setting sa place LOL. Most people just brought flowers and candles then leave agad after an hour. I guess most of them were scared of the incoming typhoon that time.

Anyway, I prepared foods such as tacos, hash browns, cheese cake, bacon and tuna for our trip to the cemetery. My father even brought red wine for the 2 of us. We had an okay time. I slept in the car for a few hours and we had a good conversation until dusk. We were supposed to stay there until dawn of October 31s but I received a message from Jon about the weather forecast and decided to leave early.

Papa and I left the cemetery around 6 pm and by dawn strong winds hit Luzon. Typhoon Santi almost scared the hell out of me. We heard roofs, garage gates and other metal stuff being dragged in our street. Good thing typhoon Santi, in terms of rain, was not as strong as typhoon ondoy. By noon, everything seemed okay and back to normal. The weather went from windy to sunny. Parang di nagkaron ng typhoon but the weather is still cold.

That same day was also the 8th birthday of my cousin Jiro. I wasn't able to attend his birthday but i gave him money as a gift. I heard he bought a lot of toys and food. It was also their school's halloween party and bingo night. I heard a lot of funny stories about the halloween party since it was about someone I had a run-in early this year. Honestly, Karma is the only BITCH is really like lol. I also treated papa on his birthday at Reyes Barbecue and gave him money din to buy something that he likes. I also took care of the kitchen duties last week at his place. I cooked him pasta penne alfredo, beef-potato patty, chicken tinola, pork in pineapple sauce and chicken in tomato cream sauce for the whole week. I also watched a lot of scary movies for the past few days which was what I was looking forward every last week of October.

Aside from that, I opened to my father my plans of studying/working abroad. I tried a couple of colleges and universities. English Bay offered a good academic/work opportunities but as of the moment we still couldn't decide on it. Hindi naman kasi cheap ang expenses don. It would take a lot of planning and thinking to make it happen. As of now... I'll just go with the flow and embrace every opportunities that would come my way. I'm keeping my option open.

I have so much plans for this year and I am hoping to make some of it happen before the year ends. I rarely blog due to the fact that my thinky died last July. I still have to find a way to replace it or wait until someone would help me replace my thinky. In the meantime, I'm just updating myself through my phone or in desktop.

I also helped papa in arranging his SSS Retirement Benefits. Yep, he's 60+. He wants to use his retirement funds na. I am helping him process it. We also went to Bacoor Municipal just to check for his voter's ID. Sobrang crowded don last Tuesday. Aside from those things, nagkaron din kami ng disagreement about a certain issue. My father wants to buy a gun pero papalicense niya even yung pagcarry non everywhere. He asked Hanna, Dona and Tita Rose for that as a gift. I'm not really into the gun thing not to mention he'll pay 100k+ for everything. He wants to have it by January. I'm still trying to convince him not to buy that thing talaga. It's evil for me eh and sayang yung money. Hayy naku... boys and their toys talaga.

I'm also getting ready for my New Moon Movie Date with a couple of people. My schedule is totally booked for that week. I can't wait to watch a new movie again. I need to unwind a little after all the catastrophic (lol) financial backdrop a couple of months. Oh and yeah, Thank God Renz passed all his 1st semester subjects. It was something we're all hoping for because it wasn't easy for him to get into a good school this year. No pressures though...been there, done that. I don't want him to feel like he needs to do well every time. All work and no play makes "jack" a dull boy.

Anyway, BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Uncle T, Uncle E, Papa and Jiro and Happy Burpday in advance to Matthew (RIP), Mama Jean, Tita Rose, Boyband Shane, Tatay, Mommy, Raine and MYSELF.

++ Been watching Amazing Race 15 and I'm hooked to Meghan-Cheyne Team even the Globetrotters.

I.Am.In.My.Dollhouse posted at 12:22 PM

Dollhouse In A Prairie > * <

Scorpio Astrology October 23 - November 21

Scorpio Strength Keywords:

Scorpio Weakness Keywords:

Scorpio and Independence:

Scorpio and Friendship:

Scorpio and Business:

Scorpio and Temperament:

Scorpio Deep Inside:

Scorpio in a Nutshell:

I.Am.In.My.Dollhouse posted at 1:08 PM

Dollhouse In A Prairie > * <

It took me a month to update my blog due to the fact that my "thinky" passed away a couple of months back. My tech resources ran out when Daren and Don left the country LOL. I had to endure the noisy and crowded netopia to check my emails and update my blogs/networking sites. Honestly, it sucks big time. I missed having my laptop with me everywhere I go. I am hoping though that by the end of this year or possibly this month I will be able to have a new one na.

Before I give you the lowdown of my September 2009, Let me just say this:


"MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL THE VICTIMS OF TYPHOON ONDOY LAST SEPTEMBER 26, 2009."

Now To Start-off, early last month I had to stay at home and take care of everything since my father had to visit Tita Rose in Iloilo. I took care of the bills and the groceries every week. It was something that I'm used to for the past months since papa has been back and forth in Iloilo since July. My cousin and her husband stayed at my place as well.

Last September 16, Tita Beth celebrated her birthday at Glorietta 4. Tita G, Jiro and I joined them in Makati. We met at Starbucks and ended up watching "In My Life" which I found funny and heartwarming at the same time. It was a good movie for the whole family. Everyone can learn something from it or they can somehow relate to one of the characters in the movie. I give it a 2 thumbs up. Good acting to the main cast.

After that, We went to North Park Restaurant and had our dinner. It was a nice family day/night out which we rarely do since everybody's busy with their own lives and career. I got home tired but happy.

On a much darker note, 3 of our dogs died. Dobie-the-house-elf, Mr.White and Mr.Black died a week apart. No one can explain why they died. Clyde, a cousin of mine who is the one assigned to feed the dogs couldn't give us any reason why it happened. He just keep telling us that they were strong and energetic the day before they died. Honestly, I think he made a mistake in feeding or cooking the foods. (YEAH, our dogs have their own food - no leftovers for them. Papa likes to cook lean ground pork/beef for the dogs - sobrang expensive to feed them and aside from the usual dog foods pa yon). He feeds them like they're human beings not animals LOL. Everything is well cooked and the food is tasty. Imagine sa house namin - there are like 2-4 people lang pero our rice pagniluto can feed 10-15 people LOL because of our dogs. He buys lean ground pork/beef for them every week. It cost a lot pero he doesn't mind kasi he is a dog-lover and so do I. Unfortunately, 3 of them died this September. I feel bad because Dobie was my father's favorite and the only female dog.

A week before Typhoon Ondoy, my cousins and I planned to visit Candy Fair in Meralco Avenue. Thank God we weren't able to go. I decided to convince my cousins not to go because of monetary constraints. The Candy Fair Event was scheduled the same day Typhoon Ondoy hits Metro Manila. I was thankful because if we decided to push through the plan of attending the event, we could have been stranded somewhere in Pasig. We would have been one of the "missing family members" that day.



A month worth of rain in less than 24 hours was something I never imagined to happen. I was watching the news all day and it was heartbreaking to see what was happening in Metro Manila. I have so many reasons to thank for and that same day I realized all of it. I am thankful that no one in my family members were stranded, missing or flooded that day. Typhoon Ondoy hit Metro Manila the hardest but most of my friends and family members were okay. However, a few friends lost a lot from this disaster. I have a friend in Provident Marikina who I lost contact that day and Jon's family house in Cainta was also flooded. Good thing I heard from them the next day. Both of them including their family members are all safe. They were able to transfer somewhere before the flood went up to their roof.

It was devastating to watch the news lately. Most of them are all about the aftermath of typhoon Ondoy. Metro Manila became WATERWORLD last Saturday. I was fervently hoping for the rain to stop to avoid more damages and more victims. The typhoon was like God's wrath. It was scary talaga. I kept on listening to Jam Radio Station since they offered information regarding the typhoon instead of playing music. I heard a lot of callers announcing their worries and asking others to help them find their family members. Everybody was in deep contrition that night.

A lot of people from the government and media keep telling that last Saturday was not the time to blame others for this disaster. I think they couldn't really stop people from laying the blame to some politicians in the country. It was inevitable just like the typhoon that cause major devastation to the country. We weren't prepared for it but we should have been because typhoons in this country is as common as the traffic along Metro Manila. Last Saturday, the government and their funds weren't ready for it. In some way, lahat tayo may mali from the LGU to the people. I hope this tragedy will serve as a lesson for all of us. Natural disasters are normal talaga. No one can stop it but people can do something to minimize the effects of it in their lives.

I wasn't affected by the flood but I learned a lot and It's nice to see people helping each other regardless of their status in society. Well, I know not all naman helped wholeheartedly. Some kasi I think are using this tragedy as an opportunity for the coming election. But I am proud to those people who worked their ass off in helping others kahit na delikado pa ang life nila in the process of helping others.

Recovery from this tragedy won't be easy but it is possible one step/day at a time. Many lost a lot of material possessions and some even lost many loved ones but everything will soon be okay. God has his reasons for everything that we went through. Hopefully, we should take this shocking experience as a lesson to learn and become more united as one.

I also heard that Typhoon Pepeng is a super typhoon and will hit the country anytime this week. Let us hope PAGASA is wrong about this weather forecast.

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JONJON (5), DAREN (13), TITA BETH (16), JAN (19), SIM (26) and HANA (30)

LET ME SHARE SOMETHING REGARDING THE TRAGEDY...

God knows what will happen tomorrow, next week, next year, the next decade. He knows what will happen in the world. More importantly, He knows what will occur in your life and can be there for you, if you've chosen to include Him in your life. He tells us that He can be "our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." But we must make a sincere effort to seek Him. That doesn't mean that those who know God will escape difficult times. They won't.

Reality tells us that we will experience problems in life. However, if we go through them while knowing God, we can react to them with a different perspective and with a strength that is not our own. No problem has the capacity to be insurmountable to God. He is bigger than all the problems that can hit us, and we are not left alone to deal with them.

Naturally when tragedy like this strikes, we cry from the depths of our souls..."But God, how could You let something of this magnitude happen?"

We have to keep in mind....

God has created humanity with the ability to choose. This means that we are not forced into a relationship with Him. He allows us to reject Him and to commit other evil acts as well. He could force us to be loving. He could force us to be good. But then what kind of relationship would we have with Him? It would not be a relationship at all, but a forced, absolutely controlled obedience. Instead He gave us the human dignity of free will.

God came to earth to rescue us. "For God so loved the world, that he sent his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

God knows the pain and suffering we encounter in this world. Jesus left the safety and security of His home, and entered the hard environment we live in. Jesus got tired, knew hunger and thirst, battled accusations from others and was ostracized by family and friends. But Jesus experienced far more than daily hardships. Jesus, the Son of God in human form, willingly took all of our sin on Himself and paid our penalty of death. "In this is love, that he laid down his life for us." He went through torture, dying a slow, humiliating death of suffocation on a cross, so that we could be forgiven.

He knows how hard it is... God gave us warning before, we just didn't listen and chose which path to take. God wants us to learn from our mistakes. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He brought this to test us and he will make us rise from it one step at a time.

I.Am.In.My.Dollhouse posted at 12:55 PM

Dollhouse In A Prairie > * <

I got inspired to write something about my special someone when a very good friend of mine tied the knot last week. It was an expected thing to happen since they're really are in love with each other but the wedding was really a surprise. I'm happy for her and her hubby.

Anyway, one of the reasons why I want to share my story is because I think it's time for me to be more open about it. I'm the type of person who likes to keep things private. I don't like bragging about it or sharing my "nice moments" with family and friends unless I'm being asked. I have no idea why but that's how I do things in my life.

I met him since I was 18 years old. We started from being an acquaintance to good friends and now we're best of friends. I consider him as my other half since I met him - the male version of me. He didn't become my boyfriend for years. He became my best buddy in all my guy friends, my shock absorber, my spartan and troy and my gibraltar. His presence in my life is one of the reasons I'm most thankful for. I never really expected in a million years that we will become more than just friends. But it happened...

He became my special someone when I turned 21. We broke up a year after that because I was too caught up with my school situation and so was he. I got sick and he was still there for me as a friend. We didn't get back until I turned 24 but we've always maintained a special relationship.

I survived so many trials in my life because I have him around for comfort. He knows everything there is to know about me. He makes me laugh when I'm sad, makes me smile when I'm worried and makes me feel special when I'm alone. He never gives up and that what makes him really special to me. One of the few people I trust with just about everything. I am thankful for him everyday.

I used to remember way back in "yester years" the things we used to do. We're not exactly the typical couple. We're both very private and maybe that's why we clicked through the years. He is the oldest out of his 6 brothers. He's a deep thinker, very practical and very witty. One of the people I know who could challenge me all night in word games, poker, name that actors/actresses and name that movie trivia challenge. We both like to join the Amazing Race Asia someday and is very much addicted to tennis. We can talk about Wimbledon and French Open for days. When I'm busy with some things in my life, he updates me by texting me the latest match of the season. He's a "Federer" and I'm a "Nadal" fan. Although, he admits that Nadal is his "man-crush" lol. We talk about what's on the news and other world highlights. Our relationship is beyond the usual "bf-gf" thing. We matured throughout the years and became more patient with each other.

I used to remember the fights we had. He used to be hot-headed and so am I. When he got mad, I fought back. He's a firestarter and so do I. We clashed in those first few months together as a couple maybe that was the reason why things didn't work out. But inspite of that, we managed to stay friends. We became more aware of each other's moods. We adjusted to each other's temper and before we knew it - we're back to being a couple. I was dead scared to try it again because his friendship is way important to me but I'm glad I tried. Since we went back together, things became really different - better different. We're like this old couple who would talk about things in a calm manner, debate about some opposing opinions we have, argue about our differences but in the end - we don't end up breaking each other's heart. We listen to what each other has to say. He listens to me and try to compromise on some things in our relationship.

You don't just get that kind of relationship unless the two of you have been together through thick and thin. It's still a mystery to me why we are together for more than 11 years. He's a goodlooking guy and yet he settles for someone like me. I'm not bad looking more like ordinary and simple and he could have picked better looking girls but instead he chose me. I don't have the perfect skin, body type or attitude but he's been there for me throughout the years. He quietly helps me through tough times without my family's knowledge. He's been there for me...always.

I sometimes feel scared of losing him again just like before. The funny thing about it is that he knows what I'm feeling before I even realize it myself. He comforts me about our relationship and he never gets tired of re-assuring me about his love. I sometimes feel guilty because I don't get to spend more time with him than I should have. We've been in one of the most trying times of our relationship. Being an adult isn't easy. We couldn't focus on our own relationship as much as we wanted to. He's busy managing his family's businesses since he's the oldest and I'm busy helping my own family as well. But inspite of that, we manage to make things work. I celebrated his birthday playing poker and other board games. He treats me to a fun day out and fancy dinner in different posh restaurants that I won't usually choose on my special day. He bought me gifts that I never asked him to give me. He even helps me when I'm having financial difficulties and gives good advice on how to handle my own money. He gives and he never demands. He keeps telling me that he's working hard now not just for his family but for us. Maybe someday - we can think about us - that's how he says it. He wakes up 5am and works until 8pm or 10pm managing their businesses. He's hardworking so we don't get to spend time watching the latest flicks or dining out. We don't even celebrate our monthsaries/anniversaries just like any other couples out there. We just treat our time together as a special event. We have plans on going to Boracay or any other resorts but none of it is a full-proof plan since we don't have that much free time yet. It's a good thing he's not the "demanding" kind of person in a relationship. Overall, he's a great guy, not perfect but way better than those that I've known from friends and family. I, on the other hand, needs some more maturing. I'm the prissy one. I demand a lot and even tried to be unreasonable a couple of times. I'm working on it everyday because I want us to work.

Bottomline, I'm really happy to have him in my life. A friend of mine who got married this year is also lucky to have found her soulmate. It makes me feel good to realize that inspite of the "lackness" and "nothingness" in some areas of my life, God gave me something or someone that he thinks I deserve. I couldn't ask for more.

I'm have a lot of imperfections and problems in life but I guess I'm just really lucky to have someone like JON in my life. Really, really lucky...too darn lucky - in fact.

CONGRATULATIONS NOODLES and JUN.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN ADVANCE SHAUN and TITA GERLY

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JEFF.

11 years and counting...

I.Am.In.My.Dollhouse posted at 4:57 PM

Dollhouse In A Prairie > * <

There will be some changes this month for myself. I don't think it's a drastic change but there will be some minor adjustments about my routines and some other stuff in my life.

First off, my sim number. This is kind of weird because there's really nothing wrong with the one I'm using now. I just have to keep my promise to someone that I would change my number for good. I'm sort of sad about it because I like the number that I'm using but since it's a request from someone I care about then it's not really a big deal anymore. I already bought a new sim pack last Thursday and anytime this coming week I might change my number for good. But before I do that, let me post here some of my favorite quotes from friends and family members that inspired me throughout the year.

• "The most humbling statement we can say is 'I am nothing without God' and our most powerful statement is 'with God I can do anything' ... GodBless. - From Angie
• A fact: You can always get the TRUST of a man but not his LOYALTY and you can always expect a woman's LOYALTY but not her TRUST. Gandang Morning! - From Angie
• People always think that the most painful thing in the world is losing their love one but the truth is... the most painful in the world is losing yourself in the process of loving too much. Good Morning - From Michel
• I really like this thought: "If it's not you it will never be you no matter how much I love you. But if you really are for me, then we will always be, no matter how I set you free - From Michel
• Love is far different from commitment. Love is a gift which anyone can have. While commitment is a sacrifice for love that not everybody is capable of. It's just so sad that the word commitment is enclosed with duties which makes it heavy, which makes other people afraid. They may be ready for love but not for commitment. Come to think of it, Isn't love enough to keep a commitment? or... Isn't commitment enough to show you love? - From Angie
• Best message I received so far: They love you but they are not your lover. They care for you but they are not your family. They are ready to share your pain but they are not in your blood relation. They are...FRIENDS! True friend scolds like a DAD, cares like a MOM, teases like a SISTER, irritates like a BROTHER and finally loves you more than a LOVER. Thanks for being a friend! - From Noodles
• I want to love someone whose heart has been broken so she knows exactly how it feels and won't break mine. Goodnight! - From Eric
• There will come a point in your life when you'll get tired of chasing everyone, trying to fix everything. It's not giving up. It's a realization that you don't need all those you go after, because what you need are those who stood by you even if you never needed them. Nyt! - From Hazel
• It is amazing to realize that living in simplicity gives true contentment. We go as we come to this wold. In the end, nothing is ours to keep. So, let's share what we have...smiles, knowledge, hugs, good words, time and love. Love More. Hate Less. Ignore Critics. Love Life. Morning Po! - From Hazel
• If we are really in love, we hardly find any reasons to justify our feelings. We are dumbfounded as realization begins to strike our minds. Love was never like, 'I prefer my woman to be like this' and 'I prefer my man to be like that' - Preferences can change. You would just find yourself caring for that person no matter who he/she is or what he/she was before. It's hard to explain but it's true, that when it comes to love... There are no boundaries. No Yardsticks. And no reasons to hear why we love that person - From Arnel
• Appreciate life itself even if it is not perfect. Contentment is not fulfillment of what you wished for but appreciation of what you have. God Bless! - From Mariel
• Dear God, The lady reading tihs is kind and strong and I'm proud of her. Please help her live life to the fullest and bless her to excel in her chosen field. Help her shine in the darkest places and let love flow in her path. Please protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs you most esp. in keeping her safe. God Bless! Now you're on the clock! In 9 mins. something will make you happy. Please share this prayer to 9 sisters you love... - From Zash
• Every person in our life comes for a special reason...to touch or to make someone's life beautiful. That's what you are, that was what you did...and I'll always be thankful for that. I love you so much! - From Jon
• Bob Ong vs Juan Tamad's view about LOVE: Bob Ong - ang pag ibig parang elevator. Kung puno na bakit mo pa ipagsisiksikan ang sarili mo gayong meron namang hagdan? Di mo lang Pinapansin. Juan Tamad - Bakit mo pa kinakailangan maghagdan gayong babalikan ka naman ng elevator? Kelangan mo lang maghintay. O di ba may sense naman si Juan Tamad? Tamad lang talaga... - From Michel
• I hate people who breaks promises but I must hate myself more because everytime the promise was already broken, I still expect it to be done. I love you so much. - From Jon

These are the quotes I have in my phone. As soon as I change my number all these will be gone na rin.

One of the biggest changes I have this month was my online schedule. I used to be online 24/7 but since my "thinky" died out on me last July, I now spend at least 48 hours per week na lang online LOL. I missed my old routine but it's okay na rin na nagbago. I get to do some other stuff. I'm still a late sleeper though. I read books na lang most of the time or spend my nights talking to Jon. I missed plurking everyday lol - uhh.. no ata twitter na. I don't get to visit my Facebook and Friendster often and I don't get to blog na rin masyado. But once I have the opportunity to go online naman, I make sure na I visit and do the things I want to do. Lately kasi I've been borrowing Don's laptop or Daren's. Mine died after 5 years of being my confidante LOL. With 600+ pictures, 500+ music files, 40 bookmarks/rss feeds, 30+ ebooks, 20 folders and 2 family videos - nawala na si "thinky" - nagtirik na ako ng candles. I missed that laptop kasi everywhere I go palagi ko yon kasama.

Other changes for this month would be my hair style (lol) which I think is in need of a visit and pampering kay "Joy" pati na rin fingernails and toenails ko (lol). I really need to organize my schedule better to do more things for myself. I also want to save up kahit na mahirap ata gawin since my expenses are skyrocketing. I'm planning to buy my own laptop again or if not wait for my relatives to give me one (hmm...ahem! ahem!).

Also, I need to make some changes with my financial strategies. I really need to be more careful about how I should spend my money. I need to save up for myself and at the same time help my cousins din. I would really need a better financial plan to make things a little better for myself. Hopefully, I could do it without any more problems.

I also need to talk to my father about some certain issues with one of his sisters. I'm having some hangups kasi about it and I would really like to settle that issue before it's too late.

Overall, I think puro minor changes naman lahat but I would want it to happen. Midstream kasi yung changes...I already planned some things in my life lalo na pagdating sa financial stuff. It would be difficult to change things midstream but I think it's doable naman. I just have to think twice before making my final decision.

As of the moment, I'm stuck here sa house and I badly need some time away from all of the things that are happening here. We have some ... well minor or probably major problem regarding one of our family member. It's not much of a big deal but we're all worried. Hopefully, he'll come into senses and talk things through with everybody so things will go back to normal. I believe kasi na everything can be solve naman if you're willing to listen to each other. I'm crossing my fingers na everything will be okay soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DOMINIQUE in New Jersey (uhh... I think it's dominique's bday but I'm not really sure)

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY in advance to SHAUN and TITA GERLY.

Belated Happy Birthday to JEFF.

I.Am.In.My.Dollhouse posted at 1:15 AM