I bought the basic dessert shell that is sold pre-made at Walmart then topped it with a wine-berry reduction. Basically I cooked the berries in orange juice and Australian Shiraz. I crushed the berries, let the sauce thicken a bit, then I filled the cake cup with the pulpy portion. Topped it with low-fat, slow-churned vanilla bean ice cream. Then poured the rest of the sauce. hehehehe.

It was delish! Even better with a cup of coffee...hmmm.

I should do this again. Maybe write the measurements for the ingredients next time.

Pineapple Mango Salsa

Mix the following ingredients:
1.  6 pc roma tomatoes, diced
2.  1/2 green bell pepper, diced
3.  1/2 yellow onion, diced [or 1/4 red onion, diced]
4.  about a handful of fresh cilantro (maybe about 20 sprigs), chopped [or 1 tsp dried cilantro]
5.  1 fresh jalapeno pepper, diced [or about 10 slices of the pickled jalapeno sold in a jar]
6.  1 fresh, ripe mango, diced
7.  1 can pineapple chunks, juice included [john loves pineapples so i usually use the 20 oz can]
8.  1 clove garlic, chopped (or 1 tsp of the bottled chopped garlic)
9.  1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for more heat)
10.  1/4 tsp basil
11.  1 tsp sugar
12.  3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
13.  2 Tbsp lemon juice
14.  1 Tbsp olive oil
15.  salt and pepper to taste

Wonton Chips
(Thanks for the recipe, Holly!)

1.  On a baking sheet, spread about 9 pcs of square wonton wrappers per batch
2.  Lightly spray with baking oil (pam or the olive oil spray.  you can also dab  olive oil with your fingers but very LIGHTLY or else it will be soggy)
3.  Season lightly with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder (if you don't like garlic, don't add this)...basically you can experiment with this.  I added chili powder and a bit of lemon pepper.  for another batch, i added italian seasoning
4.  Bake in 300F oven--if you've preheated, it only needs about 3-4 minutes.  Watch closely depending on the wrapper that you bought because some burn faster than others.  Once it turns a nice golden brown, take it out and transfer on a plate.

If you don't want to make the chips, the salsa goes with pretty much anything!  I also use it as a topping for fried fish or porkchop.

These are some recipes/experiments I've recently passed on to my best friends.  A couple of them have tried too and it's confirmed--the recipes are do-able and fool proof:) hhahahaha.  I'm basically doing a copy-and-paste from emails, so hope you understand the recipe narratives for some instead of the usual standard recipes.  hahaha

Sorry no pics this time! [update:  as my friends try the recipes out, I will upload pics that they take]

BANANA BREAD (this has been in my notebook and I don't know where I got it)

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar (the original recipe called for 1 cup white sugar)
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla (I use McCormick pure vanilla extract)
1 tsp baking soda
1 pinch salt
1 1/2 cup flour

1.  mix melted butter into mashed bananas.
2.  add sugar, egg, and vanilla.  mix until well blended.
3.  sprinkle baking soda, salt
4. add flour and mix (I just used a fork for all of this!!!  no need for mixer!)

Pour into loaf pan (fill pan about 3/4 because it will rise) or muffin pans.  Bake for 1 hour (or until golden brown) at 350F.  If you bake in smaller portions (like if you cook in multiple smaller loaf tins), then definitely it will take less time to bake.  Use the toothpick test to see if it is cooked.  Insert toothpick at thickest part of bread and it should come out clean. John's fave way to eat this is with coffee and vanilla ice cream--especially when it is right out of the oven. (Pic provided by Ann. The only modification was that she added walnuts)



OVEN BAKED CHICKEN (tossed this together for dinner one day.  It ended up tasting a bit like lechon manok!  Sana I had some Mang Tomas!)

I thawed some chicken thighs and drumsticks.  While in the ziploc, I added some soy sauce and orange juice (siguro 1:1.  Nadine didn't have orange juice so she used pineapple juice.  She said it tasted good rin).  I let that marinate while I was thawing.  When it was ok na, I emptied the chicken and marinade into the bowl and rubbed some steak seasoning and black pepper on it.  I wrapped each one individually in foil (parang yung pagbalot kung sandwich)--give a bit of room for the juices.  Then I threw it on a baking pan, 400F, 45 minutes.  The foil kept it moist.  Plus since may konting fat, parang na fry/bake sya in its own juice kaya sarap!  If you like the skin a bit crunchy, open the foil the last 15 minutes and then broil for last 2 minutes (Gladys tried this and it was good.  Picture provided by Ann when she tried this too).


HONEY MUSTARD COLESLAW (got tired of making the mayo-based coleslaw, so I tossed this together instead)

Mix the following ingredients:
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp mustard
3-4 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (eyeball this depending on how sharp you want it)
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
2 dashes celery salt
salt and pepper to taste (freshly cracked black pepper is best)

Toss dressing with 1/2 fresh cabbage, thinly sliced into strips and about 2 Tbsp of raisins.


THAI-ish CHICKEN WRAP/SALAD [wala akong maisip na name eh]

Ingredients:
1 cup pre-cooked grilled chicken breasts strips
1/4 onion, sliced
1 Tbsp olive oil/low cal butter, etc
sesame seeds (optional--kakikayan ko lang to)
salt & pepper to taste

flatbread wraps (or any type of wrap pwede) and/or
salad greens (today we used the Mediterranean blend.  I think any lettuce/spinach blend will do)
mandarin oranges (depends how much you like it)

Dressing:  (some left over so you may want to cut recipe in half)
1/2 cup A-1 steak sauce
2 tsp peanut butter (any kind will do--you may want to adjust this depending on how crunchy, creamy, etc your peanut butter is)
1 Tbsp honey (can probably use brown sugar--may also want to lessen this depending on taste.  I suggest add 1 tsp at a time)
1 tsp tabasco (adjust according to taste)
chili flakes (optional--for extra umph)
3 dashes powdered ginger
1/2 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp sesame oil

Procedure
Sauce:  basically mix all ingredients and adjust taste.

Filling:  Saute chicken and onion in oil/butter (or heat in 2 tbsp of water if you don't want oil).  Season with salt and pepper.  Toss in about 2 tsp of sauce.  Set aside.

Assembly (may be served as a salad or a filling for a wrap): 
On a bed of lettuce/salad greens, add mandarin oranges, and top with chicken.  Serve with dressing on the side.  Labas nya parang asian style chicken fajita. hehehe

In fairness masarap sya...the spicier the better! hehehe.  Siempre experiment lang to, I modified a recipe I saw. hehehehe.  I wrote naman the changes I made, but yung iba, depende na sa taste.  so make sure you taste along the way!

If you modify, tell me what you do, hokey?


MOCK PEKING (thanks to my buddy Dawn for the original recipe.  I've modified a bit since then, but she's the one who introduced this to me.)

2 tsp sesame oil
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
2 chicken breast fillets, minced/ground
1/2 lb ground lean pork  (if ground pork is not lean, decrease olive oil or render/drain fat)
2 tsp brown sugar
1 cup carrots, minced
1/2 cup shiitake, minced
1/2 turnip, minced (if you don't have any, you can use about 1 cup water chestnuts, minced)
2 Tbsp soy sauce (adjust as needed)
3Tbsp Hoisin sauce
Iceberg or romaine lettuce cups

1.  Saute turnips in 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp sesame oil until semi-dry and crunchy.  set aside.
2.  Saute onions, garlic, pork, and chicken in remaining olive oil.
3.  When meat is brown, add back turnips, and other ingredients (except hoisin sauce)
4.  Season with soy sauce, ground pepper, and 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce.  Let stand for 5-10 minutes until meat is fully cooked. If meat is too dry, try to add a bit of water--like a Tbsp at a time.  Adjust seasoning to desired flavor.  Set aside.
5.  For sauce, mix remaining hoisin sauce, 2Tbsp water, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and sesame oil. 

To serve:  scoop filling (about 1 Tbsp or more if you want) onto lettuce leaf.  Top with sauce. 


PESTO (John's bandmates' ultimate favorite request...hahaha)

Throw the following into a blender (or if you have a magic bullet, that's even better):
-2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves--if you go to the produce section in WalMart, this is roughly equivalent to one pack of the fresh basil)
-1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted (or substitute walnuts, cashew, or peanuts)
-2 cloves garlic crushed (or more.  depends on how strong you want the kick)
-1/2 cup olive oil
-1/3 cup grated parmesan

This serves 4 so adjust accordingly:)  Also, sometimes I like to finish it off with a bit of heavy cream after I've tossed the pesto with the pasta (personal choice is angel hair, wheat if you can find it).

If you have extra pesto sauce, you can save it and use on toasted bread as a side to your traditional red or white sauce pasta.  You can also toss some grilled chicken breast cubes in a bit of the sauce and serve over green salad. 

You can keep the sauce in the ref in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 week.  If you don't think you'll use it that fast, freeze it.  It will last up to 1 month.

Ok, that should keep you busy for a while:)  Next time I cook something yummy, I have to remember to take a photo. hahaha

happy cooking!

So apparently, the past three years have been worth it!  (click here for related post)

There are no words to describe what I feel right now, so suffice it to say...The DOCTOR is in the house!!!!

WOOOHOOOO!!!!!

I was reading a friend's post and I got curious, so I clicked on the link to StumbleUpon.  Jenni's right!  This site is a trip--not that I don't already have enough distractions!   Give it a click:)  You might find something that tickles your fancy:)

Oh, and the Winterbells game she talks about IS addictive!  Don't say I didn't warn you!

While browsing, I found this site too and Peter Callesen, the artist, is awesome!  He cuts A4 paper (among others) and sculpts with it...amazing!!!



Angel, 2006 (Acid free A4 115 gsm paper and glue)

My favorite, however, would have to be TasteSpotting.  For those who know me, it's really not hard to understand why:)  Check it out!

I have come to realize that another side effect of writing [cramming] your dissertation is that you become a fast food junkie.  My poor hubby has not eaten a gourmet meal prepared by yours truly in ummm...over two weeks!  I swear!  I've lost track of time (and space, and whatever else!) over the past few days that we've resorted to take out. hahaha.  Thank God for Papa John's, Chinese Chef, Chipotle, and other heart-attack-in-a-paper-bag restos.  I promised John I will cook him a proper meal once this dissertation is done! hehehe

Oh, and I also need to hit the gym (or something!) after I finish.  Gotta get rid of the side effects of being a fast food junkie, too!

***

I see the light at the end of the tunnel...2 more weeeeeeeks!!!! 

I normally don't do the surveys and tags that come my way.  But I did this one some time ago just because I had fun reading what other people wrote and I thought it would be nice to reminisce about my UP days. hahaha.  I received another tag similar to this, so I thought of just re-posting my previous answers (tamad ba? hahaha). 

1. ANO'NG STUDENT NUMBER MO? :: yoko nga ibigay! hehehehehe
2. NAKAPASA KA BA OR WAITLISTED? :: Nakapasa siempre!

3. PAANO MO NALAMAN ANG ENTRANCE EXAM RESULT? :: Pumunta ako sa UP Baguio para i-check ang pila-pilang blackboard ng mga nakapasa!

4. ANO ANG FIRST CHOICE MO NA COURSE? :: Computer Science

5. SECOND CHOICE? :: Wala akong second choice! hahahaha

6. ANO COURSE MO NA NATAPOS? :: Hotel and Restaurant Administration...ang layo diba?

7. NAG-SHIFT KA BA? :: Obviously

8. NONG ESTUDYANTE KA PA MAGKANO BA ANG BINABAYAD MO SA IKOT/TOKI? :: 1.75 yata nung Freshman ako. I think umabot ng 2.50 pag-graduate ko.

9. NAKAPAG-DORM KA BA? :: oo naman sa Sampa. Nung Freshman ako, ayaw ako tanggapin sa Kalayaan!

10. NAKA UNO KA BA? :: Oo naman.

11. NAGKA-3? :: yup. Pesteng Physics 71 yan.

12. LAGI KA BANG PUMAPASOK SA KLASE? :: Oo naman. Nerd ako eh. hahahaha (actually, dahil ito sa #13)

13. MAY SCHOLARSHIP KA BA? :: Oo

14. ILANG UNITS NA ANG NAIPASA MO? : Graduate na ko eh...so marami-rami na! hehehehe. Dahil nagshift ako I had more units than necessary. Okay nga mga elective ko para sa HRA eh...Physics 71, CS 11 & 12, Math 53 & 54. saan ka pahhh?!

15. NANGARAP KA BA NA MAG-CUM LAUDE? :: Oo naman. Tingin ko naman karamihan ng pumapasok sa UP nangangarap nyan eh.

16. FAVE PROF: Hmmmmm...marami akong nagustuhan. Pero favorites ko si Ma'am Tomacruz (kahit pamatay ang exams nya!) at si Ma'am Pamatmat (ma'am Escultura na pala ngayon).

17. WORST TEACHER: Yung prof ko sa Math 101. Wala talaga akong natutunan sa kanya. Feeling ko nagsayang lang ako ng panahon at nagkaroon ng undue stress sa buhay ko! heheheheh

18. FAVE SUBJECT/S:: Ngek, marami rin ako nito! Pero to name a few: HRA 111 (Catering Mgt), Mgt 170 (Marketing Mgt), HRA 128 (Facilities Planning and Design)

19. WORST SUBJECT:: Physics 71 without a doubt! hahahahaha.

20. FAVE BUILDING:: I don't know if I necessarily have a favorite building. The closest I suppose would be CHEAC since ito ang tambayan namin. Pwede na rin Bahay ng Alumni--Chocolate Kiss!

21. PABORITONG KAINAN :: Rodics (miss ko na ang tapsilog!), alacart! (parang turo-turo on wheels! Nakapark yan sa gitna ng Sampa at Kamia tuwing lunch o dinner. Dati, full course meal na for under 10 pesos--kanin, ginisang monggo, isang maliit na slice ng fried fish, at ginataan for dessert!), siempre, isawan sa Kalayaan, fish ball stand sa Eng'g, at sa Chocolate Kiss kung kararating ng allowance!

22. LAGI KA BA SA LIBRARY? :: like I said..nerd ako eh. hehehe. Saka, aircon sa Lib! Kaysa naman magpakapawis ako sa dorm. hehehehe.

23. NAGPUNTA KA BA SA CLINIC NUN :: oo naman. Pero rarely. Hangga't kaya, iwasan!

24. MAY CRUSH KA BA SA CAMPUS? :: oo naman! given na yun.  (at sa mga nakakaalam, pwede wag kayo mag-respond ng mga guesses nyo!? hehehhe)

25. ANU-ANO ANG MGA NAGING PE MO? :: volleyball (siempre!), Filipino games, Modern dance (which turned out to be interpretative dancing pala. Kala ko pa naman hip-hop or something like that. Isa lang ang drop ko sa buong UP life ko...PE pa! hahahaha), Social dance (AKA Ballroom dancing), and cheer dancing (AKA taga sigaw sa UAAP!)

26. KAMUSTA NAMAN ANG BLOCK NYO? :: Loved it! kaya kahit nag shift na ko to HRA, CompSci blockmates parin ang barkada ko. Of course I made some really good friends sa HRA, but I still preferred hanging out with my block.

27. MEMORIZE MO BA ANG ALMA MATTER SONG NIYO? :: UP naming mahal, pamantasang hirang.....Memorized ko...yung umpisa lang! hahahahaha...saka kung may kasamang kakanta.

28. NAKA-PERFECT KA NA BA NG EXAM? :: Oo.

29. DITO KA BA NATUTONG UMINOM NG BEER? :: among other things! hehehhehe. HRA 105--Beverage Management. In what other class can you drink for a grade?! hahahahaha

Saturday was a big night for John.  He was able to play with The Ruckus, a popular local punk ska band (composed of K-State students).  Fortunately, the weather was great for an outdoor concert and I was able to get some videos.  I was way back on the bleachers so some are hazy, but you can still enjoy the Ruckus rockin' it out

Thanks to our friends (you know who you are) who came out to support John and the band.  We hope you guys had as much fun as we did!

Below are the videos I took.  Most of the songs they performed are original compositions.  I think it's amazing how productive they are as a band.  (Thank you, Rylan, for getting John hooked up with the band!)





















Hope you enjoyed watching the videos!

Know that you are not alone and that many others have endured what you are going through--some better [and more gracefully] than others.  I was going to leave these as comments on your page, but I think I've flooded your comment box enough for one day...I could PM them to you, but I think maybe some other people down on their luck might benefit as well...

There are no magic words that could erase the pain and the heartache, but these are close enough .  Knowing how you so love quotes, I'll send my message through some of the best that have gotten me through.

"We are often troubled, but not crushed.  Sometimes in doubt, but never in despair.  There are many enemies, but we are never without a friend.  And although badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed."  --2 Corinthians 4:8-9

"In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life:  it goes on."  --Robert Frost

"God will always heal the one whose heart is open to Him; but we must allow Him to decide what that healing is to be." --John O'Mahony

"Not getting what we want though does not mean that God never answers prayers.  God responds in some other ways.  We pray but we allow God, in all His wisdom, to dispense His grace as He knows best."  --Fr. Gerry del Pinado, The Word in other words

"God always acts in your best interest, even when it is painful and you don't understand it." --Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life

Each time I feel like I'm losing control or direction in my life, I recall something that a really great mentor told me once...LET GO, LET GOD. 

*hugs to you, little brother!*

It's been a pretty busy past couple of weeks for John. I'm just glad he's had the chance to play with different local musicians.

If you're into jazz...



And if you're into rock...



So proud of the hubby:)

Every year, K-State's International Coordinating Council puts on International Week. This is an opportunity to participate in lots of activities promoting diversity and multicultural education. PhilSA has always been active and the Cultural Exhibition is one of our favorites. This year, a new member, Sheila, was in charge of our display. Great job, Sheila! Thanks to Kuya Eric for taking the photos. Click here to view pictures from the Cultural Display.

Thank you, Ate Haidee for coordinating the Fashion Show. Check it out!

As usual, I'll borrow Kuya Eric's photos...click here to view pics during the World Traditions and Ceremonies at a Glance. We danced a modified Pandango (we were saving the real thing for the Festival of Talents). The guys then did a modern serenade to the tune of Parokya ni Edgar's Harana. Kilig! Thanks to the Claflin Boys and Kuya Rommel for working this one out!

Thanks to Judy for the videos of our performances during the Festival of Talents. I did not include the Pandanggo Oasiwas yet coz it's quite dark and all you really see are the candles and the sequins on our costumes. hehehe. I guess for that one, you just had to be there to see it (as Hazel said...hahaha). Kudos to our very strict dance masters Kuya Eric and Ate Haydee. Pictures here!

Tinikling





Maglalatik





Habang May Buhay





On behalf of PhilSA, a big THANK YOU to everyone who made this week a great one!

Sometimes, we look at our lives and think about everything that has not gone the way we wanted and we complain about whatever is going "wrong". Sometimes we dwell on things that drag us down...And then we hear of real tragedies that make our "troubles" pale in comparison.

Today, 32 random people died...shot to death by an anonymous individual...for reasons not yet known. It happened at a well known and well respected university located in a seemingly friendly town. Read about the Virginia Tech shootings here.

Just this past week, I faced a lot of personal challenges and managed organizational crises. I am exhausted. But what happened today at Virginia Tech is enough to remind me that last week is now the past. I can no longer change what has happened, what has been said, what has been done. BUT I am still able to do what needs to be done. I am still alive. That is enough.

ok, so i tried out cross-posting from my main blog. seems all right to me--it's just that some of the design elements didn't quite work with the current color scheme of my multiply site...oh well! it's not gonna kill me, so i won't stress over it

just thought i'd save my friends on multiply the extra click of having to go launch another page...sorry to flood your update page, though! hahahaha

for more posts, please go to my main blog:  Not So Random Thoughts

With the surge of online communities like Friendster, MySpace, Facebook, Multiply, etc., it has gotten so much easier to find [long] lost friends. I love reconnecting with people I knew from way back when. If you asked my friends, they would probably say that I am one of THE most sentimental people they know. And I would agree. I love reminiscing about the past--especially all the funny, crazy, fun, extraordinary experiences we shared (we don't talk about the big boo-boos as much...hahaha). Total laugh trip!

Another thing I love about it, is that I get to see what/who they have become after all these years. Some of them were my little brothers and little sisters in Brent and I see their pics and I can't help but think...dengit! I'm old! hahahaha. But I love seeing or reading about how their lives turned out, where they've been, how they've changed [or not]. I get so excited seeing them pursue dreams we only used to talk about, or wish about...or when they end up doing things they said they would never do. We are no longer the same bright-eyed, naive, idealistic kids we once were...but somehow, when we catch up on things now, we find that some things--those that are important, the reasons why we are friends in the first place--have not changed.

This leads me to my most recent find. If you are looking for some interesting and well written materials, visit Lance's blog. He was one of "my kids" and even then, he was always articulate, prolific, and profound--at age 14 or so. Though I love how his writing has matured, I still see the Lance that I remember. Drop by when you've got time.

Amazing how the more things change, the more they stay the same.

One of my mentors sent me the following and I thought...hmmm...maybe she saw my smoke signals, too! hahaha...

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small,uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?" Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island!It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?," asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

The Moral of This Story:
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives.... even in themidst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

P. S. You may want to consider passing this on, because you never know who feels as if their hut is on fire today.

Hello, world! I am so happy...it is exactly 1:32 am and I have just saved the final copy of my dissertation proposal. WOOHOOOO!!!! Now I get to go back home and catch some zzzzz's. I might even treat myself to some ice cream tonight:) hahaha.

Tomorrow, all I need to do is print it off, have it bound, and deliver it to my supervisory committee members. Then I get to relax [sort of] for 2 weeks before my proposal defense...April the 13th. Yikes. That reminds me, when I was setting up my meeting, one of my advisers wrote back, "Hmmm...Friday the 13th...you sure you wanna do it then?" I answered, "I didn't even think about that! How about you play nice and change the stigma? It will be my lucky day!"

Positive thinking never killed anyone, I guess:)

I am so glad that John and I decided to get away for the weekend. I know that I probably could have gotten a lot of things accomplished over the 3 days that I was gone...but now I feel so much better. I guess I needed the change of environment so I could recharge. What made the weekend so much better is the fact that John and I spent it with friends--good friends! Being able to bridge the past and the present and knowing that these friends will be part of the future as well just gives me a great feeling, and more reasons to be thankful.


RITCHIE

Ritch and I have known each other since we were 10. Wow...20 years of shared memories! Amazing. Our friendship has actually gone full circle. While we were in Brent, we were good friends and we hung out with the same people (well, we didn't really have much choice, there were so few of us!). I guess you could say I was the Ate then too--I knew all his crushes, his pet peeves, and all other problems, ups, down, and whatever. We even moved to Manila together for college, both at UP Diliman. After our freshman year, we started going our own ways and I guess it was at that time that we drifted apart. (Well, there was more to it than that, but I won't go there right now). I guess college and beyond, we began to have our own groups of friends who were very different from each other and really, it seemed that all we had in common was Brent--just Brent. Since we left the Philippines, we've tried to keep in touch and I must say we've done a decent job at that. Emails, phone calls, notes on Friendster--I mean we were still friends, but it just was not the same.

After his visit late last year and more so after this weekend, I am SO glad that we have had the chance to reconnect in the way that we were in Brent. I guess reminiscing about the good old days helped, but also because we are both more mature now...we've both made something of ourselves, and we both understand why we did the things we did then. Full circle. I just want to take the time to say-- Ritch, I'm sorry I wasted all that time in between then and now. I may have done or said things that hurt you, but know that I'm sorry. I didn't realize what I took for granted until we kept talking (and laughing) about all the crazy stuff we did in Brent and UP. Can't take back the past, so here's to just cherishing the great friendship and making the most of this blessing. I am so proud of you and who you have become. I hope you know that.

I believe that if you can keep in touch with the childhood friends you made, then those are the friends who truly stay with you, love you no matter what, regardless of time, distance, and circumstance. I suppose you could say that they knew you before the world got to you...and they can see what you've made of yourself after you've let the rest of the world step into your life. I am ever so thankful for those friendships. I may not tell them often now...and maybe I should...but I would not be who I am if not for the "family" I had in Brent. I love you guys! I AM BLESSED.

JUDY, JOHN G, AND MAU

Although we didn't spend much of the weekend with them, I'm still glad that we drove down and back with them. Being confined in a small car for 7 hours (each way) really gives you the opportunity to bond. And bonding we did! Like I've mentioned in one of my previous posts, these three have kept me sane this past year. Laughter is indeed the best medicine. And no doubt, the five of us (including John) will always, always find something to laugh about. I love that we get along so well even if we're all very different--I guess you could say that we complement each other well.

Some time ago, probably through one of those emails that get forwarded, I remember reading that people are like crayons: It takes all shades and colors to make a complete set. That's how it is with the five of us. We're different enough to make life interesting, but alike enough to be able to understand each other.

P.S. So when are we going to roll out the "D is the answer" game so you guys can have your sweet revenge? hahahaha


***
I may have had people in my life that I did not particularly like--or did not particularly like me. I may even have had some enemies. But all of that pale in comparison the the wonderful friends that I have made along the way. For that I am eternally grateful!

Everyday, I exchange a series of emails with my best(est) friends: Kitty, Gladys, Ann, and Nadine. We're all going through our own set of challenges at the moment and we talked about adding each one to a prayer list. However, in all the emails, we've lost track of how many we have on that list and what we have on that list. hahaha. So now, they've all decided that since I'm the most academic, list-oriented person among the group (their way of saying I'm such a nerd...hmpf!), I should come up with THE list. So here goes...

1. We pray that Nadine's recent relocation to Australia will prove to be a smooth transition. We hope that she finds a job that, more than anything, will be fulfilling. Of course it doesn't hurt if it pays well:) [Nades, gift ko hah! hahahaha]
2. We pray that Gladys and Sam's house will be very marketable so that they can sell it quickly and move to a better home--preferably bigger (for the growing family) and closer to the rest of civilization (also known as her sister, church, and shopping...hahahaha).
3. We pray that I hit my target dates for the completion of my dissertation (kasi, no dissertation, no job!!! Hindi pwedehhhhhhhhhhh!)
4. We pray that Ann's papers finally come through so that she can likewise start a new chapter (but in the mean time we hope that the upcoming meeting with **:)** will be great. Sana naman, this time may fireworks na...or at least a spark. Wag naman sana tulad ng dati na, "Kahit watusi nga, wala!")
5. We pray that Kitty's superb evaluation at her current job will open new doors and present wonderful opportunities for her. (And in the process, Nadine prays that Kitty decides to pursue her job search in Australia...at nang di naman lonely si Nades dun!)

The list will grow as time goes by...but at least naumpisahan na....and if you feel like offering up a prayer, write a comment and add it to the list! Or send up a prayer for us--every ounce of faith helps!

Ayan na...pahabol...

1. We pray that the processing of Andrew's papers will be quick so that he could follow Nadine to Australia as soon as possible (at nang hindi naman sila abutin ng 5 years apart tulad namin ni John!)
2. We pray that John gets more gigs para naman masaya (saka I have an excuse to get out once in a while. Maybe a change of scenery will do me (most especially my brain) some good. hahahaha)
3. We pray that Sam does well so that he and Gladys can breathe easier and have more family time:)
   

I am so very grateful for industry people who willingly answer my requests for them to come in as guest speakers in my class. Lecturing from the book is nothing compared to hearing people who are actually making it in the industry--and making it big by doing things right. It's the perfect proof that what they learn from the book is actually useful, or in some cases, too idealistic. How many times have I said to myself, "That's not how it goes in the industry!" Books teach the ideal, show the perfect scenario if you had the greatest boss of all time who is not only a manager, but a leader as well. But guest speakers...well, they tell it like it is in the real world. And I love that. Some managers have also agreed to let me bring my class to tour their facilities. Nothing like hands on contact with the subject matter, right?

I know these great individuals will probably never point their browsers to my blog. Besides, I've already given them my personalized thank you's. But I still want to recognize them here--for contributing to the richness of my class, to the knowledge that my class can impart to the students, for the time they take to share their experiences, and just because...

Mr. Bill Elliot, Manhattan Country Club
Mr. Bob Philbrick, Quail Creek Country Club
Mr. Matt David, Indian Hills Country Club [I think it was really effective when I introduced him as a guy who sat in the same room as my students (albeit several years ago), listening to some speaker, thinking "Someday I'll be there too."]
Mr. Michael Nicolotti, Alvamar Country Club
Mr. Steve Graves, Creative Golf Marketing
Mr. Bradley Minnick, Lawrence Country Club
Mr. Steve DeRose, The Carriage Club
Mr. Ross Day, Kansas City Country Club

Thank you!

Three reasons I am happy today (and quite honestly, it's more than enough!)

1. I finally re-submitted Chapter 1 of my dissertation proposal--and it looked a lot better than the first draft, let me tell you that!
2. I got my draft of Chapter 3 back--with minimal corrections. Woohooo! Now if I can only get Chapter 2 in, I'll be almost set!
   
3. Oh, and yes, I GOT A JOB OFFER TODAY!!!!

Life is gooooooooood!