Subject: Problems with my new computer
Dear Mr. Bill Gates,
We have bought a computer for our home and we have found some Problems, which I want to bring to your notice.
1. There is a button 'start' but there is no 'stop' button. We request you to check this.
2. We find there is 'Run' in the menu. One of my friends clicked 'run' he ran up to Amritsar ! So, we request you to change that to 'sit', so that we can click that by sitting.
3. One doubt is whether any 're-scooter' is available in system? I find only 're-cycle', but I own a scooter at my home.
4. There is 'Find' button but it is not working properly. My wife lost the door key and we tried a lot trace the key with this ' find' button, but was unable to trace. Please rectify this problem.
5. My child learnt 'Microsoft word' now he wants to learn 'Microsoft sentence', so when you will provide that?
6. I brought computer, CPU, mouse and keyboard, but there is only one icon which shows 'MY Computer': when you will provide the remaining items?
7. It is surprising that windows says 'MY Pictures' but there is not even a single photo of mine. So when will you keep my photo in that.
8. There is 'MICROSOFT OFFICE' what about 'MICROSOFT HOME' since I use the PC at home only..
9. You provided 'My Recent Documents'. When you will provide 'My Past Documents'?
10. You provide 'My Network Places'. For God 's sake please do not provide 'My Secret Places'. I do not want to let my wife know where I go after my office hours.
Regards,
Banta
Last one from me to Mr Bill Gates :
Sir, how is it that your name is Gates but u are selling WINDOWS
(This joke came from a forwarded email in the office today from a Filipino-Malaysian colleague).

the poor quality of the camera I used doesn't do justice to the colors I've used.

The strict dress code for the Acquaintance party at St.Scholastica's College fo Health Sciences which had a lot of tongue wagging and a lot of eye brow raising and with it, elevated blood pressures.

I had an interesting duty this week. The elusive Errol Floyd Gaspang was my groupmates client.

I was channel surfing last week when I happened to pass by a channel featuring an award winning documentary done by Eli Africa. What struck my chord about this film was that it was titled, " Selling Songs of Leyte". Having lived in this island for practically all my life I never knew that there existed such a thing as a "selling song"!
Bulad(dried fish) vendors from Dulag and Tanauan and another neighboring municipality were featured. Tita said that when they were young there were indeed bulad vendors who would sing while counting their bulads!Interesting indeed and I want to witness this for myself.
Tabo's(market day) anyone?

I'm too busy for my own good these days. I have to update on a lot of things:books,friends,notes even my life!
Just when I was about some pics I've promised to upload our pc had a multisystem failure. So here I am, stuck in an expensive net cafe.
I tried checking out my ex blog at tabulas and lo and behold it still exists! If you want to go and check it out here is the link www.weepingwillow.tabulas.com

I think I wrote this for Theology 5 years back...I hate my approach..Feel free to critique..

Despite all the blemish that seems to pop out of the mirror at me like a 3D picture every morning. Despite the zits that makes my face as bumpy as Chocolate Hills and sebum on which you can fry cheese sticks on a hot summer day. Despite the frizzes of my perennially wayward hair. Despite the fat hanging out of my hipster pants. Despite my poor memory and bad math. My snobbishness and jadedness. Life is good.

Sometimes these whining and complaining of the state I’m in is wearing and wearying. It kills the soul, drains the spirit, and damage the psyche.I look at everything in life with a jaundiced eye. Jaded. It’s as if I’m playing tag with the sun.

Yes, I do have a lot to complain about. Who would’nt? Life is terribly unfair and every bit of reality nips on your skin like a chilly Misa de Gallo breeze. But despite all the biting realities, I know that there are still sterling qualities about me. Some maybe a figment of my hyper imagination produced by my neuro-synaptic wreck of a brain. Yet I know some are tried and tested by both time and self-pity.

I’ve heard people say that I’m pretty. Though I wonder if they are saying it out of pity or simply just for the laugh they get out of it. But come to think of it If I buy all the make-up man can make and with a little help from science, who knows. I may not turn out to be another raving beauty like Audrey Hepburn but close enough to beat Camilla Bowles-Parker out of her throne. Oh ok, I am pretty. Scratch it. Only cute. Debatable but hey doesn’t beauty lie in the eyes of the beholder. If I say I am, you have to respect my opinion. Don’t feed my insecurity by measuring me up with all the Heart Evangelista clones in this artificial society.

Some people think I’m crazy. But the truth is I’m just bored. To drive away that boredom, I dress up. Not in your usual fashionista goody goody two shoes sort of way, but in a style completely my own. I guess that’s one good thing about me. I’m not a fly that’s trapped in amber. I don’t wear something because it’s what’s in but I wear my frocks because It’s the best way of projecting my emotions to the world. I’m not afraid of change, of being different. My friends are all over it but I just keep it down low.

I’m candid, upfront and behind. I don’t kiss up to someone I don’t like. I don’t front. I think that’s a good quality-if not taken to the extreme.

I believe I have a good heart. I love serving the masses. Admittedly I’m such a politiko deep inside. As I reflect on it now, maybe this is the reason why I was so involved in so many extra-curricular organizations in my previous schools. Mostly are socio-civic organizations like the Girl Scouts. I have always held an office. I try to please people. Help them. Serve them. But please don’t get on my nerves.

Speaking especially public speaking has been my forte. I can’t relate to what people call as cold feet. I feel so at home in speaking in a huge crowd. I have hosted events a lot, way before I transferred to this ho-hum Catholic institution. I can talk forever which is why one of the adviser of a paper I worked with calls me “Big Mouth”. Those were the days. I’ve now mellowed down with age.

I may not have real talent. I can’t sing and I’m a lousy dancer. I once tried my hand at playing banduria and as expected, I failed. I’m quite good with creative ideas though. And I’m good with my hands. I’m crafty (smiles). I make trinkets and accessories. I’m proud of it.

Some people may or may not agree with what I’ve written. But my little Bio black book and my Friendster testimonials comforts me that my support group thinks I’m special. Yes I am special.

I never knew there were a lot of types of kisses until I found this article on the net a few years back. If you find some that catch your fancy, feel free to try them [nyahahaha]

Butterfly Kiss - With your faces less than a breath away, open and close your eyelids against your partners. If done correctly, the fluttering sensation will match the one in your heart.

Cheek Kiss - A friendly, "I really like you" kiss. Often the preferred kissing method of a first date. With your hands on your partner's shoulders, gently brush your lips across her cheek.

Earlobe Kiss - Gently sip and suck the earlobe. Avoid louder sucking noises as ears are sensitized noise detectors.

Eskimo Kiss - With your faces less than a breath apart, gently rub your noses together. [cute nito!!!!]

Eye Kiss - Hold your partner's head with both hands and slowly move their head in the direction you wish your kiss to go... then slowly kiss up towards your partner's eyes and give them a tender kiss on top of their closed eyes.

Eyelid Kiss - While your partner is resting/sleeping with eyes closed, very very gently kiss the spot right below their browbone. A very intimate kiss.

Finger Kiss - While laying together gently suck on their fingers. This can be very seductive and pleasurable.

Foot Kiss - An erotic and romantic gesture. It may tickle, but relax and enjoy it! To give a toe kiss by gently suck the toes and then lightly kissing the foot. It helps to gently massage the base of the foot while performing the kiss.

Forehead Kiss - The "motherly" kiss or "just friends" kiss. The forehead kiss can be a comforting kiss to anyone. Simply brush your lips lightly across the crown of their head.

Freeze Kiss (or Melt Kiss) - Experiment with this fun kiss. Put a small piece of ice in your mouth, then open mouth and kiss your partner, passing them the ice with your tongue. It's an erotic and sensual french kiss with a twist of cold.

French Kiss - The kiss involving the tongue. Some call this the "Soul Kiss" because the life and soul are thought to pass through the mouth's breath in the exchange across tongues. Surprisingly, the French call this "The English Kiss".

Fruity Kiss - Take a small piece of fruit and place between your lips (juicy fruits such as grapes, strawberries, small pieces of pineapple or mango are ideal). Kiss your partner and nibble one half of the piece of fruit while they nibble the other until it breaks in half, allowing the juice to run into your mouths.

Hand Kiss - Gently raise her hand to your lips. Lightly brush your lips across the top of her hand. Historically this kiss was performed with a bow, which showed deference to a lady.

Hickey Kiss - The object is not to draw blood, but to gently leave a mark that will prove your interlude was not a dream. This is often included in erotic foreplay.

Hostage Kiss - Cover your lips with tape and get your love's attention. When they come near, make noises like you're trying to tell them something and motion as if you can't get the tape off. Once they remove the tape from you to hear what you're trying to say tell them: "I've been saving my lips all day just for you!" Then kiss your love passionately!

Hot and Cold Kiss - Lick your partner's lips so that they're warm, and then gently blow on them. The sudden cold blast makes for a sensual explosion, and they will often try it on you next, as well as get very passionate.

Mistletoe Kiss - Surprise your lover by capturing them with a gentle holiday kiss under the mistletoe. This is also a good method for shyer individuals to steal a kiss from a potential lover.

Letter Kiss - Send your lover a kiss in a love letter by writing the letter x several times in a row at the bottom of a letter such as XXXXX.

Lick Kiss - Just before kissing, gently run your tongue along you partners lip whether it be the top or bottom one depending on the position of your lips. Very sensual.

Neck Nibble Kiss - Gently nibble up and down your partners neck. End with a gentle kiss on the lips.

Nip Kiss - This kiss can create a very erotic sensation. While kissing your partner, ever so gently nibble on their lips. You must be very careful not to bite to hard or hurt your partner. When done correctly, this kiss ignites wonderful sensations.

Reverse Lips Kiss - It involves standing above your lover and kissing them from over their head. This way, each kisser can take the hyper-sensitive bottom lip of thier lover in their mouths, and GENTLY draw blood to the surface of the lip by nibbling and sucking. A very sensuous, connecting kiss.

Searching The Cavern - Use the lips and tongue to gently tickle and kiss your lover's navel. Vary speeds and stroke to change sensation. Invigorating and intoxicating.

Shoulder Kiss - Simply come from behind, embrace her, and kiss the top of her shoulder. This is a sensual, loving kiss.

Sip Kiss - Take a small sip of your favorite drink. Leaving a little bit of it on your lips, kiss your partner. It is a unique way to create a sensual feeling and your partner will enjoy it.

Talking Kiss - Whisper sweet nothings into your partner's mouth. If caught in the act, simply say as Chico Marx, "I wasn't kissing her. I was whispering into her mouth."

Teaser Kiss - Starting on the forehead, a sweet short kiss on lips, then move up the arms up to her hand, kiss her hand, then come back up her arm, to her face and then lightly kiss her lips till she wants a passionate kiss.

The Buzzing Kiss - Gently place your lips against your lover's neck , behind their ear. Now, send a shudder through their skin by gently growling and humming, vibrating your lips and cheeks as you do so. Move up and down the neck, over the bones of the face and lips. Stimulating and erotic when done correctly.

The Whipped Cream Kiss - Dip your finger into some cool whip or whipped cream of your choice. Lick it off slowly, then embrace your partner and kiss them deeply letting their tongue slip over yours for a wonderfully sweet kiss. It's very seductive and passionate.

Tiger Kiss - Quietly sneak up behind your partner making sure they do not know what you are going to do. Out of the blue, grab them and gently bite their neck. Make sure to get a few good growls in too. This will surely surprise them.

Trickle Kiss - Take a sip of a favourite drink and trickle it slowly into partner's mouth while kissing.

Tongue Sucking - A variation of the French kiss. During an open-mouth kiss gently suck on your partner's tongue (not too hard because it may hurt). Very sexy

Quickie Kiss - When you're in a rush. Often the nose gets it rather than the lips.

Vacuum Kiss - While kissing open-mouthed, slightly suck in as if you were sucking the air from your partners mouth. This is a playful kiss.

Wake Up Kiss - Before your partner awakes lean over and kiss their cheek and move over giving soft kisses until you reach their lips. Definitely a more than pleasant way to wake up!

Kisses [peborit ko to] : obvious ba? Hershey's kisses!! sarap!! yumyum!!!

While I was deleting old files today I found these poems I made 5 years back for my class in Filipino...

By the time the Lord made woman, he was into his sixth day of working overtime. An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?" And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart -and she will do everything with only two hands." The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish." But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days." The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord." "She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish." "Will she be able to think?", asked the angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate." The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one." "That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!" "What's the tear for?" the angel asked. The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride." The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing." And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry.They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice.They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies.They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love.They have compassion and ideals.They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give. HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

I was passing on my usual route to school-Magallanes Street, when I espied upon a sign saying, "Tindahan ng Bayan: Rice and Noodles".
Although Asians are very fond of noodles, I know for sure that noodles are not a staple of a Filipino family's diet. Are noodles a staple food of Filipinos these days? This just reminds me of what my DebSoc coach way back in UPTac said to us on one of his lectures. Filipinos he said could only afford noodles these days. They make these noodles as their viands. Rice is carbs and then noodles is also carbs. This definitely is not a balanced diet.
Have yu seen the long lines for NFA rice? If I am not busy with school myself I would have also queued! NFA rice is way way cheaper than regular rice. Here at our neighborhood sari-sari store they sell it for 50Php a kilo! This is highway robbery!
I keep telling Yumi that she is soooo sosyal to be eating lugaw because rice is much more expensive than her cereals.
====================================================================
From Buddho by Ajaan Thate Desaransi

Practice meditation the same way farmers grow rice. They’re in no hurry. They scatter the seed, plow, harrow, plant the seedlings, step by step, without skipping any of the steps. Then they wait for the plants to grow. Even when they don’t yet see the rice appearing, they’re confident that the rice is sure to appear some day in the future. Once the rice appears, they’re convinced that they’re sure to reap results. They don’t pull on the rice plants to make them come out with rice when they want it. Anyone who did that would end up with no results at all.

I've revisited my dying neopet Wyrd_Froggie in the wee hours of the morning yesterday and it seems that I am now hooked again.
My neopet needs a lot of toys and is famished but I have yet to earn neopoints to buy him some food and other necessities. Oh if life could only be this simple.
It seems that life is getting tougher these days. It is not only the Philippines who has a rice shortage but also the rest of the world. Would you believe that a decade ago we were teaching these Thais and other Asians how to grow rice?
The dollar has grown stronger against the peso. One US dollar is to 45 Php as of late. This doesn't bother me an inch since I don't have any relatives abroad sending me dollars. What bothers me and irritates me most is the expensive fare!!! There is a provisional fare hike of .50 cents brought about by the latest increase in diesel. I can't believe that in the Middle East a litre of gasoline is just 7php while here it's 60 php. Water is much more expensive that gasoline there! I'm thinking of buying a bicyce so I could just pedal my way to school. This would in turn decrease my carbon footprint, my metabolic rate and my sweat! Ughh...
Woe to the President because she's taking all the backlash. This might be the reason why the President hasn't grown beyond 5 feet. Ngyahahaha...

Have you ever felt so alone in a crowded room? Have you ever felt that you try so hard to belong yet sadly you never will?
This must be the pay off of my displacement. What do I expect anyway? I'm a year ahead of their batch and about 3 years their senior! I guess I just have to survive on my own and try hard to disregard the cheating that's blatantly happening. It's just that it's so unfair that they get to top the exam by cheating while I barely pass because of my honesty!

I'm so glad there are no classes on Wednesdays! At least, I can rest from trying to fit in.
I so wished Karla was my classmate but it is nowhere near possible unless we seek Dr. Lims help which is a no-no. It would compromise our position. I went to Dr. Limthough to try to credit my Asian Civilization. Let us just hope he vetoes this.I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I've found new friends though-Ate Anne,Shaira,Elmer and Alfredo. It's good to have someone to have an aimless chitchat eventhough you sometimes feel you are the third wheel.
Rumor has it that there is an overload of brainies on Sec.A . I was thinking that that would be good since I will not be pressured into keeping up with the majority lest I'm going to be always at the bottom of the food chain. Ooh oohh if this is true then why are my classmates already preparing their journals and reading in advance when our pre-test is still next week and the deadline for the journals is still to be determined.
I have to be on tiptop shape! I have to read!Study! Doubly hard this time mind you since Sr. Isabel told me she expects me to top the board next year. I wonder what my teachers see in me that made them think I can do it. Or do they say this to every other person in the school because they are so desperate to have a topnotcher?

I've discovered the joys of friendship bracelets when I went to Subic Bay for a National Girl Scout Summer Camp almost 10 years ago.
I bought a DIY box and from then on I was hooked. Here are some of the patterns I've 'discovered'. 'Discovered' because some of these designs have available patterns online. Whenever I get a 'knotter's' block I just visit these sites for inspiration. I don't bother looking at their patterns though because all those forward knots and backward knots instructions gives me a terrible terrible headache.And this is my recently discovered alphabet patterned friendship bracelet.
And ahemm I do accept orders.hehehe

Don't you just love the wafting scent of nail polish?

This will be probably my last hurrah before school starts and painted nails would then be banned or else I'll be sanctioned.


There is something pretty about painted nails. When there are days that I feel so bored and ugly, I would usually paint my nails and it gives me that extra oommphh I need. I can't do anything to my hair. I guess it has to stay in its chaotic way until Yumi is 1 year old. I'm afraid that if I get it treated with chemicals, it will affect Yumi's system.


I just wish I can do nail art. Remind me to practice this craft. I do need to do more research on this area.

I went to the said exhibit held at Leyte Park last night and lo and behold, my "painting" was included! I couldn't actually believe it when Dante told me he would like to join my work for the exhibit. I didn't know that the painting would even look half as good.
I've always looked upon my work as amateur-ish...more like the work of a little child who has just learned the joys of watercolors and pen manipulation.
If you compare my work to Dante's
or even of Madame Dulz I know you'll get what I mean.
Oh well, I'm just starting out. This maybe my first and last.
I realized last night that I officially hate crowds. Crowds makes me feel like I'm trapped in a box and I'm loosing air.
My guts probably went with my placenta! Look how I'm ill at ease I am with the camera when I used to be a camwhore.
And Wakit keeps getting into the shot!

This is my latest pen,paper and wash.

My imagination is running wild again!
Here are stories that I've heared from my aunts who heard it from the maids next door who heared it from blah blah blah.. Where does the facts start? And where did fiction begin? You be the judge.
1. A little kid went missing at Kassel Homes. The parents scoured the subdivision but the kid was not found. Laterin the evening the mother received a message saying that she should watch out for a van bearing a certein plate number because it picks up kids and harvests their organs. (Source: Tita Ann's Officemate)
2. A town in Samar had recently had 10 missing kids from separate families. The bodies were then found in their respective families doorsteps. Their bodies bore scars due to organ harvesting. In their mouths was Php 20,000.(Source: Ate Margie's carpenter)
3. There was a woman in Dagami who was kidnapped. Her eyes were taken out and her dead body was dumped with Php 10,000 found in her mouth. (source: Ate Jennifer)
4. Two bodies of children from San Jose was found. Their bodies, again, was devoid of vital organs. ( Source: Andre's mother)
5. A kid from Utap was kidnapped and his organs taken out. ( source: Kuya Alan's sis)
Reasons for kidnapping and illegal harvesting of organs is obviously because of money. Others say that the children's blood will be used for the construction of the Guian international Airport.

I thought I could enroll..All my papers were done and the only thing lacking was handing over my tuition to the business office. And then I got held back by the Clinical Instructor who was going to handle the petition subject. I felt dejected. My already low self-esteem burrowed a hole in the bedrock. I so wanted to enroll in that subject so that I won't be loaded this coming first sem. To add insult tot he injury or was it to salve my wound, Ma'am Barrot and Sir Chatty said that if I haven't stopped, I would have been running for honors. I was supposed to receive an award!They said that it was ok (but not for me), I should instead try to place in the nursing board and make our school proud. OMG as if it's an easy task!

My PC broke down for the nth time this year! That is why I’ve only managed to blog now.
I went to my college(yes the one with the infinity pool) on Tuesday to enroll for the petition class. There was a long line outside the Deans office as usual. It seems like everyone in school that day was misinformed since news has it that enrollment is next Monday, the 7th.Come to think of it, Monday is a holiday. It just shows that a year away hasn’t changed the schools management.
As I was saying, I was queuing when I felt that I needed to do something than just wait for the line to move. I talked to some old classmates and they told me that Karla has also plans of joining the petition class I’m planning to enroll in. In fact she had already started doing her clearance.
Karla and I are in the same predicament. We both were pregnant last summer and took a leave of absence last academic year. She too is not married to the father of her child. If I am nervous about being accepted back, I know for sure that Karla too is in tethers.
Seems like I was the talk of the mob that day! Everyone was asking about my disappearance and my baby. For those who were asking for baby pics, here is my Yumi bebe. At four months old.
I went to Jaycee’s place that day and got a look at my first godchild. She’s 2 months younger than Yumi and her name is Tatum. She took after her father I’m sure since the dusky skin and thick brows and hair couldn’t have been from Jaycee’s side of the family (not that I’ve seen Tatum’s father in person; only in pictures.)
I can’t believe how easily I get bawled over by babies when I used to make babies cry just for fun. Yumi made me look at wee ones in a different perspective. They are angels!
The twins were here this weekend. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to bond with them like we used too. No more beaches and senseless tanning on hot summer days. No more surf and skimboards. No more long walks and talks.
I hate to admit it but the freaking Tripod has now become individuals. To each her own.
I often get teary eyed over our relationship and the Gwapo Gang’s too.
I would like to blame it on unlimited texts and different cellphone networks. Yet I know that part of the blame is on me. I seldom reach out to them but hey, they too don’t seem to do any reaching out to me.
Boom, my cousin, on the other hand is a different story. He texted me late at night on Wednesday, I replied at about two in the morning the following day. I’m so glad he got out of his funk!

Give or take, it’s almost a year since I’ve had my leave of absence from my studies. I only have one academic year left before I graduate. Everyone that matters to me is pushing me to finish it. They don’t need to push some more since I’m already bent on finishing it. I’ve already asked around in school.(Not that I miss its infinity pool.)

This is my first post so far. I've opened this account about a week ago and have drafted my supposed to be "first post" but lookee here I am starting from scratch again and I don't know where to start.Since my head is pretty preoccupied with making extra money these days I guess I'd better post th e bracelets I made for my Tita Bhaby and Tita Aline. They brought it with them to Nepal and g ave them as souvenirs.
I took these pictures with my motorola L-7. The locks of these bracelets should be changed but sadly I can't find the materials here in Tacloban.