New lease on life

Finally my Harriet got fixed. 

Apparently one of her parts (memory card) was corrupted thus causing those irritating blue screen moments coupled with her "today.I.switch.on-tomorrow.I.won't.switch.on" tantrums.

Yesterday, our reliable tech guy worked on her the whole day. Aside from the new component, I finally decided to make the switch from Windows XP to Windows 7.  

I'm a traditionalist so I'm guided by the age old formula that if it works why change it mentality. I've been using Windows XP for eons now. I kept postponing the switch because I've grown accustomed to its ease of function style.

But the tech guy said it would be quite difficult to find drivers for Windows XP if we use newer component parts. In fact, Harriet is already 5 years old and by normal standards, parts can get obsolete within 2 years time.

So I'm happy. I was willing to go for a complete overhaul.  Well actually that was D's idea. It was going to be his gift for my birthday. But we were able to save as it turns out just one part was needed for Harriet's rebirth, for now.  The tech guy said Harriet would have to be phased out within 2 years or less.

There are many exciting features in Windows 7.  I get an adrenaline rush from tinkering with the various options.  I feel like a kid in a toys store and I was up until the wee hours just exploring with a huge smile on my face.It's wonderful how a tiny component can add a new lease on an already aging device.  

Now don't you wish this was applicable to our own body parts? I know there are certain joints in my soon to be 44 (years old) body which could use some replacement parts and make me feel brand new again!  :D

Put a ring on it

Several months before our marital union, we scouted the crowded streets of Binondo to canvass for our wedding rings. With a limited budget and a traditional design in mind, we practically entered all the shops lined up in that very busy stretch of jewellery shops.

It was so overwhelming because there was a wide variety of rings on display. I am quite satisfied with the rings we finally ended up purchasing. It was well within our budget and the design is simple yet elegant if I may say so myself. 

From time to time, I still check out some websites which offer wedding rings. I was drawn towards a  talented artist named Todd Alan. He offers unique wedding rings which are originally designed and hand braided with the finest technique.  His unique wedding bands are made from the finest materials like silver, gold, white and red/rose gold as well as two toned and tri-color wedding rings. Each ring is intricately designed one at a time upon order.  He has developed a Celtic knot inspired design that is quite distinct with a fine polished finishing that is quite elegant. 

With a guaranteed secure online ordering facility, it also has a free 30 day risk free return policy so you are assured of good quality at all times.  So check out his online wedding ring art gallery and I'm sure you will have a feast just ogling over his very unique handwoven and braided designs.

I'm back

12 days of constant dining out with shopping spree galore not to mention the special bonding time with my beloved sister can sure take its toll on me. 

My 43 year old body has gained 5 kgs from all that bingeing. Imagine that!  I'm exhausted. My feet hurt from all the walking (albeit in the malls).  My monthly lasted more than its usual expectancy.  My head hurts from staying up late as we watched TV shows on her laptop.

BUT.

I managed to purchase new clothes, new shoes.  I got my early birthday gifts (yes plural) from my sister. I was also able to sneak in a hair treatment with haircut session which was so relaxing!

My cup runneth over, I'm extremely content and feel thoroughly blessed as I usher in my 44th year in a week's time. 

Thank you,  Lord for the continued pouring of abundant blessings. =)

Beloved

 

Despite my fiercely persistent requests for him to stop playing basketball,  he enthusiastically insists he is still fit as a fiddle to play this physically demanding game.

So I promise I will stop being a nagger and just let him be.  But it's difficult to ignore the bruises and scratches on his arms and legs when he comes home after a game.

Happy 48th birthday!  

P.S.

I will be on a blogging hiatus as my beloved sister is coming home for a few days to celebrate her own birthday (Oct. 2) with us.    Hurray to sisterhood bonding moments!!!  :D

Your place or my place?

A nasty separation has forced a good friend of mine to throw himself into the dating world, yet again. Faced with the nagging thought of being alone, he finally dust the cobwebs off himself and decided to explore what's out there.

No sooner had he taken two steps out when he suddenly realized how daunting this task was going to be.  A separated father of one in his late 40s is not an attractive tagline to put on a dating site. But he thought what the heck, he might as well be honest than pretend to be someone else.

In his emails, he mostly laments how frustrating it is to find someone who didn't mind his extra baggage, let alone someone who shared his interests.  One would think that with all these social media sites available at one's disposal, it would make things quite easy but it has its pitfalls too. 

It seems that when one doesn't immediately connect with another person on a certain level, it would be quite easy to just move on to the next person in the 'list' of potential prospects.  There is a prevailing sense of detachment that crops up to serve as a buffer so people tend to be less invested in commitments.

For the life of me, I cannot fathom the idea of going out there at our age. The stress and anxiety one has to go through the motions of  presenting your best foot forward. The rigors of thinking what to wear for first dates, then the never ending waiting game for the other party to set another date, the text messages that get ignored, the phone calls that are never answered. But worse of all, that ache in your tummy that signifies rejection.

I've had my share of flings, long distance relationships and broken heart episodes complete with sleepless nights and crying woes. All these experiences turned me into a bitter person but I was still a 'hopeful' romantic as opposed to a hopeless one.

So I consider myself truly lucky I found my significant other at the ripe old age of 39.   4 years down the line, we might not have the perfect marriage but nothing compares to the sweet sensation of waking up next to someone every morning. 

I fervently wish my good friend all the best in his quest to find his special someone, but I'm also very grateful I don't have to go through anxious first date moments ever again. 

Light and Sound Show

The title does not refer to any museum or a musical fountain show but rather the freaky thunderstorm complete with massive lightning bolts we experienced  last night.

We had just finished dinner and was washing the dishes when it started to rain heavily.  Then loud thunder could be heard reverberating across the skies. The alarms of our neighbors cars went off every single time the ground shook from the vibrations.

I immediately switched off all the electrical appliances like our computers and the TV even though I was totally engrossed in the replay of the blind auditions for "The Voice."  Based on our past experiences we know that  lightning bolts can do much damage once it strikes electronic gadgets. I grabbed hold of the flashlight as well as the rechargeable lamp because I was anticipating the electricity to conk out but amazingly it didn't.  

With nothing left to do, we went up to our bedroom and watched the light and sound show unfold right outside our window.  It was scary as massive lightning bolts would brighten the skies, followed immediately by loud reverberating thunders.  I kept my eyes closed but D would keep me updated every time a bolt of lightning struck. 

In times like these, you realize how much one relies on electrical appliances like the TV or the computer to keep you occupied.  But there in the midst of a huge thunderstorm which lasted for almost 2 hours, conversing about anything under the sun is the key to keep you entertained. It felt good to return to the basics and talk about anything without any distraction like the blaring TV or playing Scrabble or 8 Ball Pool (for D) on FB.  

I was still narrating the plot of  a  film I watched at the recently concluded Cine Europa when I heard the faint sound of a snore.  D had fallen asleep! Either our talking points were too boring or he was simply too tired from a long day.  Hopefully, it was the latter.   There goes my long spiel about having meaningful conversation in the dark for nothing.  Apparently, I was merely talking to myself.  :D

Tis the season to be humpty dumpty

Another reason why I like the month of September is the start of the new season of my fave TV shows.

There are TV shows which I've been following faithfully since its inception.  Grey's Anatomy is the medical drama peppered with doctors, residents and interns who lead very interesting lives in and out of the hospital they work in. It has provided me with helpful medical information. I sometimes believe I turn into a hypochondriac just by viewing its episodes.  

Survivor is the mother of all reality shows. It depicts how castaways survive in a remote island without the bare essentials.  I like the synergy among the castaways who bicker, back stab and just about do anything to win the one million dollars. For its 25th season, Survivor is on some remote island here in the Philippines so that should be interesting to watch.

Parenthood is about the Braverman family. Their ups and downs, their joys and sorrows are highlighted weekly. It has a good ensemble cast composed of veteran TV stars among them Peter Krause (6 Feet Under),  Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls) and Craig T. Nelson (Coach).

When it comes to the 'singing' contests, I tune in to The Voice. I like how the contestants are chosen based on their God given talent (singing voice) than their looks or personalities. I like the mentors who really go out of their way to train and guide their team during the live performances.

There are some TV shows, I caught mid season. Yet once I read all their previous episodes, I'm now hooked on them.  I like the sarcastic sly humor I get from the 30 minute episodes of  Nurse Jackie.  It is very shocking how irreverent the episodes of Shameless are but I can't stop tuning in each week to see what the dysfunctional Gallagher family is up to.  It is just too bad I still have to wait until next year for that.

I wasn't particular keen on Mad Men when it first came out in 2007.  I thought it was too Americana for my taste. I wasn't too familiar with the advertising industry except for the sometimes annoying TV commercials they bombard  viewers with on a daily basis.  But my sister kept hankering me to watch it so I gave in to her demands.   Now we discuss every detail of this show on Skype. Though it seems we would have to wait for next year for Season 6 to find out Don's answer to "Are you alone?".

I actually have no good reason why I watch Sons of Anarchy.  A show about biker dudes in a small town who are into drugs, guns smuggling and other illegal stuff.  Last year,  I was channel surfing one night, caught an episode and thereafter tuned in every week.  Maybe it is the bad boy vibe that appeals to me.

So yes it's couch potato time!  Bring it on, I'm ready.

Try to remember the kind of September

Time goes by so fast.  

Open your eyes and it is already the 9th month of the year.

I like the month of September.

It is the first 'ber' month.

In these parts of the globe, it means longer nights.

And cooler climates.

It also marks the month we came home for good.

This year, we have been here for 11 years.

But who's counting, let's just move onwards.

Towards the end of this month,  my beloved hubby turns a year wiser.

He calls the silver hair on his head ... highlights!

So I won't contradict it.

Besides his salt and pepper hair adds character to his features.

He is still quite young at heart.

And his sense of humor keeps *me* young (at heart) too.

I end with the words of  Tom Jones.

He wrote "Try to Remember" for the musical comedy "The Fantasticks".

My favorite version is the one sang by Perry Como.

His soothing voice does justice to this hauntingly beautiful song.

Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh, so mellow.
Try to remember the kind of September
When grass was green and grain was yellow.
Try to remember the kind of September
When you were a tender and callow fellow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow.