tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77203132012-02-16T10:50:25.887-08:00Reflections. Release. Random Thoughts.Reneenoreply@blogger.comBlogger1021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-11919854963227421852011-12-23T19:18:00.000-08:002011-12-23T19:30:34.050-08:00

This is at Tagaytay with Toni, Edwin and Kurt. While we were eating our breakfast at a hole in the wall (I can't remember what restaurant), we had a mariachi come and serenade us. After this song, Edwin requested Hotel California...Pretty cool...

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-50101175805582555682011-07-13T20:26:00.000-07:002011-07-13T20:28:58.986-07:00

Once in a while I remember this site.Once in a while I visit.Once in a while I write.None of my friends are still here. Only one, I guess.Too many tech gadgets that occupy my time. Simplify...maybe.

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-15549848979965509292010-06-16T00:07:00.000-07:002010-06-16T00:12:38.888-07:00

My goodness! More than two years...that's how long it's been since I've been in this place. I don't know where to start. My thoughts are rambling on like a high speed bullet train. Yet, all I can muster is, my goodness.As I look around at my friends blogs, it seemed like time stopped at approximately two years ago (or even more). No one has written. Social media has taken over...yes, FB -

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-62489603739981551102008-05-17T12:15:00.000-07:002008-05-25T20:31:22.004-07:00

It is so hot outside. You know summer is just around the corner. As the seasons change, I have undergone a few changes myself.The biggest is at work. I have been promoted to Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Council & City Manager. Whew! Long title! Trust me, that doesn't mean anything except more hard work. Today wraps up the first week at my new job. It was a fast week, to say the least.

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-16415557650182242512008-02-01T09:25:00.000-08:002008-02-01T09:25:54.961-08:00

There's this nagging feeling inside of me to catch up here. Like I can really take back the time I haven't written....But here's a quick round up of what I've been doing, particularly an update of the past holidays and important days.ThanksgivingI didn't go anywhere. I just spent it here in California. Went and visited my family and friends in North Hollywood and in San Pedro. Since I've

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-61769715692696811972008-02-01T08:50:00.000-08:002008-02-01T09:00:17.107-08:00

I re-read my last blog entry. As an update, I've bought my Canon Rebel XT. It's probably one of the many culprits of my absence here. I kept asking myself why I put the camera down all those years. It's wonderful getting to know an old friend. We've formed a club at work - 2 other co-workeers and I. It's a camera club. These were the co-workers who kept bugging me to get a camera. We take

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-63007641016210662772008-02-01T08:46:00.000-08:002008-02-01T08:50:16.694-08:00

I am - LOL. I haven't been here in a loooong (that's and understatement) time. I checked my friend's blogs, too. And most haven't written longer than me. That's why I'm laughing out loud. I'm not alone. They are my frieneds...birds of the same feather flock together...

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-60867368034186560222007-09-22T12:11:00.000-07:002008-11-13T13:33:02.236-08:00

Dude!There's so many things I'd like to do. I don't even know where to begin.....I wrote down:surfing - check - done that.photography - almost check....maybeto add:watch Ave Qwatch Cirque du Soleilwatch Mary Poppins in Broadwaygo to NYC again!buy a Honda S2000 (in black, of course)I have to laugh at the last one. That is a dream. I've been trying to figure out numbers in my head to cover

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-18783681073008066392007-07-21T14:27:00.000-07:002007-07-21T14:45:43.345-07:00

The urge to try surfing has been like a steady, dull hum in my head. Everyday I hear that hum - try it, try it, try it. Today I finally answered that call.Whoa! It was a fantastic experience! When I'd hear surfers say "Dude, when you're out there, you're one with nature," I could never relate. I end up saying, yeah, whatever and so quickly dismiss them as airheads. I never thought I would agree

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-12523195948660430402007-07-21T14:17:00.000-07:002007-07-21T14:27:32.136-07:00

The 4th was an awesome day for me. It started out right with church, I was able to catch the only mass of the day at 9 am. Then it was off to the gym for me. How ironic, I now find the gym a great place to be. I was able to convince a fellow gym rat to come out and ride bikes for the rest of the afternoon. So we did. We started out at her condo in Redondo went all the way to Manhattan Beach and

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-51268280206142710532007-06-06T09:44:00.000-07:002007-06-06T09:48:36.886-07:00

It is June. It is summer. I'm excited. i'm in a new place, new town, limitless possibilities.I want to learn how to surf. I am living in a beach community, it only follows... At least I'd like to give it a try and see if I like it. I want to get back into photography. The only thing holding me back is a camera. I'd like to get a digital slr - Canon Rebel XT. It's just so damn expensive!

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-40545250683815242172007-06-06T09:23:00.000-07:002007-06-06T09:42:01.447-07:00

Ha! Haven't written anything since April. Been busy with work and just living. I'm here right now because I am sick. Been sick since Friday. Took a half day off work and been holed up in my apartment the whole weekend, only coming up to take a walk to church early Sunday. Felt better Monday so I went to work, only to come back home that night feeling even lousier. So, I've called in sick

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-36649311725572528642007-04-12T20:36:00.000-07:002007-04-12T21:08:44.555-07:00

Never Date a CancerClingy, emotional, and very private - it's hard to escape a Cancer's clutches.And while Cancer will want to know everything about you, they're anything but open in return.Instead try dating: Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, or AquariusWhat Sign Shouldn't You Date?Men See You As ChoosyMen notice you light years before you notice themYou take a selective approach to dating, and you can

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-78861498191553645932007-04-08T09:15:00.000-07:002007-04-08T09:18:51.689-07:00

Well it is Easter once again. 40 days of Lent has come to pass. As I look back on these days (and beyond), it has been an interesting ride, marked with a lot of internal struggle.When Ash Wednesday came, I proudly wore my mark on my forehead. I've noticed I've been stacking on the pride year after year. This season, though, several people, on different occasions, came up to me with one question -

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-48662667889954543512007-03-16T17:49:00.000-07:002007-03-16T18:02:37.340-07:00

It's another weekend. I'm thankful I've reached another one. Yet, somehow, weekends are hazy. I welcome it as a time to slow down, relax and just be. But I agonize on what to do. A month ago, I came across a saying, that said, we are "human beings not human doings." This came to me back to back, one after the other. I read it first then someone said to me on two different occasions. I had

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-57432480512336422002007-03-12T19:54:00.000-07:002007-03-12T20:15:31.287-07:00

today is the official first work day of daylight saving time. and i am enjoying it to the hilt. i love the fact that i can weaar sunglasses when i get out of work. i went to the gym with sunlight surrounding me! i exercised with light outside. and walked back to my car with natural light. and most importantly i drove home looking at the sunset!!! i was just too hungry to stop and take it

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-70709867198407008082007-02-18T15:07:00.000-08:002007-02-18T15:16:32.990-08:00

Wow!More than a month passed since my last post! Wow is all I can say. Time does fly.I'm still here. The holiday season passed like a blur. Most my weekends were booked! My friends & I had to blow the whistle and just say time out one weekend. There were birthday parties during the holidays and of course holiday parties! I had my little housewarming party the middle of January. It was

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-90152977376845427462006-12-24T12:23:00.000-08:002006-12-24T13:09:18.999-08:00

There are a lot of celebrations in my life this season. There is the obvious permanent position at the job, the new home, the new found friends, and the new direction my life is taking.I'd like to take this space to celebrate other people in my life.My dear, dear friend Annagar is so near yet so far away from me. Yet we manage to stay connected one way or another. A few weeks ago, she drops the

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-24290268910526124642006-12-24T12:03:00.000-08:002006-12-24T12:21:50.769-08:00

I just came back from a run at the beach. Yup! You read that right - Renee is running at the beach. Jogging if you'd like, but still more than just walking. I laugh at myself at what I just accomplished. I remember at how I used to frown at the thought of running. I disliked it so much. But for whatever reason, my soul was craving to run and explore. Honestly, I think it is more of the latter

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1165551241387504492006-12-07T20:04:00.000-08:002006-12-07T20:14:01.396-08:00

Today is the day that has lived in infamy, December 7, the day Pearl Harbor was bombed. To me, this day marks the day I started to work for the City of Redondo Beach. Hardly a day of infamy. It is a good day. A day where I started a good life for me. As I write this, the City can not return me to sender. One year of probation had come and gone. Their time to return has expired. I am here

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1165038208864097712006-12-01T21:22:00.000-08:002006-12-01T21:43:28.900-08:00

Wow! It's been almost a month since I've been here. It's good to be back.Thanksgiving has come and gone. This year, I have a lot to be thankful for and I am truly blessed!I write this in the confines of my kitchen in my own apartment. Yes, I've branched out and have stepped up on my own. It was surreal at first (and I think it still is even after 2 weeks) having a place to call my own.

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1162672276347199582006-11-04T11:35:00.000-08:002006-11-04T12:31:16.956-08:00

There are many things going on in my life now and have been going on for the past few weeks. Somehow they can be summarized in 3 words - life, love, & health. These words come in no particular order, it just sounded better to me this way.----------------------------------------Two weeks ago I received a call in the office from a co-worker, GV, from theh emergency room. He said he will have to

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1160855132283371692006-10-14T11:22:00.000-07:002006-10-14T12:45:32.366-07:00

Big Mike lives in Mississippi, far from Los Angeles. Yet his story touched me at my deepest level.I met him in the Sept. 24,2006 edition of the New York Times Magazine. He was on the cover, along with his posse or entourage (about 9 other people), I thought. Boy, was I wrong-and quite right at the same time. You see, Big Mike is not your ordinary football player. He is a big 300-pound boy,

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1159589005739214932006-09-29T20:56:00.000-07:002006-09-29T21:03:25.750-07:00

I have a 9/80 work schedule. This means I work 9 days in two weeks totaling 80 hours. I work 9 hours a day for 8 days and 8 hours on the 9th. I have 5-day work week followed by a 4-day work week. I love this schedule as it automatically gives me a 3-day weekend every other weekend. I'm not complaining. But it sure is a challenge to get through a 5-day work week. I never was like this

Reneenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1157858243713126512006-09-09T19:56:00.000-07:002006-09-09T20:17:23.723-07:00

After much debate in my head, I have to admit - I am a List kind of person. Lists serve as a guide for me, not a contract. I'm not tied to my list. It doesn't devastate me when there are some things not crossed off on my list (I think). it doesn't crush me when item number 27 gets done before item 7. Some of my lists are not written down on paper, they are just floating in my head. Most

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1157772061352000812006-09-08T20:00:00.000-07:002006-09-08T20:21:01.363-07:00

Like a magnet holding my gaze ever so steadily, it is mesmerizing. It is the New York City skyline.Here it is from the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk and at night.... ..... a view of the Upper Eastside from Central Park...... ..... from Ms. Liberty........ .... and from New Jersey.......

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1157770732264237072006-09-08T19:45:00.000-07:002006-09-08T19:58:52.276-07:00

A trip to New York will not be complete without stopping to say hello to Miss Liberty.....

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1157410371396106882006-09-04T15:32:00.000-07:002006-09-04T15:52:51.406-07:00

It is Labor Day afternoon here and I just arrived from my little breakaway in New Jersy-New York a few hours ago. I am still in cloud nine, slowly coming down. I had a GREAT time!The hustle, the bustle, the people in the streets, the blocks, the walking, the subways, the taxis, the restaurants, Broadway, Harlem, Central Park, the rain(!), the sunshine, the shoreline, the buildings.Growing up I

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1155942325849876282006-08-18T15:58:00.000-07:002006-08-18T16:45:44.086-07:00

Been listening to India.Arie since her latest CD dropped. I knew the album spoke to me of what I was going through (that's why I loved it), it really didn't register in my brain until this week. Ever since I got back from Manila, I've found the courage to move forward in my life, ending my relationship as it is supposed to. Moved forward I did, albeit baby steps, I've moved. This week was no

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1154833255330807082006-08-05T19:21:00.000-07:002006-08-06T18:17:40.836-07:00

Clouds have been a source of fascination for me. I stare at them when I daydream, try to read them when I determine the weather, and try to touch them when I fly through them in an airplane!Today at Mass, we celebrated the trasfiguration of Jesus, the time when He was speaking to Moses & Elijah and God spoke through a great, dark cloud. The priest reminded me once again that God is in the clouds

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1154747824375678562006-08-04T19:43:00.000-07:002006-08-04T20:17:04.506-07:00

This summer I find myself riding my bike up and down the coast of Southern California, mainly between Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica. I have yet to go all the way to Torrance (yikes!). Let me take you on my ride.....

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1154463913420465172006-08-01T13:15:00.000-07:002006-08-01T13:25:13.526-07:00

I'm back but I've been stuck at home sick! Even before I left Manila, my throat has been sore. I was just nursing it with lozenges. Then I started coughing again on the plane. Saturday afternoon while running errands to keeep me awake, I noticed my eyes burning and my left eye having discharge. I thought I must be really tired. But when Sunday morning came and my eyes were shut closed, I

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1154404105040907802006-07-31T20:44:00.000-07:002006-08-01T14:40:36.883-07:00

I had a quiet trip this time around. I'm an aisle person and was glad to get all the seats I wanted. Going to Manila, I was lucky to have vacant middle seats in both legs of my flight. From LA to Tokyo, I had a Chinese man occupying the window seat. We didn't talk much and peacefully shared the vacant middle seat filling it with my water bottle & knitting yarns and his reading materials.From

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1154302941379579212006-07-30T16:26:00.000-07:002006-07-30T16:42:21.460-07:00

I had to write this down to remind me I still can....As I lugg my suitcases at the Flyaway Van Nuys station, a porter comes up to me and simply says, "You're beautiful." He said it with such seroiusness, I was taken aback. I stopped to look at his face for any signs of play. I couldn't find any. Nor could I find it in his voice. He wasn't rude, just gently talking to me. Usually, I'd be

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1154301169496202062006-07-30T15:11:00.000-07:002006-07-30T16:16:12.336-07:00

The week was quick. Six whole days in Manila was what I had. It was worthwhile and full. I made sure there was also a balance of rest in between. I learned from the last trip-running 70 mph then getting sick and being forced to sacrifice precious days just to get well.Speaking of learning, I prepped myself for the allergies that accompany me when I go back. I lugged tons of allergy medication;

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1154038605335454472006-07-27T14:50:00.000-07:002006-07-27T15:16:45.523-07:00

I'm a solo traveler once again. I write this on a plane going back to Manila. Being solo is not my choice. About 2 months ago I found myself single and unattached once again. Sometimes you just have to take what life dishes out. Bitter as the pill may be, sometimes you just have to swallow to move on.Lately, I've been questioning if I can be a solo traveler again. How I miss sharing my life

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1151984755913324902006-07-03T20:01:00.000-07:002006-07-03T21:00:17.543-07:00

Counselor CV (if you know her, good; if not, sorry) once told me people were classified under 3 "categories" - visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. She said, people are usually a mix of the 3 but with one trait more dominant that the others. I am more of a visual person - I like to see beautiful people and things; I'd like to see them talk, to watch and to observe. I would say running second would

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1151190600578044702006-06-24T15:53:00.000-07:002006-06-24T16:11:40.320-07:00

I spent the day yesterday with co-workers at Lake Pyramid. We had a boat and a couple of jet skis to play with. We inflated an inner tube and hooked it up with a long rope on the boat. It wasn't really your ordinary inner tube it was really a 3-seater inflatable raft. We all took turns with the jet skis and inner tube.I learned how to drive a jet ski. It was so much fun! It kinda curb my craving

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1150672833770453982006-06-18T15:53:00.000-07:002006-06-24T15:52:54.076-07:00

I spent Memorial Day this year a little differently this year. Firstly, I was just home not travelling to another city. Secondly, I actually took part in an American tradition - watched a parade go by.I've heard of it since living in Canoga Park but I've really never watched it till this year.... My friend and I took a spot at the corner of De Soto & Vanowen and watched the parade go by. I

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1150589403183568082006-06-17T16:56:00.000-07:002006-06-17T17:10:39.666-07:00

"Say YES when you mean YES and NO when you mean NO." Matthew 5:37'I'll call you' seems to be the phrase of the day, week, month or year for me. I've been hearing this from my friends, right and left, since my world came tumbling down on me. Mind you, I'm still waiting for that call.Has this phrase lost its meaning? its value? Has it been relegated to the status of the 'Hi. How are you?' greeting

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1148878458108382982006-05-28T21:49:00.000-07:002006-06-24T16:12:36.413-07:00

What is this?Tears flowUnexpectedly, endlesslyNumb is what I feelHollow is how I amNothing insideLike a zombie amongst the livingIs this hurt?Is this pain?Heart are you beating?Are you feeling?

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1148877835852546062006-05-28T21:27:00.000-07:002006-05-28T21:48:03.006-07:00

Lola Apo,Its been a year since you passed. I still remember when I received mom's phone call. I have been praying for you almost everyday, have you heard? I know you are in a better place now and sometimes I envy you.I know I have been calling on you lately, these past few days, weeks and month. I have been tugging at your duster even harder now. I just wish I could see what's up ahead for me,

Reneenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1148429184541707712006-05-23T17:05:00.000-07:002006-05-23T17:06:24.550-07:00

I woke up angryJust feeling angryAngry at myself, angry at youAngry at the world, angry at my lifeI snap at people, short fuse that’s whyI woke up sadTears on my pillow sadWhy? I askDoes it have to be this way?Why do you have to give up?I woke up feeling nothingNumb is what it’s calledFloating on airGoing with the flowLiving like a zombieEveryday is like one of theseEveryday, nowadays……..

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1147639354910680202006-05-14T13:20:00.000-07:002006-05-14T13:42:34.976-07:00

The walk has come and gone.I have no pictures to show everyone. I forgot my camera. It was early on Saturday morning, ok.I was there. We were early this time. We got free parking at USC. We actually experienced the start of the walk and counted down with everybody. As before the whole scene captured me. As you walk with everyone, you get to read why people participated - in support of their mom,

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1146541475953681962006-05-01T20:37:00.000-07:002006-05-01T20:44:35.966-07:00

I will be participating in this year's Revlon Run/Walk for Women, May 13.http://revlonrunwalk.com I will walk . . . because I want to help find a cure because I want to educate because I want to spread the word because I want to prevent the spread of cancers because I want to celebrate health because I want to celebrate life because I am healthy because I am a woman because I can. The fight

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1145232662842437922006-04-16T16:54:00.000-07:002006-04-16T17:11:02.930-07:00

I haven't been to Venice Beach in 14 years! When I counted up the years, I said, "Wow! That long!" So when the chance came, I grabbed. A couple of weekends ago, Anna, Riccio and I spent an afternoon in Venice Beach. Both of them have not been to Venice Beach. Since they will only be in CA for a month, we decided to explore.It was a beautiful day! We had a break from all the rain. The sky had

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1145040001356237732006-04-14T11:06:00.000-07:002006-04-14T11:41:25.026-07:00

Today is Good Friday here in cloudy California. It is my Friday off. I am glad.The Lenten season just passed me by. This season is marked by a feeling of being more of a spectator than a participant as I usually am. There was a feeling of disconnect between God & I. It was ignited by the change I had with my new work. I didn't get to go to mass in the morning before doing anything else. I went to

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1144029357745091902006-04-02T18:38:00.000-07:002006-04-02T18:55:57.820-07:00

This is the 4th weekend I've been on a self-imposed exile in my bedroom. Cough has improved a whole lot. There are longer periods of silence now than ever before. But it still won't go away!Called the doctor las week to get antibiotics. I'm on my last pills now. But it still won't go away!I bought a warm mist humnidifier in the hopes of fully eradicating this leech. It helped me a lot by

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1142618503819814132006-03-17T09:51:00.000-08:002006-03-17T10:03:37.156-08:00

I have had the freaking Cough since Wednesday last week. It's never been like this before. When I get the cold or cough, I'd make my chicken soup, stock up on Ricola, drink tea, sleep through the weekend and by Monday I was ready to go. This time it's been a week. Chicken soup and all, I couldn't make it go away! I stay away from any medication, prescribed or over-the-counter. But I had get and

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1142312919122889012006-03-13T21:07:00.000-08:002006-03-13T21:08:57.900-08:00

OoH! I am enjoying my blog now with my broadband connection!I know, I know, some of you are saying, " Well, what took you so long?"But I'm here - enjoying!

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1142207197779722192006-03-12T15:37:00.000-08:002006-03-12T15:46:37.790-08:00

It is Sunday afternoon. It has been COLD all day long. The rain has been on and off, with the weatherman saying more to come tonight. We are looking at a COLD week ahead with more rain to come by the end of the week. Yikes!I am preparing for the week to come. I now have to plan a week's worth of clothes to save me time in the mornings - plus my gym clothes. Anything to avoid the traffic in

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1142094115369022132006-03-11T08:19:00.000-08:002006-03-11T08:22:13.253-08:00

For those of you who say it doesn't snow in California - you're wrong! Snow flurries were coming down in Malibu. It helps that Malibu Hills has an elevation of 1750'! It's damn COLD! brrrrrrr....

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1141602820041766712006-03-05T15:19:00.000-08:002006-03-05T15:53:42.476-08:00

Been re-reading my entries here. Boy o boy! I was transported in time.There is also a chunk of time that I have not written about here yet. Sometime in December, I left that big company I was with and took a government job at the City of Redondo Beach. After all, what's living in California without the experience of a beach city?I've been commuting (yeah you read that right!) to work everyday

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1141592865284120082006-03-05T12:46:00.000-08:002006-03-05T13:07:45.356-08:00

Oh wow! I know it's been quite some time since I last blogged. I didn't realize how long ago it was! Whooo!I'm still here. A lot has happened since the beginning of the year. One thing in common is the rain. We're getting some again this week. We really haven't had rain much this winter. Practically none for most of January and February. It has been mild. So a lot of people are craving

Reneenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1136222715742359572006-01-02T09:08:00.000-08:002006-01-02T09:25:15.776-08:00

It is the second day of 2006 and we have been rained on since before 2005 bid us goodbye. It has been a long time since I've stayed home in the rain. It is half wonderful, half lethargic, and half boring staying home. But it is a great time remembering my growing up years. Typhoon signal number 2 (or was it 3) necessitated us to stay home. I remember sitting by the window, watching the

Reneenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1132080905905287922005-11-15T10:55:00.000-08:002005-11-15T10:55:05.940-08:00

How do people survive in this corporate world?   Do people stay in a company only because of its great benefits?   The actual work itself is easy, actually a routine.  If you have been forewarned that there is no room for growth, that you will be doing this routine work for 5, 6, 7 years, and this doesn't make happy, is it ok to stay?   Co-workers are another story.  As they say people are

Reneenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1132079027835119052005-11-15T10:23:00.000-08:002005-11-15T10:23:47.886-08:00

I took up a new distraction (a.k.a. hobby) - Knitting.  I'm just going with the flow of the season.  As it is getting colder here, scarves, afghans and shawls are coming out.  Target has been displaying Knitting kits - all you need to know to make a scarf, a beanie or even a little purse!  It has caught my eye for several weeks and I finally took the plunge last Tuesday.  I bought myself a

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1128466456772732642005-10-04T15:54:00.000-07:002005-10-04T15:56:47.950-07:00

I have been employed a little over 5 weeks already. JBL Professionals is the current culprit. I am in Sales Administration doing a lot of paper work - receiving and entering orders, building containers, shipping them out and constantly communicating with customers. Together with this, I am also in-charge of the Custom Shop - products that need customization for particular customers. I can't

Reneenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1126838902262177122005-09-15T19:49:00.000-07:002005-09-15T19:48:22.270-07:00

The news. It is negative, hardly anything positive on it. It keeps you posted but it make you cynical, too. But poetic? News?Yes. Newsnight with Aaron Brown. I noticed it one night while I had him on without really paying attention. My ear caught him. I was listening to the sounds he was saying, not really the news he was delivering. His news is artfully written and very - not

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1125368384497963392005-08-29T19:17:00.000-07:002005-08-29T19:21:04.593-07:00

Oh it was HOT! This past weekend was hot, hot, hot! I found myself taking two showers Sunday. And it wasn't dry heat, it was HUMID! Boy was I perspiring. Made me feel like I'm in Manila. Like I never left! I've never felt this heat since I've been here. August 28, 2005 is one for the record books.HOT!!!!!!!!

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1124230546030419612005-08-16T15:23:00.000-07:002005-08-16T15:19:55.336-07:00

The rule is: what are the things you enjoy, even when no one around you wants to go out and play. What lowers your stress/blood pressure/anxiety level? Make a list, post it to your journal… and then tag 5 friends and ask them to post it to theirs.This tag has been hanging, waiting for me to respond, for weeks now. I didn't want to half-hazardly answer the tag question. I wanted to really think

Reneenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1124229215631528092005-08-16T14:43:00.000-07:002005-08-16T14:53:35.636-07:00

I continue to say I am blessed. The lay off was a good thing, no matter how I look at it. It's only been 8 month since I was knocking on doors looking for a job. So, I wasn't rooted enough in the last job that I am scared to go out again. Most people's reaction to my lay off was fear. They were afraid to go out and find another job. They grew big strong roots in the job they had that they

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1124228533899424082005-08-16T14:34:00.000-07:002005-08-16T14:43:00.983-07:00

Yeah its been a while since I wrote here. And yes it is true I've been laid off work. Now I can add the experience of being laid off under my belt. It is truly an adult experience.I'm not crying about it. Well, in truth I did, but only on the day I got the news. After that, I was smiling - broadly. I was very sad to leave a team that, in only a few months, has grown to be a well-oiled machine. We

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1120693972433343682005-07-06T16:45:00.000-07:002005-07-06T16:52:52.440-07:00

My job is awesome!(Haven't heard that from me in a long time, huh?)I am just in awe of the endless possibilites here in the U.S. I just got off a phone call from a woman who is starting a business with her friends and they are looking for a custom organizational system. They are looking into making it in poly that's why they contacted me. I get similar calls almost everyday. The creativity

Reneenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1120072609267712252005-06-29T00:17:00.000-07:002005-06-29T12:16:49.300-07:00

Last nite I was glued to the television watching the BET 2005 Awards. Granted the awards portion of the show was non-existent (7 out of 14 honorees were not present), they produced a very entertaining show! The first performance of the night caught me like glue. It was the Fugees' first ever performance after breaking up. They performed a medley of their songs and brought the audience up on

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1119896294218497412005-06-27T11:15:00.000-07:002005-06-27T11:18:14.220-07:00

Wow! I was just reviewing my blog and noticed that it has been a year since I started this. Wow! Though, there are dry spells - periods in which I have nothing written - still, one year is almost here. Time flies fast......But it seemed like eternity when I tried figuring out how to put pictures in. And another eternity just trying tomake my blog look like how I want it. Oh well. At least

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1119896088309224712005-06-27T11:11:00.000-07:002005-06-27T11:14:48.316-07:00

The end was here. My last Creative Writing class was last Thursday. Our group has grown in number (just a tad bit) and in our creativity. I noticed my classmate's pieces improve so much. But I loved how each of us has come into our own style of writing. We've evolved. It was fun. We laughed so much in that class. I will miss it. We are on summer break. Next class will be in the fall.

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1117939552421268342005-06-04T19:54:00.000-07:002005-06-04T19:54:17.706-07:00

I've always wanted to go. But I didn't know anyone to go with. This year I had the opportunity and I grabbed it with both hands. Ressi, my co-worker, is a cancer survivor. She's been cancer free for some years now ans has been walking for a couple of years. I joined her, with her sister and another friend on this 5 K walk around Los Angeles.It was a cool spring morning, a perfect day for a walk.

Reneenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1114465528633191582005-04-25T14:45:00.000-07:002005-04-25T14:46:08.960-07:00

My Lolo (Grandfather) recently celebrated his 90th birthday. It truly is a milestone. Not everybody gets to reach this age. What an accomplishment! They celebrated it at a Chinese restaurant in Quezon City on the 16th of April. According to my Dad, he was surrounded by family and long time friends. My Lolo was very happy. Congratulations Lolo! May you have many mre birthdays to come!

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1112504937221531922005-04-02T21:06:00.000-08:002005-04-03T08:40:07.803-07:00

“Come! Come see the view of the city from up here,“ Amy shouts from the top of the mound.“Coming!” I reply with a big smile. I stood there for a moment looking up to her, assessing the small hill of dirt I have to trek. The earth is rich brown with green grass and patches of colorful flowers, and a little path ascending to its peak. Truthfully, I am scared. I am lost. I have no clue how to

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1112227885158532672005-03-30T16:11:00.000-08:002005-03-30T16:15:07.956-08:00

I know it is far from Christmas. But I only had the chance to upload pictures today. So here are a couple of photos of how I spent Christmas 2004.Thes are pictures of Ricky & I opening our gifts. I miscalculated the time and we had Noche Buena at 11 pm instead of midnight. We finished opening all the gifts by the stroke of midnight!This is me with my armchair bed pillow, with the big box it

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1111464803520581072005-03-21T20:14:00.000-08:002005-03-21T20:16:51.576-08:00

I've been bitten by the book bug. I've been constantly reading again. I say again because there have been dry spells. I just finished another book Saturday and was immediately saddened when I realized I didn't have another one to start. And the library was closed!This last book was Cause Celeb by Helen Fielding. It's not a new book. But I picked it up because of the author. She wrote Bridget

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1110857095728090012005-03-14T19:19:00.000-08:002005-03-14T19:24:55.733-08:00

Eight thirty is what the clock reads. Oh how time flies!As I stand up and gather my pink notebook and fancy writing instruments, I see my teacher walk up to me. She is dutifully checking on the new student, asking how my first class was. I nod and smile and offer a feeble, "Okay." In truth, her dark golden champagne colored hair mesmerizes me, drawing my gaze like a magnet. How'd she get

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1110486156292661972005-03-10T12:22:00.000-08:002005-03-10T12:22:36.296-08:00

A magnificent sight, she truly is. With both arms and wings outstretched behind her, eyes closed and head tilted high up to heaven, Angel stands tall atop a hand carved marble pedestal. She is kissing the cool breeze that is touching her face. As the breeze slowly melts the pedestal she stands on, softly her feet land on the cobblestone. Slowly she stands upright, finally opening her eyes,

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1110486122007857252005-03-10T12:15:00.000-08:002005-03-10T12:22:02.010-08:00

I joined a Creative Writing class. My first class was last week. And boy my mind was exploding! My classmates are very much older than me, but I could feel the creativity in the room. There was so much energy. For a full 2 hours pictures were painted with words. Visions came alive. I kept catching myself wandering off to imagination land and not listening to the teacher. It was wonderful.

Reneenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1106953968061992552005-01-28T14:35:00.000-08:002005-03-11T10:35:08.973-08:00

Everytime I need a quick pick-me-up, I head for a bookstore. I just love to be surrounded by books. Im like a kid in a candy store. I dont know how to explain it, but I sure do get a high out of seeing rows and rows of books of all shapes, sizes, topics, colors. Anything under the sun I want to know, is at my fingertips. Yipee!My favorite bookstore near the house is Barnes & Noble @ Topanga

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1106860439773001502005-01-27T13:13:00.000-08:002005-01-27T13:13:59.773-08:00

this is just a test

Reneenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1105398836917349342005-01-27T13:00:00.000-08:002005-01-27T13:00:39.920-08:00

Hah! Was all I could say when I realized the whole month of Decmber passed without any writing. Guess that's what the holidays do to you. And now it is almost the end of the month of January. Hah! I had a good birthday. No dramas, at least this time around. Had brunch with good friends at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Yup! A few of us drove down to Seal Beach to enjoy really good food,

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1101783979452986752004-11-29T19:06:00.000-08:002004-11-29T19:06:40.230-08:00

A welcome surprise for my Thanksgiving holiday was the opportunity to go to Disneyland on Sunday. Another opportunity to be thankful for. And so we went, Ricky & I and some of his family. It was a perfect day to go, sunny and cool. The park was full of people, as usual. As we entered the gate, we were greeted by Mickey and Minnie. Photo opp, of course. Good start. The afternoon became even

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1101782607692882362004-11-29T18:32:00.000-08:002004-11-29T18:43:27.693-08:00

It was that time of year again. And I have a lot to be thankful for. So I went to mass Thanksgiving day to give praise and thanks. During mass, our parish priest said something poignant. Thanksgiving day is not a Holy Day of Obligation, yet we have a church filled to the rafters. It was true and it was a wonderful sight to see. From years past, I knew to come early to secure a seat. Most

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1100311073154210462004-11-12T17:56:00.000-08:002004-11-12T17:57:53.156-08:00

I didnt realize my picture experiment worked. But I will soon research a simpler method of puttign pictures up on the site. Soon. Hopefully.

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1100023169885011802004-11-09T09:59:00.000-08:002004-11-12T17:59:25.553-08:00

At the wedding reception of my cousin Lito

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1099963713012912582004-11-08T20:47:00.000-08:002004-11-08T20:47:09.553-08:00

A call came in for an interview, but it was scheduled for a Saturday. I was highly skeptical. Oh no! A job that will have me work on Saturdays?!! Skeptical, I was skeptical. Nevertheless, I went. It was near the house. I had nothing planned. No complaints. But I didn't prepare as much as other interviews. Just lipstick, didnt even wear contacts. I wasn't in the mood for a Saturday interview. But

Reneenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1099962525095869232004-11-08T16:48:00.000-08:002004-11-08T17:08:45.096-08:00

As I mentioned in my earlier blogs, don ot have a job anymore. Consequently, I've been looking for one. The moment I decided to move on, I started the hunt. Opened the paper (actually started buying the Sunday paper!), searched the web, started networking. The first hurdle I had to overcome was my resume. It's been ages since I put one together. But put one together I did. My rude

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1099439457677826892004-11-02T15:38:00.000-08:002004-11-02T15:50:57.676-08:00

They say that change is the only inevitable thing in this world. It's ever present, whether you like it or not. It will force its face on you when you least expect it. But it can be your greatest ally when you want it to. My soul has been crying out for a change. It's been crying out for a long time. I was having dreams about this change. Almost every night. It wouldn't leave me, up until

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1099437954107581852004-11-02T15:09:00.000-08:002004-11-02T15:38:36.860-08:00

Wow! One whole month passed without any writings from me. It's been a tough one month. I'm glad it's behind me now. We had a fashion show at my job that really took up a lot of my time even after work. That I'd get home exhausted. To top it all off, it was my month to turnover my responsibilities to someone new. That was a challenge. But I believe I was blessed with a smart woman. She was the

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1096350037251504292004-09-27T22:40:00.000-07:002004-09-27T22:40:37.250-07:00

Today, I had fun at the supermarket. It all started around the beginning of summer. I was watching the news one weekend and saw a story on a woman who bought her groceries for $50 or less using coupons. I got intrigued because I used to clip coupons. Somehow along the road, I gave up because it didnt seem to be much of a savings as it has been promoted. Yet here was this lady with a cart of

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1096347866927825842004-09-27T22:01:00.000-07:002004-09-27T22:04:26.926-07:00

It's been so long since I've written, now the words are overflowing, like a dam that's about to break. It won't hold up anymore. Suddenly, it gives in to the weight of the water, rushing through will all its might. Yeah, whatever.....

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1096335526761839162004-09-27T18:32:00.000-07:002004-09-27T18:38:46.760-07:00

September is a busy month: Happy Birthday Vani! Keep on laughing...... Happy Birthday Tito Noni! Thank you for everything, as usual. Happy Birthday Victoria! Though it may be a tad late......didn't forget you though. Have a lot on my mind lately. Plus, I know you were dreading another year. Didnt want to add to the agony (?). Hope you had a blessed day, though. Happy Birthday Giulianna!

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1096335124878603302004-09-27T18:29:00.000-07:002004-09-27T18:32:04.876-07:00

I haven't written in a looooong time. Been busy. Looking for a new job, sending out resumes, praying hard to get what I want. It's tough but I'm still alive.

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1095311217038864102004-09-15T22:05:00.000-07:002004-09-15T22:08:13.936-07:00

Haven't written in quite some time. Still not in the mood. Too many things to do and process......Wish I could fast forward sometimes.....

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1094697309009318282004-09-08T19:13:00.000-07:002004-09-08T19:35:09.010-07:00

Just before ending the workday today, I got a call from my paralegal, Gale. She asks if I got my mail already. I said no and asked why. I also asked if I should sit down. She agreed, saying that would be best. She continues breaking the news to me - I got my Greencard! I hear her laugh, her congratulations, her joy, her excitement. I've never heard her this way before. Like a kid in a

Reneenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1094186855306509382004-09-02T21:41:00.000-07:002004-09-02T21:47:35.306-07:00

A middle-aged man standing still in the middle of an empty sidewalk, infront of a church. His head is held high, looking at the facade's high roof. Or maybe, conversing with God.

Reneenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1093828078705092172004-08-29T17:48:00.000-07:002004-08-29T18:07:58.706-07:00

I love to travel. Heck! That's why I got to this part of the world! But I haven't been to Europe. This is my goal. I plan to go to London first. Get my feet a little wet with Europe in an English speaking country. I'd walk on its streets and smell the cold air. I'd visit the Queen and ride the U, eat Fish & Chips and drink some ale. Then to get a dip in the Euro pool, I'd probable go to

Reneenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1093233745595308192004-08-29T17:47:00.000-07:002004-08-29T17:47:19.613-07:00

I've watched the Olympics on tv this past week more than I have all my life. And the most surprising fact is, I enjoy watching the games. Looking back, I guess growing up in Manila, where we had only a handful of athletes sent to the Olympics everytime it came up, there was really nothing much to cover. I remember reporters telling backgrounder stories of the Olympics more than the games

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1093826133616382722004-08-29T17:34:00.000-07:002004-08-29T17:35:33.616-07:00

I am getting a hang of this Blogging. You will notice some improvements that I have placed, all of which I have researched on my own.......

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1093825233106107672004-08-29T17:13:00.000-07:002004-08-29T17:20:33.106-07:00

I went to the Post office on my bike this afternoon. It was a wonderful ride. The weather was a bit on the warm side but not hot. I used the big streets instead of the usual side streets. I still want to live, so I rode on the sidewalk. I got one heck of a ride though. It seems like the trees planted along side the sidewalks have outgrown the pavement. Their roots have grown so big that

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1093233411128274682004-08-22T20:39:00.000-07:002004-08-22T20:56:51.126-07:00

Summer 2004 is a bit different from the last summers here in California. Firstly, it isn't as hot as previous summers. We've had weeks and weeks of unusually cooler-than-normal summer weather. I'm not complaining about this part. It actually is a reprieve from the dry, hot, hot, hot summers of past. What I've noticed, though is the days are getting shorter fast. Gone are the sunsets at

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1093199518539226262004-08-22T10:53:00.000-07:002004-08-22T11:31:58.540-07:00

I have a new bicycle. It is an Electra cruiser. http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes/essential/ess_6.html More specifically, its a Coaster Aluminum 3. It has the frame style of a beach cruiser only lighter because it is made of aluminum. It is silver and blue and in 3 speed. And I'm lovin' it! Been taking advantage of the California afternoon sun, riding every afternoon when I come home

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720313.post-1093062306313414962004-08-20T21:23:00.000-07:002004-08-22T10:46:29.820-07:00

Blogging is a novelty to me. It is new. I am facinated - and frustrated. Trying ot figure this out is an ongoing struggle......

Reneenoreply@blogger.com0