Your Daily Dose Of Zarahness-092908-050209

♥ Your daily dose of zarahness ♥ Saturday, May 02, 2009 Update on AcrobatiCat For those of you avid followers of my blog (you know who you are!), you'll know I have the coolest cat as my neighbor. She hangs out by herself, tanning her furry hide, just across our front door. Today, I found her in her newest hangout: our neighbor's air-con unit.

Sleeping like a baby, our Cat of Leisure. Cuteness! ü * Read previous entries about our Oh-so-cool Cat here and here. Posted by zarahlim at 1:20 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

Mascots This Thursday, our school had an exciting event prepared for children aged 10 years and below. Apparently, the school bought P2M worth of play equipment for the playground. To promote the said equipment (as well as the school itself), they came up with Summer Fun @ Hope. After the initial speech of the Principal and other administrators, games and other surprises were dished out. Sebastian and Flounder (from Disney's Little Mermaid) were there.

While they were dancing to Alexia's Happy, I had trouble controlling my laughter (because I was alone and I didn't want the moms beside me to freak out because I was laughing all by myself; no, it just wouldn't do well for an HCHS staff to look like she's losing her mind, haha!). It was just so funny seeing those mascots dance while this thought was going through my mind: "Ano kayang iniisip ng mga mascots habang sumasayaw?" ("What must the mascots be thinking while doing their dance moves?") Are they, like the smile pasted on their mascot's faces, smiling and dancing merrily? Or are they frowning and rolling their eyes, cursing the people watching them dance (or better yet, cursing the people who are ignoring their act of bravery)? Maybe they're cursing their hearts out because of the heat they must be experiencing (um, Summer + Being stuck in a stuffy costume = T.O.R.T.U.R.E.), not to mention the embarrassment! These questions kept on running through my mind everytime I see them. Then when it was time for their break, they could hardly get to their rooms because the kids (plus some pasaway adults) attacked them just for the sake of getting their pictures taken with the "cute yellow fishy" and the "adorable crab."

Isda, dinumog!

Alimango, pinag-isahan!

Posted by zarahlim at 12:34 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

Friday, May 01, 2009 Bear with this rambling I need to get it off my chest ASAP I want to write about a lot of things that's making me happy and excited these past few days. So without further ado, here is my list: 1. TweetDeck - I installed it and I got to say this, I freakin' LOVE it!!! Keeps me posted, not only about the Tweets of those I'm following (ex. John Mayer, Gossip Girl Insider and other Facebook contacts), but also of snippets of news from CNN and GMANews. 2. Twitter on SunAlertz - For as long as I can remember, I've been trying to discover how to post tweets from my phone. I was hesitant to do so at first because I thought it would cost me a lot, but thanks to the free info from Sun (w/c I used to pay no attention to because I didn't care much about ringtones and other trivial stuff), I discovered I can update my status in Twitter right from my phone. And it only costs P1/text. Cool. :) 3. Linked my Twitter account to my Facebook account - Now everytime I update on Twitter, my status on Facebook automatically gets updated as well. (I know, I know. Medjo huli ako sa balita. But that's why I told you to bear with me, diba. Hehehe.) 4. I'm finally getting some traffic here in my blog. Yey! 5. 0ew banner design, c/o Lawrence. Can't get over how nice he made it. Forget about the picture (I didn't tell him to use that pic; I think he just sort of took the first thing he saw when looking for a pic of me). I like the background and the colors. Hay. --

I'm planning to enter Philstar's My Favorite Book contest. I wanted to enter years ago, but for some reason I just didn't get to sit down and write my essay. Now I'm thinking what book (from the numerous - thousands? exag! haha - books I've read since I was 7) to write about. Hmmm... --I'm finally gonna be able to watch Legally Blondes after this post. Yey! Posted by zarahlim at 11:48 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Posted by zarahlim at 1:21 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Farewell, Till We Meet Again

To Ms. Bing & Ms. Loida:

Thank you for always being so encouraging to me. Everytime I see either one of you, you always give me a smile and a warm greeting. All your affirmations and advices, they are just few simple words but will have a lasting impact on me. Ms. Loidz: "You did a great job, Zarah!" on a tarp I did for a certain org Ms. Bing, your asthma-coping tips, remember? ü If you must know, your affirmations are one of the reasons I stayed and endured even when I felt I couldn't do it any longer. What I liked most about both of you was the way you showed your care for your staff. Yeah, we knew you were our superiors. But you treated us with respect and exacted excellence from us, but always with a kind word to boot. I also loved the passion you showed in making sure that everyone gets to be in a Discipleship Group. You never failed to put God first and you made sure that we do the same. I remember Ms. Amihan, being very disappointed when she learned that some of the staff are not attending the weekly D-group. Her words struck me greatly. She said, "We have to learn to give up even just an hour every week and spend time in fellowship and Bible study." Instilling this not only made us closer to God but also we (I, personally) got to meet other people as well. Thank you, both of you. Continue leaving a trail of positive influence wherever you go with your kind and thoughtful words. May God bless you as you head on to the next part of your journey. I'm glad that our paths crossed even for just a short while. ü Posted by zarahlim at 12:02 AM 2 comments Labels: blab, work

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 Don’t Be Stubborn – Just Believe! Devotional Thoughts April 29, 2009

Mark 16:14 “Jesus appeared to the Eleven…he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.” On one hand, you can understand the Eleven’s unbelief with the others’ testimony of seeing Jesus (whom they saw die right in front of them) alive. [Fact of life: When one is dead, he stays dead.] On the other hand, this is Jesus. And seeing the dead be raised to life is not new to them. They’re the Eleven, they saw Jesus raise Lazarus back to life! And besides, Jesus told them that He will

rise again, didn’t’ he? So the lesson here is: Don’t doubt Jesus. What He says, it will happen. And don’t forget what you’ve witnessed, what God did for you in the past – the miracles, the answered prayers. Just as He saw you through back then, He will do the same today. 0o matter how impossible or how inconceivable the answer is, JUST BELIEVE! Don’t be stubborn. ü Posted by zarahlim at 10:45 PM 1 comments Labels: blab, preaching thoughts

Care Bears galore!

Can't wait to watch this too! :) Posted by zarahlim at 9:26 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Can't wait to watch this!

I loved Legally Blonde, have watched it over and over again (I liked the first part more than the second one, though). While browsing through the movies available for viewing online, I saw a sort of follow up movie for LB and was immediately excited. This time it's about Elle Woods' cousins, Annie & Izzy, who transfers from cold, rainy UK to sunny California. I was able to watch only a portion of the film (coz it didn't load properly. Boo.). Now I'm excited to watch the rest. Yey! ü Posted by zarahlim at 7:01 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Monday, April 27, 2009 The Ballpen Bandit Gets Promoted!

From now on, the Ballpen Bandit will be known as ....

The Office Supply Bandit.

Yeah. You're one level higher because of your astounding performance of taking (oh, I'm sorry, "borrowing") stuff from my table w/o returning any of them. Congratulations, whoever you are. ü Posted by zarahlim at 9:38 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, inis, work

Yesterday's date Super busog + Super pagod = Super fun! ü

Kahit na masuka-suka na ko sa busog... Kahit na mangiyak-ngiyak na ko sa sakit (I wore the wrong shoes coz I didn't know we were going out) Kahit na mahilo-hilo na kami sa init (as in "I can't even open my eyes" sort of inet) ♥♥♥ More pics here Posted by zarahlim at 7:04 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Saturday, April 25, 2009 Sunday School Field Trip 2009 April 25, 2009 Museong Pambata 20 of us (10 kids/10 adults) took the morning off and headed over to MP for this muchanticipated field trip. Praise God for the good weather, for the transportation (we almost didn't have one because the vehicle we contracted backed out the day before the trip. Good thing my dad was available to drive us over there, also for Sis. Josie. We didn't have to make two trips after all!) and for the great company. Click here to view photos. Posted by zarahlim at 3:08 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, ministry

Janey has a new look! Thanks Lawrence. Great job! Heeheeü Posted by zarahlim at 2:04 PM 0 comments

Friday, April 24, 2009 Scars They're life's own permanent markers, marking out the painful moments you've had. Some people spend lots of money just to have them taken away while some are proud of them (just like Tahlia, the burn survivor in ANTM's cycle 12). For the more optimistic ones, it gives hope - that the wounds you thought were too painful to bear will, like all the others, be just that, a scar that will serve as a reminder of what happened. It, too, shall pass. Others, who cannot afford to spend money for skin graft procedures or what have you, just have to live with it and be reminded that "Hey, I've been through the pain but I was able to endure it." They may even look at it with some sort of fondness. Like I do with mine.

The scars are, of themselves, memorable enough - how you got them, what you were doing when you had them, and all that. But the people who showed concern for me when the wounds were still fresh, the ones who treated me lovingly, the ones who comforted me and coaxed me out of crying hysterically (which I used to do because big wounds + blood really just freaked me out) made them all the more memorable. Five scars in my body come with their own stories. Some were inflicted to me by disease, a few by my friends, and a couple others by my own clumsiness.

Scar #1: Chickenpox Scar Scar #2: Face Scar (from playing Paunahan sa Takbuhan) Scar #3: Arm/Knee Scar (from the same game, different day) Scar #4: Elbow Scar (which is now an obvious keloid - from R who pushed me at Subic's slide when I wasn't ready yet) Scar #4: Shin Scar (double bed incident) - not really a visible scar, but the "uka" on my shin is proof of it) I'll blog more about these 5 scars sometime. Right now, I'm just typing as fast as my thoughts can go.ü Some scars, like scar #5, can't be seen by the human eye. And oh, how long this blog will take if I enumerate all my unseen (emotional) scars, though I'm sure most people will have longer lists than mine. But the scars that really matter are the ones that were born by my one True Love. Christ bore the numerous scars for sin & death, all for us to be saved. And that's the scar that nothing, not even all the money in this world, can ever erase. Those scars are permanent, as in PERMANENT

permanent, reminders of His great love for humanity. Oh how precious, how awesome is His sacrifice. Thank you Lord Jesus, the scars you bore just bought me a ticket to eternal life. Posted by zarahlim at 12:13 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise, preaching thoughts

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 Bye Edie!

"It's not hard to die when you know you have lived." - Edie Britt Desperate Housewives S3Ep19 Posted by zarahlim at 11:30 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Miss California Carrie Prejean stands up for her belief

Go girl! What you did was very brave (knowing full well that she'll offend many people with what she's going to say), but what the heck? We're here not to please men but to bring glory to God, right? So beauty queen wannabes (like me), take her example, and be true to yourself. And for those who profess to be Christians, learn from her as well. Don't be afraid to stand up for God. ü *

Here's her response at Perez's question:

Watch her interview at MSNBC here. Posted by zarahlim at 6:35 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Rip Van Winkle awakens. Just woke up from a long sleeping spell (6:20pm to 10:20am). Also had the weirdest series of dreams during the process. And was it just me or was it chilly last night? The raining spells we had the past few da days are finally doing their job of making it cooler. Thank God. Posted by zarahlim at 10:29 AM 0 comments Older Posts Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

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zarah lim an't imagine life without him! out of my utmost gratitude to Him, i have i love God! :) can't committed to serve and obey Him all the days of my life. my mission is to teach and write about God's message of love and salvation. View my complete profile

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Sunday, April 19, 2009 10 of My Best Childhood Memories

Meet Zarah/Shobe/Budong - isang masayahing bata. May pagka-mahiyain (kuno) pero pag hindi nakatingin ang magulang, maloko rin. /ang-aaway ng katulong, nang-aaway ng kalaro. Pilyang bata talaga. 1. Holy Week retreats w/ churchmates. Mega bonding time w/ fellow Sunday schoolers. 2. Love-hate relationship w/ my playmates: shouting "TA*!!!" at the top of my voice to my frenemy An-an who lives just across our building. We'll have a showdown at who shouts the T word the loudest, taking our places at our respective "territories" (our building's balcony vs. theirs). After the said showdown, we'll be friends again, raiding her mom's makeup kit, playing taguan and habulan. Then someone will get hurt in the process and the showdown will start once again.

3. Storytime w/ my mom & dad. For no apparent reason, the story of The Swineherd (Hans Christian Andersen) and how my dad relayed the story to me just got stuck in my mind. I'll forever remember how we were in bed and he was telling me the story and I was just so engrossed with it. But when I think about it, I don't really like that story at all. I prefer the story of The Snow Queen. Hehehe.

4. Annual family vacation @ Baguio. OMG I just can't forget about my Coney Island moments! The ice cream, oh my! Too bad wla na sha ngayon. Huhuhu.

5. Sunday school & DVBS moments. My "kiddie barkada" really knew how to have fun. I miss

my pals, the Barrozos/Cabuangs... Good thing the Tans and the Angliongtos are still here. ü

6. Badminton phase w/ my other kiddie barkada (my kapitbahays). We played at our building's penthouse (5th flr). Everytime the shuttlecock flies over the balcony and onto the ground flr, somene has to go down and get it. And being the amateur that we were (still is, hehehe), we never completed a round.

7. Having a mini sari-sari store a few doors from ours (we're in 301, they were in 305) This old Chinese couple used to sell Nissin's instant noodles, the one that comes in the blue (for beef flavor) and red (for chicken flavor) packaging. Yes, the original one. Not the "Nissin noodles" sold nowadays. Sobrang ibang-iba na talaga ang texture ng noodles noon sa ngayon (nyak feeling noodle expert hahaha). They also sold Coca-cola. The bottled ones. Bottled Coke tastes better than the ones in plastic bottles. Seriously.

8. Boracay family outing. Yeah, I've been to Bora... when I was too young to remember it. Haha. I remember stuff, but they are the memories that you have to delete from your memory bank. Medjo R-rated kasi sha eh. Haha.

9. Family reunions every December. I loved family reunions, not just because of the food and the gifts (shempre kasama yon! hehe), but mostly because it is the only time in the year that we see each other (relatives on my father's side). I loved seeing new additions to the family every year. Ang dami namin, in fact, that even now, I can't keep track of all my cousins's and pamangkins' names / ages. Medjo memory gap pa naman ako. My goodness. I hope I remember my inaanaks as well. Medjo dumadami narin sila ha. Hehehe.

10. Bible study/Piano lessons every Thursday. Though I dreaded my piano lessons back then (because I rarely practiced), I loved the Bible study that came afterwards. FYI, my piano teacher was the daughter of my one and only ninong (who's now with the Lord). She's really, really nice. Never shouted at me, never slapped my hand or anything horrifying like the ones you usually hear of piano teachers. And she and my ninong (who hails from Montalban, Rizal) came EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT, RAIN OR SHINE, to minister to our family. Their persistent discipling produced a harvest, w/ our family now being actively involved in the ministry as well. Praise God for Ate Abigail & Ninong Senyong. ü Posted by zarahlim at 5:59 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites, praise

Saturday, April 18, 2009 Today at cellgroup

Despite last night's (and this morning's) bout with discouragement (see previous post), cell group today turned out good. We had a shaky start but picked up well in the end. We celebrated Lawrence's graduation with a Red Ribbon cake (mega promote haha!!). While eating, we placed him in the hot seat. He shared to us the struggles he had during his entire college journey (UST . Guitar.Music Education - UE Fine Arts) and how he was able to overcome them, of course through God's grace. Afterwards, we got around talking about our own struggles in life. Praise God because as always, His timing is perfect. Yesterday, for no other reason but boredom, I decided to browse in my podcast collection. I totally forgot all about my Max Lucado podcasts. When I saw them, I was led by the Holy Spirit to watch this particular episode "Facing Your Giants." At that time, I didn't think of it as a God-ordained circumstance, but this morning as I was doing the church bulletin and at the same time preparing for cell group, I discovered that our reading for next week is about the very same topic as in the podcast. Coincidence?? Nah!! More like Godorchestrated. Praise God! And so we watched Ptr. Max's very short but anointed and beautifully worded preaching and we all got blessed and encouraged. God is BIGGER than any problems! Praise God! ♥ I encourage you to watch this video and be blessed. ♥

Posted by zarahlim at 10:47 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, cell, favorites, praise, preaching thoughts

Friday, April 17, 2009 Stuck in a rut. Can't make it (again). Sorry. /o can do, I have __ again tomorrow. Won't be able to come, I have other plans. * ** *** **** *** ** *

Bah!! WHO DOESN'T WANNA GO AND DO OTHER PLA0S ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON? Being given these wonderful excuses week after week after week makes me think, "Are my work commitments less hectic than theirs? Are their commitments more important than those plans I didn't even bother to make just so I won't be absent?" Kainis. Posted by zarahlim at 11:00 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, cell, inis, ministry

Thursday, April 16, 2009 Finally. [He] has finished.

His studies, that is. ü Posted by zarahlim at 6:10 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise

Haba ng hair ng lola mo!

Posted by zarahlim at 5:53 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Lawrence graduates today! Praise God. :) I'm waiting for them to arrive and then we're off to PICC. Weeeh!! So excited.:) Posted by zarahlim at 10:51 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise

Monday, April 13, 2009 Celia-inspired jacket + AcrobatiCat After watching 3 episodes of ANTM (Cycle 12) last night, I woke up having a dire need to dress just like Celia. But I obviously wouldn't get away wearing Celia's (awesome) skirt in our office so I opted for a jacket instead. Tita Michelle gave me a really chic short-sleeved jean jacket months ago. I saw a slight resemblance w/ Celia's jacket from episode 7 so I decided I just had to wear it today. Besides, it abided perfectly with the memo instructions straight from the HR office (hey that's my department!ü): Everyone must wear collared shirts / blouses; no Tshirts...

* We celebrated (again) our parents' anniversary tonight w/ dinner at Kopitiam (located @ Maria Clara St. cor. Banawe St., QC). We weren't able to go last night because someone blessed us with a feast. :) When Kim, Abby and I got home (Mom and Dad were still out parking the car), we were greeted with another antic of Ms. AntipatiCat. Now our feline friend is known as AcrobatiCat. She was laying down as usual in her favorite spot but when she saw us coming, she looked at us by twisting only her pretty head.

Lokang pusa talaga 'to! Haha. Posted by zarahlim at 10:19 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, work

Estudyante Blues - Back to School Today I was asked by our Asst. Principal to sit in in the Creative Writing class offered by the school. She informed me beforehand that I would be with students (obviously) and that I may be asked to participate. I was like, "Okay, whatever. That's cool." So there I was. The oldest "student" in the group. We were asked to do lots of "about me" things - What was your very first memory of writing? / Why do you write?. At one point, we were asked to divide into groups. Janica, this shy girl from St. Jude, was in my group. As I listened to her answers, I could really see the gift of writing in her. She's really nice too, though a bit shy. Hehe. I realized that no matter how old you were, you can still learn something even from the ones younger than you. I was also encouraged by the fact that this opportunity is obviously orchestrated by God. I could definitely use the things I'll learn in the next 9 days to help develop my SS kids' writing skills (hopefully, if God permits, we can open a Literacy Training Program at our barangay. Lord, lead me...) Posted by zarahlim at 5:24 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, ministry, praise, school, teaching, writing

Sunday, April 12, 2009 I ♥ Celia!

Always looks good AND takes great photos! ü Despite what she did, dissing Tahlia at panel, I still like her. After all, we all make mistakes. And she DID say sorry! AND she apologized to Tahlia personally, explaining her side. In the end that's what really matters, being courageous enough to admit your mistake and take responsibility for it. Oh, and because she was expecting to be sent home for her actions, she dressed as stylishly as she could. I LOVED HER SKIRT!! Gosh!

Posted by zarahlim at 10:55 PM 0 comments Labels: favorites

Meet AntipatiCat

Ang sigang pusa ng Nueva St. AntipatiCat was lounging prettily in the shade, so much like Cleopatra. When she saw us walk by "her territory," she followed us with an oh-so-cool gaze, her head slowly turning with every step we took. Talk about freaky. Haha. I couldn't resist, I just had to take Ms. Cool Cat's photo. So I dared to approach her. And proud as she was, she immediately took offense. Who was I, daring to intrude in her safety zone! So I backed off and went inside. Supladang pusa to. Pusang hilaw talaga. Wahaha. Posted by zarahlim at 1:17 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

0ew book!

Saw this advertised at tin's blog. I was intrigued so I bought one for myself. :) Posted by zarahlim at 1:30 AM 2 comments Labels: blab

Friday, April 10, 2009

Welcome to the Family!

As Binondo Full Gospel Family Center's "tradition,", we conduct our annual Water Baptism service on Holy Week. Today, we had quite a number of candidates to be baptized in water. They have heeded the call of Jesus to "Come and follow [Him]." I'm so proud of the new members of our Christian family. I'm especially happy because 8 of them are from our Sunday School class.ü Antoinette, the kid I'm always talking about (she's not a kid anymore, I suppose. She's getting bigger and more mature every time I see her), was one of them. I still remember very clearly the day she asked Jesus to come into her life. I'm happy that she's continuing in her love for Jesus. I pray Lord that she will continue to love and obey you all the days of her life.

Antoinette in her pretty green suit. Another SS kid that I'm especially happy to see in today's water baptism service is Ella. I was able to see the progress of this child in terms of her sociability. When she first came to our church, she was this kid who was sooooo painfully shy that when you talk to her, she couldn't even bear to look at you and defintely won't answer you. It was even years before we saw her first smile. But as time progressed, she eventually came out of her shell. Now, she's grown into a "smiley child" (ü); she's still shy, but at least she looks at you and answers when you talk to her.

Ella ready to take the plunge! Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. :) Posted by zarahlim at 5:29 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, ministry, praise, teaching

Thursday, April 09, 2009 Family Dinner April 8, 2009 It's my parents' 27th wedding anniversary on Sunday. And with that, plus an unexpected blessing, we celebrated in advance tonight at our all-time favorite resto - Sushiyum. ü

* For more pics, click here.

Posted by zarahlim at 12:39 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites, praise

Tuesday, April 07, 2009 Firebrands Youth Leaders Retreat April 5-6, 2009 What a blessing to experience: -> Filipino hospitality at its best The core people of Valenzuela Full Gospel Family Center (Ptr. Jessie/Sis.Bheng, Ptr. Jeiho/Sis. Jean, Sis. Lina, Sis. Flor, etc.) exemplifies hospitality in its finest form. We didn't have to ask for anything because everything was already thought of and provided (by them) beforehand - from the drinking water,to our breakfast (hot pandesal and butter), even our merienda (homemade palitao & refreshing iced tea - which is HEAVENLY after fasting a meal. hehehe). These people are just so very nice, it's always a treat just being with them. God, may you bless them more and more for their kindness and selflessness!

What a blessing to see: -> Growing chain of influence. I'm so blessed to see the kids who have been under my class in Sunday School and in DVBS passionately in love with Jesus and are now discipling and leading other kids to Him as well. Truly, this is discipleship at work. That's why during our team building activity, I said THANK YOU to Kuya Pat who has influenced me greatly in my spiritual growth. He was already leading the team ever since I progressed into the youth group of Binondo. And during all these years he was able to teach me a lot of things - leadership principles, events planning and organization, keyboard knowledge and techniques, etc. etc. Kaya naman, kuya Pat, thank you talaga. ü

What a blessing to know: -> That in my own quiet (daw!ü) way, I have also inspired the people I've been in contact with. But with all the affirmation I got (we all got our own dose of affirmation, causing this activity to last 3 hours ü), the one that really struck me was from Kuya Pat (again). He likened me to my mom. I know (because it's very obvious) that I'm more like my dad than my mom. But to have someone I look up to see in me the very qualities that I admire my mom for (steadfastness, being "low key", humility), it's such a blessing to know this.

Team Building activity Praise God for the things I've learned, things I've seen, and things I've experienced during this retreat. Lord, all these wouldn't have been possible if not for your grace that has been sustaining me all these years. I'm doing this FOR YOU Lord. May you continue to use me to influence others. I am a willing vessel Lord, use me. Amen. Posted by zarahlim at 7:04 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, cell, discipleship, ministry, praise

Saturday, April 04, 2009 Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

>Even better than the previous one. Max Thieriot's so cute. Haha! >>Now there's only Chrissa left for me to watch. Posted by zarahlim at 11:55 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Museong Pambata

A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! Zarah Grace and I found ourselves amused as we went from one room to another. There were just so many things to see, so many things to play with. Nakakatuwa! I especially enjoyed the room featuring Old Manila. I felt as if I was transported back in time. History has always been fascinating for me (kaya lang with my poor memory, it just isn't my best subject. But still, I like History.) Our SS kids will surely enjoy themselves. Can't wait for our field trip. ü

View our pics here. Posted by zarahlim at 4:02 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Friday, April 03, 2009 Happy Birthday Julia & Tita Bing

I had a great time. Thanks so much! God bless you.ü Posted by zarahlim at 10:28 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Dodgeball On the way home from a post-practice snack at McDonald's Binondo, I saw a homeless family happily playing dodgeball(how do you call the ones who are small, dark, and have super curly hair? I'm not sure if they're Aetas or Badjaos or whatever). It was such a touching sight, so much so that I actually stopped and took the time to watch them, even for just a few seconds. They were so happy despite the obvious fact that that place (the Plaza) will be their place for the night. There were about 3 - 5 adults playing with the little ones. This sight made me stop and admire the richness of that family (never mind their current address / status in life). At least, poor as they are, they still have the time to enjoy themselves and not dwelling in self-pity. They are simply enjoying each other's company. Hay. Kakatuwa talaga. The bad thing is that I wasn't able to take their picture. Oh, how I wanted to do so, but I was afraid they might get offended or something. (Sayang). Posted by zarahlim at 10:18 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

American Girl marathon

O kay tamis ng pakiramdam kapag iyong nakamit ang matagal nang inaasam-asam. American Girl Marathon officially starts NOW!! I woke up especially early just so I can start on my much-awaited marathon. I have three American Girl movies (Kit Kittredge, Chrissa, and Samantha). Lemme just get my Snickers Bar and then I'm off to la-la land! ü weeeh! **

One down, two to go. :) Posted by zarahlim at 8:14 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Thursday, April 02, 2009 Museong Pambata + Sunday School Field Trip I'm so psyched with my upcoming occular visit @ Museong Pambata on Saturday with Zarah Grace. Museums have always held a certain fascination for me, and when I came across MP's website and got hold of their exciting events scheduled every day, I simply can't wait to visit there! Our Sunday School group is scheduled to have a field trip on April 25 (Saturday) as an incentive for those kids who had a perfect attendance during the first quarter of 2009 and/or those who participated in February's church anniversary program. Our original destination was the walangkamatayang Luneta, the play area there. But we thought, "Why not have the field trip where it would be fun and educational at the same time?" Hence, the MP trip. We also planned to go to the Planetarium but I guess Museong Pambata's gonna be The Place for now.

*

Here are some photos of me with the SS kids (and Carrie and Mia) ü Posted by zarahlim at 11:44 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, teaching

Wednesday, April 01, 2009 3 years and still unknown I've been here three years and yet you still dont know my name?! What the! After your numerous requests, I think the least you could do is to remember my name! Diba!? And to think I was IN YOUR ADVISORY CLASS during my senior year in HS. P-a-t-h-e-t-i-c! * God, is this how you feel, whenever I run to material things instead of you? After all that You've done for me? Another eye-opener in the world of reality. Praise God. Thank you Lord that YOU never forget who I am. That out of the numerous people who's calling unto You, You still remember me and think of me as special. I may not be special in people's eyes, but in Yours, I am. And that's all that matters. Posted by zarahlim at 12:03 PM 0 comments Labels: inis

Ang Sarap ng KISS!!!

Fish cracker. Haha! Kala nio kung kaninong kiss no! ;P

Thanks Kimmie for the Kiss! :)) Posted by zarahlim at 10:45 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Obvious ba!? Major pet peeve: When someone asks me a quesion with a very obvious answer. Ex. Giniginaw ka? (Are you cold?) When obviously you are, because: 1. You're the only one wearing a jacket in the entire place. 2. You're the only one wearing a jacket despite the obvious fact of it being the Summer Season (hello!?) 3. You're the only one wearing a jacket because it's freezing cold in your office.

*DUH* Posted by zarahlim at 2:55 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, inis

Monday, March 30, 2009 Congratulations Lawrence dear, graduate ka na!!! :)

Congratulations FRANZ LAWRENCE C. TAN (UE Fine Arts - Advertising Batch 2009) May God bless you and be with you as you continue to pursue the plans He has for you. I'm proud of you! ♥♥♥ View PHILSTAR Web greeting here Posted by zarahlim at 12:41 PM 1 comments Labels: blab, praise

Saturday, March 28, 2009 Still standing BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD! - You can't keep a blessed man down. =) Posted by zarahlim at 4:15 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 American Girl Series made into Film!

I WANT!!! I stumbled into this wonderful, wonderful piece of news (I'm so huli na sa balita, I know. Hehe) because I was researching on the movie Race to Witch Mountain. It turns out that my current favorite teen star, Anna Sophia Robb, starred in an American Girl movie.

I noticed her when I watched Bridge to Terabithia a few months ago. She's so pretty! And she seems like such a nice girl. I just hope she grows up into a nice woman as well. Many Hollywood stars start out great at first then become weirder and weirder as they grew older (*no names mentioned*). I WANNA GET A COPY OF THIS MOVIE!!! Help. Posted by zarahlim at 12:57 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

I ♥ my board!

What's in it: Thank You list for 2009 (sort of a wishlist which we did at youth fellowship during the first few days of 2009. we're to write down what we want to see happen for this year, then by the end of 2009, we'll see how faithful God is as He answered most (if not all) of the items on our list (according to His will, of course ü) the usual Things to Do for the ff. weeks, I need to focus on some Sunday School stuff and the video project I was hired to make. Laptop Payment Scheme I'm one-third into my payment already, Praise God!! I Owe, You Owe list need I say more? :) Letter from Antoinette to remind me of the call I have from God - teaching and influencing kids for Christ. Pictures of me and my loved ones a constant reminder of God's goodness Posted by zarahlim at 12:23 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 This is us 5 years ago

I found this picture of us hidden in my metal cash box. It was a very nice surprise, as I have already forgotten about this. According to the note at the back, it was taken on March 22, 2004.♥ Please take note of the fact that it was NOT my idea to pose like this. The photographer coerced me to put my arms around him (wahaha!! ü), and as Lawrence seemed to like it (obviously by the big smile on his cute totoy face.. hehehe), I had no choice but to comply. (Palusot! Hahaha!!!) * Kimmie: "Para kayong si Boy at si Inday ah." Hahaha! Posted by zarahlim at 10:36 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Saturday, March 21, 2009 for Sunday's service: Thank you Lord for helping me finish. :) Posted by zarahlim at 2:59 AM 0 comments

Friday, March 20, 2009 Family Devotions / Prayer Time

It's back! After years of being in hiatus, the Lord moved my parents' hearts to bring our family prayer time back. I don't know what happened that made us stop doing it, but I'm glad it's back. I believe that something good is going to happen, and He's preparing us for it. Praise God for this. Last night, listening to everyone's prayer, I was touched because I see the growth each one of us had in each of our personal relationship with God. I remembered when Kim and I were still very young (and Abby's not yet born), we prayed as a family and though I enjoyed it (the singing and the praying and the Bible stories dad used to share), there were times when I didn't know what else to say because I've been saying it every night. Prayer, then, became recitation time, to the point where Kim and I had a standard prayer we recited every night ("Lord thank you po sa araw na ito. Thank you sa lahat ng blessings. Sorry po sa mga kasalanan ko. Tulungan nio po na blah blah blah... In Jesus' name, Amen.). I'm not saying that was a bad prayer. Because it's sincere and straight to the point. But as maturing Christians, we need to grow in every area of the spiritual disciplines, and that definitely includes prayer. It can start out awkwardly, but don't give up. Praying, like all forms of communication, grow when you cultivate your relationship with the one you're talking to. And just as we've grown as a family through constant communication with each other, it's our individual walk with God that made last night's prayer time an eye opener. It's a comfort to see that God is still the center of our relationship as a family. He is the One that holds us together. Now I know that no matter what happens, we'll be safe in the knowledge that Our God is in control of our family.

Lord, thank you for blessing me with a family who love you and fear you. You could have placed me anywhere else in this world, but you chose these set of people to be part of my family. Thank you! Continue to lead and guide this family into doing Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen. Posted by zarahlim at 2:43 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise

Thursday, March 19, 2009 On Gossip When "Sharing" turns to "Gossip" - How will you know when to draw the line? Posted by zarahlim at 12:03 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, inis, work

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Blessings are running after me. Praise God! >Video project (w/c will rake in a few more k's to help me out financially)

>Great job :) >Great family >Great friends >Passionate co-ministers who infuse their passion with those around them >Favor from the higher ups Praise God!

"It's my season, it's my time, for the favor of the Lord." -FAVOR, Lakewood Church Posted by zarahlim at 10:22 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise

Yep, That's me alright.

You Are Mind

If you dream it, then you can do it. You are very mentally sharp and strong. You enjoy challenging yourself both at work and with studies. You love mastering difficult tasks.

You thrive in new environments, even stressful ones. You are able to study everything objectively. You have a upbeat attitude, and won't be deterred easily. You are open minded and optimistic about the future.

Are You Mind, Body, or Spirit? Posted by zarahlim at 10:15 PM 0 comments Labels: quizzes

Devotional Thoughts @ Scribd Enduring LIfe's Detention Give God the Credit Due Him The Secrets of a Successful Life Stop Sulking & Start Encouraging Posted by zarahlim at 9:53 PM 0 comments Labels: discipleship, preaching thoughts

Office Manners 101 KNOCK before you enter. Especially if it's not your office. This has been bugging me for years now. Some people just don't know how to knock. They just barge in as if it's their office. Daig pa nila ang boss kung makaentrada. Buti pa nga ang mga boss marunong kumatok. Duh.

For more office etiquettes, read this. Posted by zarahlim at 2:01 PM 0 comments Labels: inis

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Lawrence's Exhibit @ MOA

The Senior Fine Arts students of UE Caloocan (Batch 2009) opened their exhibit tonight at the SM Mall of Asia. Lawrence's thesis was one of the featured ad campaign designs in the exhibit. That means he'll be graduating SOON. Yey! :) Posted by zarahlim at 11:02 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Last Day of Tutor

L-R: King, Sidney, Errol, Jes ~03.17.09 Posted by zarahlim at 2:59 PM 0 comments Labels: teaching

Bye Tutees, Hello Freedom! Most of today was spent tutoring the guys for their Biology exam tomorrow. Amidst the headache-inducing test questions and their frustratingly lacking skills in reading comprehension, by the grace of God, we survived. The thought "This'll all be over tomorrow, and then I'll be free!" kept me going. At the same time, a more poignant thought ran alongside it: "I'll miss these guys." Despite what I felt today, despite all the rants about their funny and at times, irrititating, antics (i.e. try talking to "Achi" all at once, competing against one another who gets Achi's attention to help them with their questions, etc.), I'll miss them. *senti-mode* Posted by zarahlim at 12:28 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, ministry, teaching, work

Monday, March 16, 2009 Stop Sulking & Start Encouraging! "At that time I pleaded with the Lord: 'O Sovereign Lord... Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan -- that fine hill country and Lebanon.' But because [of you] the Lord was angry with me and would not listen to me, 'That is enough,' the Lord said. 'Do not speak to me

anymore about this matter...But commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.'" Deuteronomy 3:23-29 Moses pleaded with the Lord to let him see the Promised Land but God did not allow him to enter it; instead, he asked Moses to "commission Joshua, encourage and strengthen him..." (v.28) Lessons learned from this passage: 1. We cannot always get what we want, no matter how close we are to God. And your maturity and devotion to God will be seen with the way you react when faced with this situation. 2. God may ask us to do things in the midst of a personal struggle (i.e. Moses must have felt disappointed / "nalaos na" because not only was he not allowed to enter the land that they've all been desiring to reach but he also had to train, encourage and strengthen the one who was to replace him). 3. Obey God. Never mind what you're feeling; act on what you know is right, and that is to obey God because He knows what He's doing. a.) God knew what He was doing when He didn't allow Moses to enter the Promised Land. b.) Moses obeyed God. What if he hadn't? The story might have turned out very differently. Who would have trained Joshua (who became a great leader himself in the later part of the story) in case Moses refused? Sure, God may have had someone do it, but then Moses would have failed to fulfill in his mission. What could have happened if Moses hadn't obeyed? Nowadays, in the struggle for power and acknowledgment, it's hard to be good to the one whom you think is stealing what's rightfully yours. It all boils down to attitude, and what an attitude Moses had! It must have been hard to do some encouraging and strengthening to Joshua. He could have sulked and said, "Joshua should be the one encouraging and strengthening me, I'm the one who's not going to be able to enter the Promised Land! I'm the one who led the Israelites through Egypt and all the way to the gates of the Promised Land. If there's anyone who needs encouragement, that'd be me!" Instead, he obeyed and did as God commanded. In the midst of a NO answer to our prayer, our tendency is to sulk and pout. Let's learn from the attitude of Moses, he obeyed God instead of sulking. He encouraged, acknowledging that his job's already done because God thought so. He did not act as if he knew better than God; instead, he accepted God's job order for him. Posted by zarahlim at 11:55 PM 0 comments Labels: preaching thoughts

Saturday, March 14, 2009 "Yeah, me too!" says the Sanguine in me. Sometimes I wish that I was the weather, you'd bring me up in conversation forever. And when it rained, I'd be the talk of the day. John Mayer

American, Musician Quotes more famous quotes

Posted by zarahlim at 3:18 PM 0 comments Labels: quotes

Thursday, March 12, 2009 Exam Week ! ! ! Ngaragan nanaman! :) Lord I pray for strength as the exam week (03.16-20.09) coincides with my preaching sched (03.22.09). Help me to manage my time wisely, to still be able to do the work You have called me to do as efficiently as I could. Lord, I know these seemingly impossible tasks are here to prove, once more, that my own strength just wouldn't be enough. I need a touch from you, Your mighty hand to move through me. I am ready for the impossible! And all the glory goes to You, the Almighty God... Amen. Posted by zarahlim at 11:38 PM 0 comments

Monday, March 09, 2009 Ballpen Bandits I used to have lots of pens in my office drawer. As months went by, it dwindled down to z-e-r-o. As in I'm using a pink marker now in place of a perfectly good pen. I wonder where my very last pen went, who the heck took it?? It seems like everytime I get back here, another ballpen goes missing. Someone very bad's at loose stealing all my pens whenever I'm not around.

Now that I think about it, this is one of my pet peeves - borrowing stuff and not returning them (especially little things like pens). Now those of you who have been avid readers of my blog (as if! hahaha.), you'll know perfectly well how crazily in love I am with office supplies - I just go ga-ga over them! I can't get enough of them coz I need them handy at all times. So most of the time, when I go in a bookstore, I'll be buying a little something for myself - a nice, pen, another batch of post its, a pretty notebook, even photopaper! Anyway, going back to the story of my missing pens, the thing I miss most is my Parker Pen given to me by a friend. Actually, I know who took it, but when I asked him if it was still with him, he denied having it in his possession (even if I remember perfectly well him telling me that my pen's still with him. What a liar!!) Stupid me, I never got around to having my name engraved on it, para man lang may proof na it's really mine. :( DOWN WITH THE BALLPEN BANDITS!!! Posted by zarahlim at 3:16 PM 0 comments

Labels: blab, inis, work

Sunday, March 08, 2009 Another quiz

Take the Quiz here! Posted by zarahlim at 8:22 PM 0 comments

Dakota Fanning to join 0ew Moon cast YEY!!!

Read the news here. Posted by zarahlim at 7:10 PM 0 comments Labels: favorites

Saturday, March 07, 2009 I'M MUCH BETTER 0OW, thank you :) I just needed to calm down, so I watched a movie instead. I continued to where I stopped midmovie this afternoon (coz I had to get to church for our cellgroup).

The Secret Life of Bees

I ♥ DAKOTA FANNING! Her movie with Robert de Niro (Hide and Seek) was where I really saw how great an actress she is. Ever since watching that movie, I became a solid fan. :) Posted by zarahlim at 9:44 PM 0 comments

IM SEETHI0G MAD RIGHT 0OW. But mostly I feel hurt. * Just another one of my blah moments. Posted by zarahlim at 8:04 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, inis

On Writing . . . I miss it! It's been months since my last article at my freelance writing gig. I'm not even sure if I'm still part of the team (coz I've been inactive since I can't even remember). Hopefully by third week of March I can start taking assignments again since classes will be over by then and I won't have to tutor the guys anymore. I smell F-R-E-E-D-O-M!!! ü Posted by zarahlim at 2:56 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, teaching, writing

Wednesday, March 04, 2009 Rough Day at Work =( Sobra! I almost didn't go to work today 'coz I woke up at 8 and I didn't wanna add to my long list of tardiness (I'm supposed to get in at 8. tsktsk). But I also didn't wanna add to my long list of

absences, so I dragged myself out of bed and hurriedly dressed for work. When I got there, I was met with these impossibly nerve-wracking and temper-testing requests. And it just kept pouring in the whole day. It made me wonder why I always get the Xtreme days at work - either I have Xtremely nothing to do or I have Xtremely MANY things to do, all due at the same time. Hhmm, I guess it just goes with my personality, being a true-blue Gemini and/or Melancholic-Sanguine, I'm extremely into the extremes! Anyway... As I was saying, there I was, trying (poorly) to control my temper. By the time lunch break came, I was at my wit's end. (You can tell because right around 10 o'clock, I already rubbed off my mascara and eyeliner in total frustration, which is totally un-Me because I take great pains in putting my make up on, just like any self-respecting kikay.) I desperately wanted to reward myself (though I really don't deserve it with the way my thoughts were going) so I planned to either go at Sushiyum or to stroll around Tutuban and look at books. Books won this time around. I bought one book there, nothing special. Just another novel to help me get through my lunch break. After lunch, I returned to work. It was still rough, I snapped at a coworker at least twice in 15 minutes. Hay. And to top it off, I WAS HAVING A SNEEZING ATTACK. Waah. Talaga nga naman, when it rains, it pours!

My faithful companions today. They wouldn't leave me alone!!! One good thing came naman for me at the end of the day. Lawrence surprised me while I was in my tutor mode. Apparently he got off early at school so he decided to visit me. Aww. :)

And so now, I'm getting to the part which is the reason why I wanted to write this blog anyway. That's how messed up my mind is, it's into a long-intro mode, just my usual ranting self. I BOUGHT ANOTHER BOOK tonight (that's 2 books in one day; 2 bookstores in one day; and 2 many gastos in one day - nyahaha!). I really didn't want to spend more money as I'm already in debt due to my excessive tardiness. But the copy "Is your sister a Volcano? really got me. Admittedly, I AM A VOLCANO and I just have to have this book (High Maintenance Relationships - How to Handle Impossible People by Les Parrott III, Ph.D.).

Afterwards, Lawrence and I got some coffee and started with his plans for the church's music department (he's the newly appointed head of the music team). We got a good start, even with a little bit of argument (over trainee requirements and the Sabbath day), but we had it worked out in the end. I'm excited to see how the church will be in a few years. I'm excited because I think, finally, the Lord's leading us to our Promised Land. We're getting there, and it's exciting to be a part of the team. Such a privilege! * So, in conclusion, my rough day ended great. Nothing beats having God in your life. He sustains us even during our lowest moments. Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him IN EVERYTHING. Posted by zarahlim at 9:50 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, inis, praise, work

Tuesday, March 03, 2009 SLUMDOG MILLIO0AIRE W.O.W.! ! ! Posted by zarahlim at 11:15 PM 0 comments

Ouch. Ang. Sakit. Ng. Ulo. Ko. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. Posted by zarahlim at 9:07 PM 0 comments

Labels: blab

Sunday, March 01, 2009 Aching. . . I ate the last piece of Black Mongo Hopia a few hours ago. It's one of my favorite snacks, mongo hopia. But recently I've been keeping myself away from it because I noticed I get disturbingly painful joint aches everytime I eat them. But I just couldn't resist kanina. And I thought, "It's been a while. Things might have changed since then." I was seriously mistaken. After that really scrumptious snack, I went to take a nap. Lo and behold. When I woke up, I am experiencing (even until now, actually) severe pain on my left side starting from my shoulder up to the last joint in my fingers. Huhuhu.... I really don't want to be rheumatically/arthritically allergic to Black Mongo Hopia. Waaah!! (You may think it's funny, but you really gotta try Holand's and you'll know what I'm talking about!) Posted by zarahlim at 10:33 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Slaving away... ...for someone who doesn't deserve my help. When I asked him what he's planning to do about this, he just shrugged noncommitally and said, "Ewan ko." AARGHH!! If there's anything I absolutely hate, it's people who get away with being nonchalant BUT STILL GET A FAVOR. * There. I let it out. ** I just remembered. That's exactly how God's grace works. I CERTAINLY DON'T DESERVE TO BE SAVED, but He saved me anyway.

Lord, thank you for reminding me of how you have extended your grace to me. Just as you did for me, I will do to him. Thank you for this subtle but strong reminder. :) Posted by zarahlim at 10:28 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, inis, work

Saturday, February 28, 2009 Andrew's Party

Kim trying out Lawrence's Batman mask (which he made 3 hours before the event. That's Fine Arts major for you!! :))

Me with my cuz Xandra (aka Daphne, my fellow nominee for Best Female Costume :)

Fido Dido loves Piglet (Richard & Neri)

Super ScoobyPooh with his team of super geniuses!

Me, with the night's big winners: Betty Boop (Jo) and Vincent (Kevin)

Velma (aka Doris)

Batman (Lawrence), Patrick Star (Patrick), and Piglet (Mia)

Minnie Mouse & Pucca (Zarah Jane & Zarah Grace) When: February 28, 2009

Where: Jolibee Recto (Ever Gotesco) Cast: VOICEBOX Cell Me: Minnie Mouse Lawrence: Batman Kim: herself (:/) Candy: Olive Oyl Mia: Piglet Angie: Tinkerbell Kevin: Vincent-Ghostfighter (BEST MALE COSTUME) FOOTSTEPS Cell Doris: Velma Xandra: Daphne Herson: Superman/Winnie the Pooh/Scooby Doo (Super ScoobyPooh) Hazel: herself Alain: himself Gherbs: himself COFFEEBREAK Cell Zarah Grace: Pucca Patrick: Patrick Star Carrie: Lilo Jo: Betty Boop (BEST FEMALE COSTUME) Justine: Daphne Richard: Fido Dido Neri: Piglet Brznf: himself - FUN, FUN, FUN! Why is the event called ANDREW's Party anyway? (And who the heck's Andrew??) - The event was given the title Andrew's Party consistent with the Bible story of Jesus' disciple, Andrew, inviting his friend Philip to meet Jesus. We wanted to bring our friends to this event so they can get to know our youth, and of course the star of the party - Jesus! Posted by zarahlim at 9:43 PM 0 comments Labels: cell

Friday, February 27, 2009 I'm going as MI00IE MOUSE I'll post the picture after the party has taken place. May bonggang surprise ako eh. Hahaha. Mom and I headed over to 168 after the Farewell program to shop - jeans for mom and the

cartoon costume for me. We were sidetracked big time, we bought more than we intended to buy but we definitely had fun. It's one of my rare bonding moments with my mom, coz my usual shopping partner is Lawrence. Hehehe. Anyway, while we were having lunch (still at 168), we saw a FREE MASSAGE announcement at the Tai Chi booth. Being suckers for massage (due to our constantly aching bodies), we went to check it out. It turns out we had to buy Tai Chi products so we can get a free massage. No problem, we've tried Tai Chi before and it's okay.

This is me with my "ate" :)

Mom with her "ate" Posted by zarahlim at 3:31 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Thursday, February 26, 2009 Updates On the 10 grand issue: - They're working out a possible solution for me, though I told them I'm willing to pay it off.

Lord may your hand continue to move in this situation. I'm willing to face the consequences, but even just a little help from You will be much appreciated (this is Your loving daughter asking, please DaddyGod ü) On the tutoring stint: - We're still meeting, though the number's dwindled from 9 to 6. One decided he didn't need to be tutored anymore coz he passed the only subject he needed help with last grading. Another stopped attending because he's out of the team due to medical problems (though I told him he's still welcome to join us). Yet another one stopped going because he decided that he's not gonna continue his studies anymore. Apparently, he will be managing their family business after this school year and since his parents are lenient about his decision (as far as I know), then I have no say in this matter anymore. It's just so sad to see this potential businessman throw education out the window just because he's too lazy to study. Hay. I just hope that with the little time I spent with him, I was able to influence him in a positive manner. - I did a video for two of the guys for their Biology project. One didn't have a computer and the other one doesn't know how to do video editing. We couldn't do the video during tutor time coz it'll be unfair for the others, not to mention it just wouldn't do with our schedule. So we compromised - they did the research, I did the editing. One down, one to go (though I'm not sure if I'll do it because the other group didn't give me any material to work with. It would be unfair for the other team if they worked on their project and the other just got the same from me even without contributing anything). - One month to go and my tutoring stint's done. I'm not sure if they're still gonna offer me this post next school year. I'm not even sure if I'll accept (my hesitation doesnt have anything to do with the pay, coz the pay's a really big help). Tutoring's hard work. I'm not sure if I want the added stress again next year. Oh well, one more thing to pray about. On Lawrence's thesis defense & nearing graduation: - Tomorrow's THE day for Lawrence - he and his parnter will defend their thesis tomorrow. Lord may your favor rest upon them. Grant them favor from their panelists, grant them wisdom as they defend their work, grant them courage to face their panelists with confidence and deliver their thesis clearly. - Where's your grad pic??? Hanggang ngayon wala padin!!! - I'm excited to see you... walk down the aisle - not in church, dear!! Haha!! (Not yet, anyway. Besides, I'll be the one doing that. Hehehe.) Walk up the stage pala dapat. Bwahahaha. Hoping to see you graduate soon. :) Lord, please . . . ü On tomorrow's Junior-Senior Farewell program: - My parents and I are gonna watch the Farewell program tomorrow at school. This has always been a long standing tradition at Hope: the Juniors preparing a farewell program for the Seniors. The most anticipated part (at least for us back when we were still in high school) is the Last Will and Testament where the Seniors pass on their "titles" to the Juniors. I remember getting TWO titles back then but got to pass only ONE. Go figure. Apparently, with the change of certain

batch officers came a change with the title holders. I realized your title/status is only as good as who's sitting on the high seat. - ANYWAY, we're gonna watch tomorrow because Abby wrote the script for the presentation tomorrow PLUS she composed the farewell song for the Seniors. O, di ba! I'm so proud of my genius sister. ü (FYI, I have two very intelligent sisters ü) *Hey, this post's making me senti ah.... On Saturday's party: - Our youth group's gonna hold a party on Saturday. *time for a short plug* YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US ON SATURDAY (FEB 28, 2009) @ JOLIBEE MORAYTA, from 4:30-7:00 PM. The theme for this event is CARTOON CHARACTERS, so everyone's got to go wearing a representation of their favorite cartoon. Which now brings me back to my ranting. - I still don't know which cartoon character to go as (hello, grammar?? Excuse me kung mali... No time to change it na, I'm trying to keep up with my train of thought). The girls at church suggested kanina during our carecell that I can go as Barbie, since kikay daw ako. Hehehehe. I'll surely be giving that a chance kung wala na talaga akong mahanap na iba coz I originally planned to go as Alice (Alice in Wonderland, my favorite). Kaya lang dress kasi, eh I don't wear dresses. . .

* This weekend's gonna be good. I can feel it. I'm excited. Hope to see ya on Saturday ha, sino man gusto umatend. Just PM me :) Posted by zarahlim at 9:50 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, cell, praise, school, work

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 10 Grand's Worth of Irresponsibility 022509 Behold! 10 grand's worth of irresponsibility. Foolishly thinking I might get away with it, Greatly relying on other's grace & nobility. Let me now dwell on the "might haves"

to make me realize what this stupid move cost me:

With this 10 grand I might have: - bought myself a digicam, or - bought myself the new /okia phone (w/ wifi, like Richard's). With this 10 grand I might have: - saved up enough for my Cebu trip, or - bought my family a trip to Baguio, or - helped my family with a month's rent. With this 10 grand I might have: - bought myself lots of Victoria's Secret stuff, or - bought myself lots of Bath & Body Works stuff, or - bought myself lots and lots of books, or - bought myself lots and lots of new clothes. With this 10 grand I might have: - opened up a new bank account, A/D - paid off my deduction @ BPI (for going below the maintaining balance for months now) I could go on and on. But the fact remains, I'm paying off this 10 grand's worth of irresponsibility, to teach me the lesson of frugality and most of all RESPONSIBILITY. *** (It went right up to this kind of amount because apparently, all my tardiness starting from June 2008 up till today (Feb 25 2009) hasn't been deducted from my allowance. So there.) Posted by zarahlim at 7:18 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, inis, work

Tuesday, February 24, 2009 Silly me... ...today's TUESDAY. Because it's our first workday of the week (we had a holiday yesterday in commemoration of the EDSA Revolution) I thought today's Monday. So please, just refer to the previous post as TMB ü That's all, thank you ;) Posted by zarahlim at 6:18 PM 0 comments

Monday Morning Blessings (MMB) #1 Free food! ü - The preschoolers had an event this morning which included cocktails. There were many leftovers which, as usual, were returned to the Business Office. With our department (HR) always working closely with the Bus.Office Dept, we are always next in line for the food. Thus my free lunch today. Thank you Lord :) Posted by zarahlim at 12:13 PM 0 comments

So high school!

I found these old pics taken during my high school days. Digicams and cellphone cameras were not as affordable as they are now so only a very (lucky) few has 'em. These were taken from my classmate's watch that can take pictures. I remember being mesmerized by the high-tech-ness of it. Hehehe. I told you, only a few of us has seen, let alone touched, a digital camera/camera phone during that time (2001-2002).

Posted by zarahlim at 8:39 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, school

Sunday, February 22, 2009 BFGFC @ 24 + Keben @ 21 I just got home from a very, very long day. 7am - woke up, got ready for today's service (gotta get to church by 8am to prepare the kids for their presentation today - hair & makeup + last minute instructions) 815am - arrived @ church, obviously a little late (as usual) 9am - BFGFC celebrates 24 years of God's faithfulness (Praise God! ü) 1015am - children's ministry presents "Hesus" 1020am - Sunday School: watched Prince Caspian in a very limited room (the room which was supposed to be for our Sunday School was already prepared like a Chinese restaurant, ready for the guest speaker and the board/pastoral staff's shabu-shabu lunch) 1130am - after service, Jollibee treat for all 1230pm - Youth meeting/planning for March 330pm - hang out @ church; waiting for 6pm to roll so we can head over @ Kevin's place; BOGGLE tournament with the girls :) 630pm - headed over to Kevin's place for his 21st bday celebration (his actual birthday is still on the 26th. ü) 930pm - homebound 945pm - starbucks w/ lawrence (we discovered tonight that the starbucks along san fernando bridge is already closed. aww...) ** Long, tiring, but fun day :) Praise God! Posted by zarahlim at 10:55 PM 0 comments

Saturday, February 21, 2009 Yesterday's band practice

Lawrence introduced us to using music sheets during practice. Medjo nosebleed but it's for our own good. :) He's been studying the songs the whole week, writing it down in his new music notebook (bought especially for this purpose). We're blessed to have such a dedicated and anointed music leader in our church. Posted by zarahlim at 9:26 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Thursday, February 19, 2009 Dinner date, etc.

this week's color: neon blue (kakulay pa sila ng bookmark ng journal ko. hehe)

dinner with eds @ sushiyum. (Thanks eds! My treat next time :)) Posted by zarahlim at 9:47 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Found! I grew up in a Christian family. My earliest memory leads back to Sunday School, DVBS, and church outings. (read more) Posted by zarahlim at 3:37 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Monday, February 16, 2009 Passion & Purity I'm currently reading Passion & Purity by Elisabeth Elliot. It's a really good book about letting God be the center of your love life. It's full of godly wisdom and interesting anecdotes. It's also very relevant (to me, at least). Another great thing about it is that the chapters are so short, you won't be afraid to start a new chapter lest you wonder when you'll be having your bedtime (for those who read in bed like me and hates to stop reading in the middle of a chapter). Below is an excerpt from the book, about loneliness. I felt a need to share it with one of my colleagues so I sent it to her and now I'm thinking it's too good to keep quiet about, so I'm posting it here. :) >>>>>>>>>> What to do with Loneliness? Elisabeth Elliot

Be still and know that He is God. When you are lonely, too much stillness is exactly the thing that seems to be laying waste your soul. Use that stillness to quiet your heart before God. Get to know Him. If He is God, He is still in charge. Remember that you are not alone. “The Lord, He it is that doth go with thee. He will not fail thee neither forsake thee. Be strong and of good courage.” (Deut. 31:8) Jesus promised His disciples, “Lo, I am with you always.” (Matt. 28:20) Never mind if you cannot feel His presence. He is there, never for one moment forgetting you. Give thanks. In times of my greatest loneliness, I have been lifted up by the promise of 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18, “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.” This is something to thank God for. This loneliness itself, which seems a weight, will be far outweighed by glory. Refuse self-pity. Refuse it absolutely. It is a deadly thing with power to destroy you. Turn your thoughts to Christ who has already carried your griefs and sorrows. Accept your loneliness. It is one stage, and only one stage, on a journey that brings you to God. It will not always last. Offer up your loneliness to God, as the little boy offered to Jesus his five loaves and two fishes. God can transform it for the good of others. Do something for somebody else. No matter who or where you are, there is something you can do, somebody who needs you. Pray that you may be an instrument of God’s peace, that where there is loneliness you may bring joy. Posted by zarahlim at 7:14 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, quotes

And what about my Valentine's Day? I forgot to write about my Valentine celebration mainly because I was so busy that whole day. In fact, I was so busy that when I got home at around 8pm, I headed straight to bed because I was so tired. Feb14 2009 8am - woke up, got ready to go to Lawrence's house because I was going to catch a ride with them to go to Jusmine's dedication. 9:45 - arrived at Caloocan

10:45 - left for Shangri-la Restaurant 11:00 - arrived at the place; Baby Dedication service 2:00 - Stop over at Trinoma 2:30 - On the way to Binondo for carecells 3:00 - VBX cellgroup (Meryenda fellowship @ Sushiyum) 5:00 - Church bulletin 8:00 - off to bed * I may not have spent the day alone with Lawrence but I was with him the whole day and I was with friends and family. A great way to spend Valentine's day :) PS. Sadly, I forgot to take pictures of my day. =(

Posted by zarahlim at 11:50 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

Sunday, February 15, 2009 Today is Free Coupon Day! Have you ever experienced encountering something or someone, for no apparent reason, for a whole day? It might be a person you just remembered out of the blue, then when you get to the mall (or anywhere you're planning to go that day) you meet that person. Or it can be a book that you've been wanting to buy for a long time, then you see it in a bookstore, but having not enough money to buy it with you let it go. Then when you get home, you find that your sister has that same book lent to her by her friend. Coincidence? I don't know. Blessing? Of course! Well today, I had a COUPON moment. At church this afternoon, while the Sunday school kids were practicing for their program, Brznf gave me a McDonald's coupon (discounted price on reg.softdrinks and reg.fries). I thanked him then kept it since I just had lunch and am not really hungry. Then a few hours later, when Lawrence and I were strolling around RobPlace (the new wing, what do you call it again??) one of the staff at Gumbo's was giving out free coupons so I took it. Nothing really special, right? Well, around my third coupon, I hit jackpot! I was standing in line at Starbucks, planning to buy a Coffee Frap for myself. Lawrence didn't want any coz he wants to stop by Dairy Queen on the way out. So there I was, waiting for my turn when the girl before me gave me one of her coupon entitling me to a free drink of my

choice. She had a lot of coupons and she just gave me one, out of the blue. How sweet of her! Shempre I didn't refuse - it's bad to refuse a blessing! Hehehe. So I just thanked her and asked God to bless her. Galing!! Lord bless that girl. :) Of course, Lawrence had his drink after all, though he didn't have room for DQ anymore. ;)

* I bought two books again plus one journal. All these books (plus the 12 I just bought last Friday) should last me for at least three months. I've spent so much on books already. Tama na muna. . . I hope. Hehehe!

Posted by zarahlim at 7:54 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites, praise

Friday, February 13, 2009 0ot one, not two...

...but 12 BOOKS in ONE DAY. This is my biggest splurge on books ever. I went crazy over these very good books sold dirt cheap. I mean, a hard bound Disney book for only P150.00? (it even plays "It's a small world after all" when opened) Panalo! I also discovered some good reads - the Magic Attic Club series and the American Girl series. You may be asking, "But these are all children's books! Aren't you a little too old for it?" NO WAY!! What was I doing at the children's section of the bookstore anyway? Well, I was looking for some gifts I could give to my two inaanaks, Thea and Jusmine. I want them to grow up as readers. I also bought some stuff I could use for Sunday School. I also want to introduce some of the kids to the wonders of reading, to discover for themselves the treasure that comes from reading. Needless to say, I floated out of the bookstore yet again. (Oh! I visited two bookstores today. One at lunch (at 168 - they're having a booksale at the top floor, near the foodcourt) and one after work (Pick a Book, RobPlace Manila Branch) That's how addicted I am to books.) Posted by zarahlim at 10:31 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 First eBay transaction closed yesterday I had my first eBay buy last Friday. Until now I can't remember how I got to that particular seller's site. I surely wasn't planning on buying anything from eBay. But I guess fate (yeah right!) led me to it, so here I am now, enjoying my new bag - a Victoria's Secret Pink Supermodel Shimmer Tote Bag (whew! I had to take a peek at the site where I bought it from just to be able to type out that very specific title. Haha. Adik!!!)

Posted by zarahlim at 8:59 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Perfume - The Story of a Murderer "Talent means next to nothing while experience, acquired in humility and hardwork, means everything." -Giuseppe Baldini Posted by zarahlim at 1:01 PM 0 comments

Monday, February 09, 2009 Follow up to the Parthenon post: IN ANTICIPATION OF THAT PROMISED YEARBOOK (which was supposed to be better than the other yearbook), I EVEN KEPT MY RECEIPTS! IMAGINE, 3-YEAR OLD RECEIPTS, WAITING TO BE CLAIMED.

Huhuhu... Pathetic! Posted by zarahlim at 9:59 PM 0 comments Labels: inis, school

PARTHE0O0 The yearbook promised to us when I was still in college (in exchange for a MINIMAL fee of P1800.00) is still non-existent until now (3 years later). I wonder just how many years we have to wait before it gets released. Will it ever reach the printing press? Yeah, the one in charge told us to follow up our classmates because apparently, the reason why it's still waiting to happen, is that there are others who haven't paid for their copy yet. But isn't that what they're there for? That's their job. They have to do something - heck, I'll be much happier for a refund rather than wait who-knows-how-long! I'll bet this post will offend some people out there. Well all I can say is Bato bato sa langit, ang tamaan, huwag magagalit! I think I deserve this rant - it's three years in the making. Posted by zarahlim at 9:58 PM 0 comments Labels: inis, school

Friday, January 30, 2009 Sunday School Musical (2008)

I thought this would be just another bad rip-off of the original movie but I was (happily) mistaken! This movie is worth watching. The songs are very catchy and the plot moves along great. I'm sure those of you who are actively involved in youth groups will be able to relate to the movie very well. This will be a good choice of film to watch during your youth movie night outs. :) Posted by zarahlim at 1:38 PM 0 comments Labels: favorites

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Master summarizer I'm drained out of my wits! I just spent two+ hours summarizing 9 chapters from the Bible (Mark 1-9). I did this for my beloved tutees. I didn't want to supply them with the answers because it would be unfair to Aeschy who worked very hard in doing his devotion himself. At the same time, I also couldn't just leave them with nothing. I mean, they're not Christians so it's understandable for them not to understand the Bible Their eyes are still blinded by sin, etc. etc. So I summarized it for them. Story per story. Now my eyes are ready to pop, my head's about to explode, my stomach's ready to heave, and I'm ready to sleep. . .

NOT. After dinner AND COFFEE, I think I'll watch a movie. Hehe! --And yet another exciting day (night) in the life of Tutor Zarah :) Posted by zarahlim at 9:24 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, teaching, work, writing

Friday, January 23, 2009 Yey to another addition to my ever growing library

Now I've got my childhood favorite classic cartoon in paperback. Thanks Kimmie. You're a dear. =) Posted by zarahlim at 11:54 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 5 stars. ü Posted by zarahlim at 11:43 PM 0 comments

Just a thought on gumbling and complaining. .

Scene: At the kitchen table, prayer of thanksgiving for the food.

"Lord, thank you for the food that You've provided. Amen." *Proceed eating* *Makes a face. "Ugh. Don't serve this again, ok? It's too __(fill in w/ your desired complaint)___." --Food for thought: Nag-thank you ka ba talaga kay Lord? Eh bakit ka nagrereklamo? Wakey wakey! :-O Posted by zarahlim at 8:29 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Remedial class During dismissal time, one of my tutees came to my office to tell me that he'll be attending a remedial class in preparation for their upcoming Biology long test. I told him I'll attend with him (I desperately need to refresh my memory - they're on the topic of Genetics - because Science is my weakest subject). So off we went to where the class was being held. There were 3 of us: Tengda, Yiqi and me.

We were a few minutes late; when we got to the classroom, the instructor has already started discussing about alleles and traits. We took our seats at the back and started listening. I instantly reverted to my "student mode" - taking down notes, etc. I even had to raise my hand to ask a question (coz Tengda's shy to ask the teacher so I did it for him ) As the class was about to end, there were exercises given. I still had a hard time answering the questions (pathetic!) but nevertheless, I had a great time experiencing being a "student" once again. ü

I miss my student days. *Sigh* **I think I'll require my tutees to attend the next remedial class scheduled on Friday... (great idea!!! hehehe). Posted by zarahlim at 7:19 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, school, teaching

Yet another rave review for Desperate Housewives Here I am again, inspired by the latest episode of Desperate Housewives (Season 5 Episode 13). I think it's my third time to write a review immediately after (if not during) watching an episode. Today's episode really beats all the other ones. A very simple plot with a very big impact. Wisteria Lane's handyman, Eli, died of a heart attack just when he was finishing his very last task fixing Susan's roof shingles (before he goes to Hawaii to retire). The women of Wisteria Lane had, in one way or another, been touched immensely by Eli's goodness. Flashbacks were used to show how they had been touched by Eli's goodness. He witnessed their toughest moments. And being the good person that he is, was able to help them out by offering sound advice or simply by just being there.

This episode will be a great film viewing resouce to watch during group meetings* to encourage everyone that sowing seeds of kindness will always have a great impact even without you knowing it.

*If you're planning to watch it in a church group meeting, I think you'd better fast forward through Edie's flashbacks . . . Hehehe.. It's touching but it's very Edie. :) Posted by zarahlim at 7:00 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Saturday, January 17, 2009 Ang Lamiiiiggg!!! This cold weather that we've been having for the past few days is great. But at the same time, I'm getting sick (literally) from it. Last Monday I had to go home after lunch because I was already experiencing the onset of flu. Then Tuesday, I couldn't make it to work because I still wasn't feeling well. Wednesday, I was well enough to go back to work but since then I had trouble sleeping at night because I couldn't breathe because of the cold - my nose clogs up whenever my head hits the pillow. The cold weather didn't help because I got sore throat by inhaling too much cold hair (because I had to breathe through my mouth because my nose's clogged up - yeah, it's that bad!) But I'm not complaining. I'd rather have this nice, cool weather than the scorching heat. Oh how I miss Baguio. :) Posted by zarahlim at 12:06 AM 0 comments

I miss my deadlines! *I miss writing articles for Eph!! :( 2 months to go.. then I can take assignments again. *I miss being busy at work, rushing to meet deadlines, working on simultaneous projects. It's been 2 weeks since my return to work after a long Christmas break and I was BORED to the max. I hate slow days at work talaga. Grrr... (Oh no... I can already read my next post saying "I'm so stressed from too much work!" Sige hamunin mo pa ang tadhana. Hahaha!) Posted by zarahlim at 12:00 AM 0 comments

Friday, January 16, 2009 I'm off to Cebu!... ...on May 2009...

...and here's where we're going... /OT!! Haha!

THIS is the place: Cebu International Convention Center We'll be going to attend the Convergence of all AG churches from all around the country - the biggest gathering to date from the Philippine General Council of the Assemblies of God. It's gonna be awesome! :) Got a flight booked already (thanks to kuya Pat). I'm so excited but at the same time kinakabahan coz this is gonna be my first time to ride a plane as an adult + without my parents (my first time was when I was 6 or 7 years old, when my family went to Boracay. Yep! I've been there but I was too little to really enjoy it. I can't even remember it na.. Only vague memories of topless women* (!!!) and white sand). Anyway, at least I have Lawrence with me. We'll be going together (ü). I just hope we get there in one piece, since it's gonna be our first time to travel somewhere that can only be reached BY AN AIRPLANE (a ship's gonna do fine as well but we're not taking a ship, so...) I'm sure it's gonna be an adventure. Can't wait! :) *There was this group of women staying across our room who went around topless. Of all the memories I've got of Bora, this is what's stuck in my memory. I was traumatized by it. haha!

Posted by zarahlim at 1:16 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Wise Words #1: Special Treatment

Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness, and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again. -Og Mandino Posted by zarahlim at 11:57 PM 0 comments Labels: quotes

Sunday, January 11, 2009 A painting by the maestro . . .

That's me back when I was in Kinder 2. Kamuka ko parin naman diba? Pati ang bangs. hahaha!! Thank lawrence ♥ I LOVE IT!! Posted by zarahlim at 11:17 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Saturday, January 10, 2009 Thanks tin, you're sweet! :)

I wasn't expecting this. I knew Tita Malou came by this morning to drop off a gift. I assumed it was either for my mom or for abby. I saw the book but I didn't see the note. Imagine my surprise when my mom told me "Oh sa iyo pala ito o, galing kay Christine." Waaaah! Thanks, thanks so much tin!! You just made my day. God bless you!! :) Posted by zarahlim at 12:22 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise

Thursday, January 08, 2009 Jackpot! I FOUND THIS AT THE LIBRARY:

A compilation of 3 of Max Lucado's books. OMG!!

I ♥ Max Lucado!! I floated out of the library in pure bliss. Weeeh! :) Posted by zarahlim at 3:04 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

...... i hate slow days @ work. ..... ...... ........... ............. ................ *sigh* .................... Posted by zarahlim at 9:55 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, work

Tuesday, January 06, 2009 Ballet Shoes

I LOVE IT!! ..the movie, that is. :) What I loved about the movie: * 1920s-30s era I dont know why but I'm really drawn to the period between 1910-1950s. * the scene where Pauline Fossil (Emma Watson) stars as Alice in Alice in Wonderland I have always loved Alice in Wonderland! We had a laser disc (yeah, naabutan ko iyon at may muwang na ako nung mga panahong iyon!! haha) of that cartoon and I watched it over and over again. I even read the book in the library (elementary palang ako nito but I was already researching my favorite movie - talagang old habits never die. hehehe) because I wanted to find out why the rabbit was always running and why he (it?) was so afraid that he's (it's?) late (I found out that it was because the Queen will have his head off otherwise.) * great casting (I liked the three Fossil sisters, can't decide which one I like the most, though ü) * a feel good movie - the movie's motto: Dreams do come true - 'nuff said! * the Fossil sisters' bond even though they weren't really related - makes me want to have that kind of closeness with my sisters. . . . . ;) I remember someone telling us to reflect and ask ourselves after watching a movie "Did that movie just made you want to thank God for seeing that kind of movie? Can you honestly say to yourself, after watching the movie, "Lord, thank you for the people who made this film possible because it encouraged me and made me feel really good about life." I just did. =)

Posted by zarahlim at 12:31 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, favorites

Friday, January 02, 2009 2008 Recap January: * 2nd time to preach (Topic: Buhay KPB?, about staying alive spiritually and keeping the fire burning for the Lord) * started shooting Shades of Love (presentation for our church's 23rd anniversary) February: * Shades of Love (Firebrands' first feature film) * Jennilyn's baby shower March: * Joint fellowship @ Caloocan Bethel AG (formed new friendships with youth from other churches :) * Resource speaker @ Manila Faith AG's Teaching Seminar (my topic was about Teaching Methodologies) April: * Mom and Dad celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary * won a book (Rock Solid Kids) from a seminar @ Hope * piano lessons with Antoinette May: * got an encouraging letter (+ a gift) from Antoinette, my piano / Sunday school student * joined Section 2 Youth's Amazing Race (Binondo-Intramuros) * APAW 5 @ The Lord's Assembly ü June: * Youth summer outing @ Kawayan Cove, Nasugbu, Batangas * celebrated my 23rd birthday with friends & family * one Sunday service was postponed due to Typhoon Frank :( * 5 years of closeness w/ Lawrence ♥ * Lawrence's gig @ Meralco Theater; went there with CBAG peeps :) July: * work work work * got hooked with Sophie Kinsella's books * got hooked with the Twilight series August: * got my laptop! :)

* went to megamall with lawrence to watch Planetshakers but we got there too late, the show's over. hay!! So I bought Eclipse nalang @ Powerbooks (for Abby) * got accepted at Essays.ph as home-based writer. :) * Lawrence's, Pop's, & Abby's birthday . . . . :) * Auntie Ok went to London . . :/ September: * absorbed with my new status as WRITER for Eph :) ... took some assignments and actually enjoyed writing them despite the icky feeling of zombie-ness after finishing 5 or 10 articles in 24 hours (aside from my usual day job + other ministry responsibilities @ church) * got invited to Patrick's bday dinner (as Lawrence's date) with his family... my first "outing" with them. hehe. * started tutoring gig for 9 varsity players of HCHS October: * busy juggling my work, my writing stint & my tutoring gig * finally got a router for our internet connection at home * did my very first nail art * interview @ STDC for license to exhort * lawrence & I had our hair colored burgundy :) * had an obsessive John Mayer-phase which lasted for a couple of months (I'm over it now ü) * officially tagged December 1 as my blogbirthday November: * got a letter from STDC saying I passed the interview :) * trip to Trinoma with Lawrence to see what they had to offer at the jobfair * rushed 2 videos in time for HCHS 62nd anniversary (and suffered a lot of stress out of it) * got hooked with GOSSIP GIRL * went to Baguio for Patrick's proposal to Ate Netty * I actually forgot to do the bulletin (for Nov 30). And to think we had a speaker that morning (Rev. Suico) because of the Missions Convention. Kahiya!!! December: *Janey turns 3! :) * Groundzero @ BBC (all out Praise & Worship which lasted at least 5 hours!) * saw the "smiley from God" - the Venus-Jupiter-Moon formation * got hooked by Jay Durias & Kyla's songs * Lawrence composed a song for me! heehee ♥ * attended my very first STDC District Convention @ Caliraya * consecrated as License to Exhort minister * wasn't able to attend this year's Paskuhan due to a bout of fever :( * I actually weigh 110 lbs!! Weeeh! * bought lots and lots of books during Christmas vacation (4? 5? more??) * I finally got the White Musk perfume oil @ Body Shop that I wanted sooooo badly for as long as I can remember (exag! hehe).. Lawrence gave it to me as a Christmas gift. :) * Family outing @ Baguio

◘ Thank you Lord for the lessons I've learned, the experiences I had, the new friends I made during the past year 2008. Thank you for your favor and your unending grace & mercy which has been with me all throughout the year. Praises belong to YOU alone. I am nothing without you. I wouldn't be where I am right now, and most certainly who I am right now, if not for your grace. Thank you!! I'm looking forward to the new things I'll experience and learn from You which you have in store for me this year. I know that You have a plan for me and that plan is what's best for me. Grant me strength and wisdom to be able to handle every situation that comes my way in a manner that will bring glory to Your Name. Amen. ◘ Posted by zarahlim at 7:16 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise

Family trip @ Baguio Flashback: Summer 2008 Mom and I were both hoping to be able to go to Baguio as a family for the summer. But hindi natuloy so we just shrugged it off and told ourselves maybe it wasn't in God's plan for us to be there that time. But praise God because He gives us the desires of our hearts. We were able to go to Baguio this year after all. Here's a recap of our Baguio trip. December 27, 2008 a blessing came making it possible for us (financially) to go, all we had to confirm was our lodging (we were hoping to stay at my mom's friend's house) December 29, 2009 2PM: FINALLY! my dad gave us the GO signal - WE'RE GOING TO BAGUIO. woohoo! December 30, 2008 we left for Baguio at around 11am, arrived at around 430pm; drop by @ SM for dinner & some groceries December 31, 2008 50's diner; parlor & massage sessions; SM dinner January 1, 2009 Camp John Hay, mini golf (Dad & Abby); visited my grand aunt's place; dinner + fireworks display @ SM January 2, 2009 *woke up at 5am to the sound of crinkling plastic. I jumped out of bed coz I remembered that I had some food in my bag. My mom heard the sound as well, got up and opened the lights. Sure enough, THERE WAS A MOUSE IN MY BAG. YUUUUUCCK!!! It jumped out of my bag and hid under the bed (eeeek!) when the lights went on in the room. (But in fairness, the mouse didn't

look as disgusting as the ones you see here in Manila. This one looked like a hairless hamster.) My mom was laughing the whole time at my reaction - she told me I shrieked in slow motion (as in AAAAAYYYY! but with poise). I told her it was because I didn't want to wake the others up since it's still very, very early. Hay. Gross. But when I checked the plastic later on, I found out that the mouse didn't get through the plastic. Tita Sylvia said "nakikiamoy lang sha nun food mo." Haha. Gentle mouse daw, ika nga. **Stopped by market for some pasalubongs; Homebound

Photos from our Baguio trip Posted by zarahlim at 6:50 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise

Friday, December 26, 2008 Bookworm on the loose!

I bought 3 books during the past 3 days. More addition to my fast-growing library (not to mention my fast-growing list of books to FINISH reading). I recently picked up this habit of buying books and reading it but not finishing it. My excuse? I'm still digesting the insights I got from it. I take notes while reading because I dont want to rush reading because if I do so, I easily forget what I just read. Anyway, I'm currently reading Philip Yancey's The Jesus I Never Knew and though it's a bit wordy, I found myself engrossed with it because Yancey writes in a fluid, interesting manner. He's no Max Lucado, that's for sure, but still, his way of writing is very easy to follow, considering the nature of his book (factual & informational, unlike Lucado's poetic manner). Posted by zarahlim at 10:22 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Thursday, December 25, 2008 Wishing you all a BLESSED CHRISTMAS! Uy Pasko na pala! Di ko napansin. Wahahaha! Merry Christmas everyone! ü I remember this song I learned when I was still in elementary. I loved it so much it just stuck with me after all these years.

Everyday Christmas Everyday Christmas Let it be not only once a year but Every Christmas Sing it now and for all times

Christ is born, and now He lives in our hearts if we believe Everyday Christmas Everyday it's Christmas for me. Posted by zarahlim at 12:40 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

isang malaking HAY 0AKO!

I just heard from Abby that ABSCBN's going to make a Filipino version of Twilight starring Shaina Magdayao & Rayver Cruz. I was like, "Eew.. anu ba yan." and forgot all about it. Then I logged on the internet, went to perezhilton.com and saw the announcement and I went from "hohum" to "OMG!" This is BIG! Embarassing! Why do our networks always have to do a Filipino version of a hit movie / TV series? For the money? For our poor kababayans who can't understand English (which I doubt is the reason because English is our 2nd language)? I totally agree with one comment made by one of the readers:

um…why can't they just replace the english voice with filipino voice if people don't understand english there??!!! there's no need to make another new movie. It would suck big time!! OO NGA NAMAN! Dubbing's tolerable than making a Filipino version. Lahat nalang ginawan ng Filipino version eh. Tama na!!! *Read Perez Hilton's post* Twilight Filipino Version

* PS. As much as I'm against this idea from ABSCBN (which I hope won't come to fruition), I have to say Shaina looks pretty in the poster. Can't say much about the guy (I'm really not a fan, I even had to look at perezhilton's post just to see if I got his name right - sorry, but I don't watch TV much and if I do, I'm Kapuso ü) Posted by zarahlim at 12:20 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, inis

Wednesday, December 24, 2008 So now I weigh... ...110 lbs.! My heaviest weight ever!! ü Posted by zarahlim at 4:44 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Lakwatsa Chronicles II Went out yesterday for some Christmas shopping. I didn't get home until 2:30am.

"Uwi ba ng matinong dalaga iyan?" Hehehe!! After the baby dedication, I went with Lawrence and Kuya Pat & Ate Netty & Kevin to MOA for more shopping. Anyway.. I'm too lazy to post everything here so I'll just link you to my multiply account for a "report" on how my day went yesterday. :) Take a look at zarah's "uwi-ng-matinong-dalaga" night out! Posted by zarahlim at 12:57 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Friday, December 19, 2008 Meg Cabot

I got hooked reading two of Meg Cabot's bestselling books. What I liked about them was the way the story was presented - through email correspondences, IM, and journal entries. Think stalker-like reading. Hehe. Another interesting thing about it is that I found out that I write my journals the same way Kate Mackenzie does hers (she's the lead character in Boy Meets Girl) complete with dialogues and lots of cyclical ramblings. Posted by zarahlim at 12:39 PM 1 comments Labels: blab

Paskuhan 2008 I think I'm gonna have to take a leave of absence in this year's Paskuhan. I'm still recovering from my bout of flu from the past two days. I don't want to push it by going to Paskuhan and risk tiring myself out - when that happens, then I'll have to miss Lawrence's gig tomorrow at SM San Lazaro (they'll be playing for Jonalyn Viray - uh huh! big time na ang lolo mo! hehehe) which I simply cannot have. I HAVE TO BE THERE sick or not. So... goodbye Paskuhan (for now).. maybe next year. Posted by zarahlim at 12:29 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Thursday, December 18, 2008 sick the allergies i had a few days ago turned into a full-blown fever. tsk. hope i get better by tomorrow. christmas parties to attend, not to mention tomorrow's Paskuhan @ UST and I've never missed the event. I'm really looking forward to going there tomorrow. Lord I need your healing touch . . .

Posted by zarahlim at 8:11 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Wednesday, December 17, 2008 Hahaha! If you sprinkle When you tinkle Be a sweetie, Wipe the seatie! *Boy Meets Girl (Meg Cabot) Posted by zarahlim at 1:50 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Tuesday, December 16, 2008 my loner-liness strikes I had a nice, quiet lunch BY MYSELF at SBC today. I usually treat myself to a good (when I say good, I mean expensive-good) meal whenever I had a bad morning at the office. Take yesterday for example. I was at Sushiyum pigging out because I needed to de-stress. I know it's a bad, bad habit to take, and very expensive at that. Not to mention it's bad stewardship. But... I'm sticking to this routine until I think of a more relaxing way to spend lunch (or until I've got no money na, whichever comes first). *bad girl, zarah, bad girl!* Posted by zarahlim at 4:45 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

attack of the allergies *headache *dripping nose (yuck) *labored breathing in short: allergic rhinitis

*sigh* Posted by zarahlim at 1:24 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Sunday, December 14, 2008 Update on today's date (Go figure! haha!) ◘ After service: Lawrence and I had lunch @ Mcdo. ◘ I went home to take a nap; he went to his band practice for their show this coming saturday. ◘ 3pm: Met with him @ church then headed off to World Trade Center to meet with Richard/Neri and KuyaPat/AteNet ◘ @ World Trade: Full house already by the time 4pm rolled by. Good thing we were able to get there early. Browsed through the different booths there. Got this buch of lipglosses at a great bargain. ◘ After the bazaar, we headed to SM Mla and watched Twilight. ◘ 930pm: Bought some stuff @ Mercury Drugstore. Stopped by Chuan Kee for a late dinner but everything we ordered were all unavailable so we just went home (kainis, kain na kain pa naman ako ng pork maki. haha.) * Posted by zarahlim at 11:01 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Ang tanong. Bow. "Magpapastor ka na?" Iyan ang tanong na ilang beses naibato sa akin this past few days. When they heard that I went to the District Convention, yun kagad ang tanong. Others were able to see the pictures I posted sa multiply and friendster account ko (pati dito sa blog, actually). Pano ba dapat sagutin ang tanong na ito? Sometimes even a simple Yes or No question isn't that easy to answer as you may think.

No, I'm not ashamed of the call God has for my life. And I'm definitely not having second thoughts - if this is really the Lord's will, then I'm glad to be walking in the path He has laid out for me. It's just that answering that simple question leads to a lot of questions that even I don't have the answers to. I see now that I'm just actually going with the tide - wherever life may bring me, andun ako.. No planning, no goals, no vision? Tsk tsk.. So.. I guess I have a serious life-planning and evaluation to do, which is fitting as the year's about to end and 2009's just about to begin. Lord I pray for direction for the coming years. I don't want to live my life without vision, without goals. Lead me to where you want me to go and help me to obey you whatever you tell me to do. Give me strength and courage to follow your will for my life. Not my will but Yours be done Lord. And all this so that I may bring glory to You. Amen. :) Posted by zarahlim at 10:15 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, ministry

Thursday, December 11, 2008 My first time was great. . ...that's FIRST TIME to attend the STDC (Southern Tagalog District Council) District Convention. ** December 9-11, 2008 Caliraya Recreation Center I attended the STDC Distric Convention for the first time. Zarah Grace and I were being consecrated as licensed ministers (License to Exhort). *Lord thank you for this PRIVILEGE of being called into this ministry, the HONOR of serving you and the GRACE of being able to take it up to the next level. Thank you also for this very rewarding experience. Ang saya! First time namin umatend and niloob Niyo na iyong first time namin ay maging super FUN - parang nasa youth camp eh. It really worked to help the team build relationship and be closer to one another (at shempre seeing all those respected pastors, presbyters, and district officers play, have fun and simply be as carefree as kids is really a sight to behold. Promise, ang sakit ng tiyan ko kakatawa sa mga antics ng mga pastor. Aba'y akalin mong KWELA pala sila. Hahaha!ü) Praise God! Can't wait for the next District Convention... sana ganito ulit kasaya, or mas higit pa. Amen! ü*

View convention pics here Posted by zarahlim at 8:13 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, ministry, work

Sunday, December 07, 2008 OMG! Marky Cielo's dead. WAAAHH!! I was watching GG in my room when I heard some commotion outside. My dad, mom, and Abby were totally freaking out as they watched the news. The cause of death's still not known, as of now "iniimbestigahan pa." Grabe.. That's the 3rd person I learned who died in a span of 2 days. Grabe... I like Marky pa naman. He was my bet during his starstruck days. :(( Posted by zarahlim at 6:41 PM 0 comments

Thursday, December 04, 2008 Gift #3 made me smile!

It's 200 sheets of fine paper bound together, ready for any creative ideas the owner might have. It's the perfect gift for someone like me who's always going crazy over paper, notebooks, postits, or anything you could write one. It's also the perfect gift for me because as you might have guessed, my dream is to have my works published someday. What better way to start than having my own "professional and authentic looking" book, ready for my scribblings and all. Heehee!! I'm so excited. Though it's no different from any notebook (basically it's just a notebook packaged in a really cool way), I'm still charmed with the way they presented it. Benta

saken, man! Big time!!

Haha!!

Ingenious! * Thanks achi christina for this! :)

Posted by zarahlim at 3:10 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, writing

A song for me

Last night, before I went to sleep, Lawrence sent me a song he composed. I listened to it and it was really, really good! I asked him who it was for (*uuy fishing!*), and he said "sayo." Nyahaha!! Of all the songs he composed, I like this one the best, because ... it's really, really good. In fact, it was so good that I immediately set it as my ring tone and my alarm tone (so that I'll wake up to that beautiful song every morning and be kilig the rest of the day). ♥♥♥ *Listen to the song here. Posted by zarahlim at 10:39 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

Wednesday, December 03, 2008 Christmas time is here.... and the gifts are arriving as well =)

First for this year (Thanks Sir Ben!) ü

Next (unexpected) gift came a few minutes after, this time from Achi Christine. ♥ *

It's starting to trickle in... Thank you Lord. ü

Posted by zarahlim at 11:03 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

What I 'm lovin' these days: ♥ Kyla's Heart to Heart album - as the people closest to me knows, I don't really like listening to music. It's not that I'm against it - I'm not! - I just prefer the quietness of just staying in a corner of the room and reading a good novel. (Now that you know this little info about me, I guess that means we're close na. Nyahaha!) ♥ Jay Durias' Songs I Grew Up With album. ♥ Gossip Girl (Im into season 2 na! Hehe) ♥ Meg Cabot ♥ Lipgloss (I'm combining these 2 lipglosses that I have and it works very nicely in making my lips soft and smooth. Haha!) Posted by zarahlim at 12:55 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, December 02, 2008 Ground Zero @ BBC Got home last night (morning!) at around 12:45am coz there was this thing we attended at BBC. I was like a robot walking from Binondo to our home because I was so sleepy. Good thing Lawrence was with me. He insisted on seeing me home even if I didn't want him to (kasi late na and all that). Posted by zarahlim at 10:02 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

Monday, December 01, 2008 Janey turns 3! Happy blogbirthday to me! ü Posted by zarahlim at 11:16 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

Sunday, 0ovember 30, 2008 Major Booboo While preparing for church this morning, my dad (who's already at church) called and asked where the bulletins are. OOPS!!! I told him I forgot to do it. *hiya hiya hiya* Yesterday was super busy - Abby's bible quiz took up most of my day (9-4) then afterwards I headed immediately to church for the film showing for our Missions Convention. I totally forgot about the bulletin. If my dad hadn't asked me, I wouldn't even have remembered it. Kakahiya. Lord, sorry ... =( P.S. I was (barely) able to finish it .. I did page 2 before the service started then page 1 and the photocopying process after the worship. Posted by zarahlim at 12:27 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Saturday, 0ovember 29, 2008 B to G:

"Haven't you heard? I'm the crazy bitch around here." Haha! Go B! ü Posted by zarahlim at 11:18 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Friday, 0ovember 28, 2008

The Lakwatsera Chronicles

11.28.08 ◘ HCHS celebrated its 62nd anniversary with a Thanksgiving program and Bazaar. I was able to buy 3 books. Yehey!! :) ◘ @ Mall of Asia - a spur of the moment date (we were supposed to go to 168 but he wanted to

go somewhere na mas malayo compared to our usual na pinupuntahan. :) When we got there, we learned that Kyla's there for a mall tour/album promotion so we stayed to watch her perform (Lawrence actually wants to see his idol, un guitarist. He was so happy when he saw the guitarist, to the point na muntik pang habulin para makipag-picture. hahaha!) ◘ Band practice - We were a bit late (actually, super late na pla) because we got so fascinated with the marching band outside MOA. We got a bit lost because we followed the band, forgetting that we were supposed to head home na. Heehee! Sori!! :D View more pics here Posted by zarahlim at 10:52 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, school

Thursday, 0ovember 27, 2008 What I wanna do ... ◘ buy a dress (yes, a DRESS! I guess I've been watching too much GG. hehehe!!) ◘ buy shoes NOW. ◘ watch Twilight. ◘ read a book. ◘ drink Peppermint Mocha Frappe from Starbucks (too bad they don't have it this year. BOO!!) ◘ eat buttered mushrooms and mashed potatoes and lots and lots of crispy bacon (hello uric acid and cholesterol! haha!) ◘ paint my nails ◘ study Psychology (seriously. I've been having this strong urge to gp back to school and study Psych .. I don't know why. But I've always wanted to study Psychology. I even found an essay I wrote back in 2nd yr HS saying that I wanted to take up either Psychology or Music (MUSIC????) when I reach college. hehe..) ◘ go to a spa and get myself a much-needed massage (I've been wishing to do since, like, forever, but something always comes up and takes my "massage budget" away. Hay!!) ◘ eat cold salmon sashimi and cold california maki and drink hot miso soup at Sushiyum ◘ go to Baguio again and enjoy the freezing cold weather (brr!! I miss Baguio!! waah!! I even miss being breathless with all the walking/climbing you do in Baguio). ◘ take an assignment at my writing gig (but unfortunately I still can't because of my super busy sched at work - tarps need to be finished by tomorrow. waah!) * this post's just supposed to be a sidepost before I turn off the computer. gotta go to sleep na. I was late (again) kanna. Very bad!! After preaching about it last Sunday. tsk. When I woke up this morning, it was already past 8:30. WAAAH!! I didn't hear the alarm. I didn't hear my mom waking me up. So... I have to stop typing now. stop. STOP!!! Nyt! ;)

Posted by zarahlim at 12:48 AM 3 comments

Saturday, 0ovember 22, 2008 Fresh from Baguio I just got back from a weekend trip to Baguio. Our youth pastor proposed to his girlfriend (now fiancee) and we were invited to be a part of his 'surprise' proposal to ate netty. It was sweet and romantic. *kilig*kilig* ♥ I needed to get back earlier than the rest of the group because I stil haven't finished the bulletin for Sunday and I have yet to finish my message, also for the Sunday service. Lawrence went home with me, which was a sweet thing to do. ♥ It's our first long (alone) trip together. Buti nalang he went with me kasi (1) it's boring sitting 6 long and freezing hours on the bus by yourself; (2) my stuff was just too heavy for me to carry; (3) I realized when we got to D.Jose that I wasn't sure of where to go on my way back to church, not to mention it's a scary place to be in at night. Praise God for loved ones :) Lord, thank you for keeping us safe during the trip. Thank you also for the provision. And most of all, thank you for allowing us (me) to be a part of this experience. ♥♥♥ Posted by zarahlim at 10:05 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Thursday, 0ovember 20, 2008 Ora-orada. *Magaling, magaling, magaling!* Posted by zarahlim at 3:10 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, inis, work

Swept into the Gossip Girl Mania! A few days ago I started watching Gossip Girl. I've been meaning to watch it for quite some time now but just didn't have the time. So far... um, my comment is that it's not what you'd recommend to watch because of the serious moral issues involved.. (*Sorry GG fans.*) Blair's determination to lose "it" with Nate's really sad. I mean SHE'S SO PRETTY. Sayang. So why do I still watch it? Because of the kikay stuff.

I know. I know. ANG BABAW!! :-& Posted by zarahlim at 1:35 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Tuesday, 0ovember 18, 2008 "Perfect!" Just hearing it made all the stress evaporate! My contact with the alumni batch 83 saw the video and liked it. Thank God no revisions are necessary. Now I only have to finish the powerpoint for Sunday and then I'm all set! ○ Current mood: Inspired. Posted by zarahlim at 11:07 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise, work

Monday, 0ovember 17, 2008 Writer Mode I haven't been able to get some assignments at my writing gig for almost a month now. I'm so busy with work and tutoring and church that as much as I want to take even just one assignment, sadly I can't. But my writer mode's returned with my tutees needing my help with their formal theme. I had to revise their works, give ideas on how to start, even start writing it myself (when it seems like all hope's gone - haha!). So far I've "co-written" 3 formal themes. They were given a theme to write about. So imagine - I had to write 3 different essays based on 1 theme. Nosebleed? Not really. In fact, I'm kind of enjoying it! :) Good thing I've had practice with my writing gig. Bottomline: I'VE MISSED WRITI0G! Posted by zarahlim at 10:09 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, writing

ALL FOR 0OTHI0G

ALL THE HARDWORK I DID FOR THE PAST MONTH WAS SHOT DOWN TO FLAMES WHEN I WAS TOLD TO MAKE A0OTHER ONE. IM THIS CLOSE TO HANDING MY RESIGNATION. SERIOUSLY. Posted by zarahlim at 11:14 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, inis, work

Monday, 0ovember 17, 2008 1 down, 1 to go! In the process of rendering the first video. Thank you Lord! ü Posted by zarahlim at 10:07 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise, work

Can't wait til this is over. Still working on the video. Thank God I'm already in the wrapping up stage. I'll be glad when all these crazy video-making days are over (though I'm pretty sure I'll be missing the busy-ness pretty soon. Oh well, no need to worry about that, I'm always loaded with work. ). I need a break. Posted by zarahlim at 1:47 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, work

Sunday, 0ovember 16, 2008 The Frim Fram Sauce I heard this song tonight and was instantly charmed by it! Made me go hungry like no other song could. Hehehe! (Hunger season ako nowadays. Won't be long until my forced diet-season arrives. Anyway, I'll enjoy this song 'til the season lasts. Maybe, just maybe, it could induce me into hunger during my self-proclaimed diet season strikes. ;)

The Frim Fram Sauce I don't want French fried potatoes, Red ripe tomatoes, I'm never satisfied. I want the frim-fram sauce with the ausen fay With chafafah on the side. I don't want pork chops and bacon, That won't awaken My appetite inside.

I want the frim-fram sauce with the ausen fay With chafafah on the side. Now a fella's really got to eat And a fella should eat right. Five will get you ten I'm gonna feed myself right tonight. I don't want fish cakes and rye bread, You heard what I said. Waiter, please serve mine fried I want the frim-fram sauce with the ausen fay With chafafah on the side. ~interlude~ A fella's really got to eat And a fella should eat right. Five will get you ten I'm gonna feed myself right tonight. I don't want fish cakes and rye bread, You heard what I said. Waiter, please serve mine fried I want the frim-fram sauce with the ausen fay With chafafah on the side. (I want the frim fram sauce with the ausen fay with cha fafa, cha fafa, cha fafa, on the side P-LEAZZZE!) Ending (no melody): Now if you don't have it, just bring me a check for the water. üüü Posted by zarahlim at 12:19 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

3 P's of a Workaholic

THE PROJECT

THE PASTIME

THE POWER SNACK Posted by zarahlim at 12:00 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, work

Friday, 0ovember 14, 2008 After 2 months of Biology

...(memory) (knowledge) gap parin ako sa Science. *Hay* But I'm starting to like it na naman. And it's making more sense now than before. So I guess there's progress parin. ;)

There Are 1 Gaps in Your Knowledge

Where you have gaps in your knowledge:

Science

Where you don't have gaps in your knowledge:

Philosophy Religion Economics Literature History Art Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge? Posted by zarahlim at 3:03 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

I'll be glad when this is over.

*sigh* *Sigh* *SIgh* *SIGh* *SIGH* *SIGH* *SIGH*

*

SIGH*

THESE VIDEOS are making me go crazy. Ugh!

I just wish you'd be more specific with your instructions. And preferably, be specific the first time

you give the instruction. Don't keep on changing your mind. I spent hours doing just one clip. My eyes are gonna need extra thick lenses after this. And then when you get to see the hardwork I did, all you can see are corrections and additions and changes, when in fact, I just followed what you wanted the first time around. HAY!!! Walang panalo talaga when working with you. Grrr..

Posted by zarahlim at 2:55 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, inis, work

Thursday, 0ovember 13, 2008 Hala, sige KAI0! 10:05 PM 11/13/2008 A prayer of thanksgiving to a God who do not withhold good things from His children.

Truly Lord, you are a God who knows the desires of our hearts. You know what I want, even before I speak. And best of all, you do not withhold good things from me. You do not spoil, but like a good parent, you rejoice in giving me surprises - somedays, it can

be just a teensy surprise, like yesterday's treat from Yiqi; on other days, you are generous enough to give me not just one, or two, but ALL of my cravings. Like what happened today. Just this morning, I was telling Lawrence how I was craving for Sushiyum and Yellowcab. I was in the midst of an impossible hunger struggle - I was desperately in need of cold salmon sashimi sliding down my throat, with its sweet sweet-salty taste enveloping my eager tastebuds. Ooohh.. But I thought, "I'm in poverty right now. I do not have the luxury to indulge myself because I only have __ pesos to spend for lunch." So I resolved to just chalk it up to wishful thinking. Then, because I was seriously hungry (and I still had at least an hour and a half to go before lunch break), the taste e of pizza (specifically Yellowcab) assaulted my tastebuds. It seemed like all my favorite foods ganged up on me to harass me on my hungriest day. Or maybe I was just suffering from a post-indulgence indulgence "you've "you've-had-enough-now-it's-time-to to-disciplineyourself" withdrawal. Anyway, to make this long and hunger hunger-inducing inducing entry short, I got to eat everything I wished TONIGHT, despite my "poverty" status and all within 3 hours. Lawrence invited me to Sushiyum dinner before we headed for cellgroup meeting. Then when we got to church, Patrick asked us to buy a large pizza FROM YELLOWCAB because he was treating us. Whoopeee!! Thank you so much Lord for your goodness. These simple indulgences and surprises you shower me with are always visible and tangible proofs of yyour our obvious existence and your hand upon my life. Thank you, thank you SO MUCH! *PS: At lunch today, I got a call from Ms. Marta at the Business Office, inviting me to drop by their office because they saved me a slice of a super yummy Red Ribbon Smores (?) cake. Ooohh.. yummy! :) ♥ Posted by zarahlim at 10:51 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise, work

Eight Dream Symbols That Point to Stress

When I was a senior in high school, I had a recurrin recurring g dream of my teeth falling out. I dreamt about my teeth just about... View >> *A few nights ago, I dreamed of my teeth falling out. I had a hard time finding a dentist that will put it back on. This dream came soon after the scary "im powerless among all powerful people" dream I had which gave me the idea for my horror story for Eph.

Posted by zarahlim at 1:11 PM 2 comments Labels: blab

Twilight Soundtrack I'm currently listening to the Twilight soundtrack. So far so good. Di pa naman ako naiingayan.. =) Posted by zarahlim at 12:54 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Wednesday, 0ovember 12, 2008 Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! Fries & Sundae = yum!!! Thanks for the surprise treat yiqi! ü Posted by zarahlim at 6:48 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Tuesday, 0ovember 11, 2008 Katam strikes. I'm so bored yet there's so much I have to do - all BEFORE Nov. 23. God help me! I need motivation. I need inspiration. I'm in desperate need of a push. Posted by zarahlim at 9:12 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, work

Monday, 0ovember 10, 2008 Back to back projects and Wedding Announcements

Super eye-strain at work today. While the PC's busy saving a clip (which takes a while), I turn to the other computer to work on another video project. Good thing I'm a stress addict. Hehe.

Good thing I had crunchy, salty greenpeas to help me get through the boredom. ♥♥♥ Tonight I found out one of my barkadas in high school's getting married next year! Great news! I'm so excited and happy for her. Congrats Ms. Butterfly! ü Posted by zarahlim at 9:48 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, work

Sunday, 0ovember 09, 2008 They won again! Yipee! HOPE won! Yey. Congrats, you guys! :) *Wasn't able to take pics of the game. I was too engrossed. Hehehe. Posted by zarahlim at 4:32 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Friday, 0ovember 07, 2008 JOBSolutely Cool! When I learned yesterday (through email) that there's gonna be a jobfair at Trinoma today (11/7) and tomorrow, I immediately told Lawrence. He's looking for potential companies for his thesis/workshop this sem. And so we went. We looked around, found nothing (mostly call centers), so we decided to just hang out - sayang ang long commute eh! We ate, played @ Timezone, ate, walked around, then finally started heading for home. I had a tutor session at 4 so we decided (ako pala) to take the MRT/LRT on the way back. Sayang we didn't have any pictures of our Trinoma adventure today. But we do have pictures at Mcdo, where we went to after tutor. There was this girl who looked so much like Rhian Ramos. Grabe! She also looks like Ira, our friend from CBAG. All in all, it was a tiring but FUN day spent with the one closest to me. ♥ Posted by zarahlim at 7:48 PM 1 comments Labels: blab

Wednesday, 0ovember 05, 2008 Surprise! Today's tutor session ended a few minutes late because some of the guys will have a long test on Bio tomorrow. Afterwards, I hurriedly logged out at the DTR because I have to meet Farica at Jollibee for our discipleship. When I got out of the school's gate, there was Lawrence! *Yihee* :)) I LOVE surprise visits from him! ♥ Thanks da :) ♥♥♥ Posted by zarahlim at 8:39 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Tuesday, 0ovember 04, 2008 You've Got Mail! Today my mom handed me a sealed envelope.

It was from STDC. It contained the result of our interview (last Oct 16). "We are pleased to inform you that you have passed the interview and qualified for STDC credential."

So... There's no turning back. I'm in this

for life.

It's a privilige to be working with and for You, Lord. :) Posted by zarahlim at 10:01 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise, preaching thoughts, work

Monday, 0ovember 03, 2008 Another near-allergy scare At this afternoon's Personnel Retreat, they gave us some meryenda. Since I didn't have lunch (not in the mood to eat, too sleepy), by the time 4pm rolled around, I was so hungry. I ate the siomai they gave. But just a few minutes after (I haven't even finished the meal yet!), I could already feel my tongue and my lower lip swelling. So I rushed off to the drugstore and bought myself some anti-histamine meds. It worked, the allergy didn't break out, but I'm so sleepy I slept when I got home and woke up at 10pm. Even now, I feel so sleepy but I still have to finish up some work for tomorrow's tutor session. I don't even want to think of the video some alumni's asking me to do for the upcoming alumni homecoming on the 23rd. So much to do with so little of me to go around. Thank God I can come to You for strength. "You are my strength.. You make my feet like that of a deer, You enable me to go on the heights." Posted by zarahlim at 11:33 PM 0 comments

Sunday, 0ovember 02, 2008 Posting some of my favorite verses from Habakkuk Habakkuk 3 v.2 Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. v. 17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, (v18) YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD, I WILL BE JOYFUL IN GOD MY SAVIOR. v.19 THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, HE ENABLES ME TO GO ON THE HEIGHTS. Posted by zarahlim at 8:01 PM 0 comments

0ot even a killer headache can keep me down! This morning, I woke up with a throbbing tension headache. My shoulder muscles were so tightly wound that each time I stretched and arched my back caused some of them to pop (how do you call it?). But it's Sunday so I tried to forget about the pain (no such luck!) and started getting ready for church. I was thinking of the meeting we were going to have after the service. I was also expecting some of my tutees who told me they were going to attend the service and hang out afterwards. So I expected it to be a long day. But it turned out to be a NICE long day because aside from being in God's house worshipping Him and blessing Him, I got to spend almost the whole day with the people closest to me. Not even a killer headache (and a loooong meeting) can take away the joy of being with loved ones. ♥

Posted by zarahlim at 6:45 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise

Saturday, 0ovember 01, 2008 Hay salamat Natapos ko rin ang napakahirap na horror story na iyan. *punas dugo coming from the nose* üüü

Posted by zarahlim at 12:40 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, writing

Friday, October 31, 2008 Writing horror stories... ...is HARD. 1. I needed to wait for inspiration. (check! I woke up this morning with my heart racing because of the freaky dream I just had. It was all so vividly real. As early as it was, I had the presence of mind to get my phone and start storing the dream for reference. I just couldn't have that dream to fly out of my memory just when I need to have a story to write for our required wriitng task at Eph). 2. (A few hours later...) I'm stuck in the first paragraph. I have no idea how to start the story. Waah..!!! Right now my plan is to just write randomly anything that comes to mind. I'll put the story in the right sequence after everything's laid down. Posted by zarahlim at 11:44 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, writing

Thursday, October 30, 2008 Sorry Janey, mommy just can't seem to remember exactly when you were born. =( While browsing through people's blogs, I always encounter entries pertaining to their blog birthdays. It looked as if they really knew what they were doing when they started blogging. Heck, they even remembered WHEN they started it. Poor, unobservant me just couldn't seem to remember when I started this blog (dontcallmejaney). So I went back to my entry in 2005 and reread my very first entry here. It turns out that I actually moved BACK here in blogger after bloghopping in friendster and multiply. But when I checked the date for the very first entry, what do you know? Stupid me forgot to put the date. Hay!! See? I didn't know back then that I'll be a dedicated blogger who would want to celebrate the anniversary of my blogsurrection. So how old is Janey now? Technically Janey's 3 years old but has already been blogging 4 years.. (Gulo! Haha!!) Anyway, to erase all confusion (mine included), let's make it official: From now on, we will celebrate my blogniversary every FIRST of DECEMBER. Weeeh!! That's only a few days from now. Excited! Haha! :)

*** NOTE: I've updated the links so you could check out my earliest posts. Posted by zarahlim at 2:07 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

I'm a sucker for pretty hands.

♥ The beautiful hand of my bff *sigh* ♥ Posted by zarahlim at 12:05 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

Wednesday, October 29, 2008 When There's 0ot Enough of Me To Go Around

Is your to-do list too long? Do you have trouble saying no? Are you always in a hurry? Do you feel you have to be perfect? Are you trying to have it all - all at once? If you answered YES to any of these questions, you need this book! (copied from book jacket)

I found this book while browsing at National Bookstore. A few pages into the book, I knew it had to be written especially for me. Grabe! I can totally relate with what the author's saying. Especially during this phase in my life when I'm just so busy, busy, dreadfully busy... ♪(VeggieTales Song)♪ Posted by zarahlim at 9:21 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 UST SURVEY

1.) SAANG GATE KA DUMADAAN PAPASOK SA UST? P.NOVAL, DAPITAN, LACSON o ESPANA? --> DAPITA0

2.)MADALAS KUMAIN? CARP, ASTURIAS, CHUMBAYAN, P. NOVAL o NOTA (none of the above) -->ASTURIAS

3.) ILANG FLOORS AND BLDG NIO? --> 4

4.) ANONG TAWAG SA BLDG NIO? --> ST. RAYMU0D'S / AB BLDG (hahaha ü actually share kame ng commerce)

5.) INABOT KA NA BA NG BAHA SA UST?

--> OO, PERO HI0DI KO 0AEXPERIE0CE LUMUSO0G. BY THE TIME TAPOS 0A A0G CLASS, 0AGSUBSIDE 0A A0G BAHA, THA0K GOD!

6.) KULAY PUTI BA ANG UNIFORM MO? --> WHITE & BLUE (parang high school)

7.) SUMALI KA NA BA SA UNIVERSITY-WIDE ORGANIZATIONS? --> 0OPE

8.) MAY KAKLASE/ NAGING KAKLASE KA BANG VARSITY PLAYER? --> WALA

9.) NAKASALUBONG MO NA BA SI ABABOU, FORTUNA, ALLERA, JERVY AT IBA PANG BASKETBALL PLAYER? --> OO 0AMA0. SI0A LUA0ZO0 . . .

10.) SAAN MADAMENG GOOD-LOOKING PEOPLE? sa BEATO, ROQUE RUANO, ST. RAYMUND'S, ST. MARTIN DE PORRES o NOTA (none of the above) --> shempre sa ST. RAYMU0D'S! hahaha ü

11.) KABISADO MO NA BA ANG UST HYMN? --> 0DI EH...

12.) LAGI KA BANG LATE O SINASAKTO MO NA BEFORE MAG 15mins DUMATING SA ROOM (e.g. 14 mins before malate)? --> SAKTO LA0G.. I DO0'T WA00A MISS OUT O0 THE DISCUSSIO0. MASISIPAG A0G AKI0G MGA PROPESOR. (naks! hahaha) 13.) MAY KASAMA BA KAYONG IBANG COLLEGE SA BLDG NIO? RELATED NMAN BA ANG COURSES NIO? --> COMMERCE... related ba yun? U0 ECO SIGURO 0G AB SA ECO 0G COMMERCE? 14.) MAAYOS BA ANG AIRCON SA ROOM NIO? --> OO KAYA KASALI 0A SA U0IFORM KO A0G JACKET.

15.) SAN KA NMAN MADALAS TUMAMBAY?

--> SA LIBRARY, SA PAV, SA LOVER'S LA0E, AT SA BOTA0ICAL GARDE0 (noong hindi pa sira yung upuan nila dun. hahaha!)

16.) NAKATAMBAY KA NA BA SA LOVER'S LANE NUNG HINDI PA YUN KINAKALBO? (AS IN NUNG MADAME PANG PUNO.) --> KALBO 0A BA SHA 0GAYO0?? MABISITA 0GA....

17.) MAY SCHOLARSHIP KA BA SA UST? --> WLA EH.

18.) DL (dean's lister) ka ba? --> HI0DI. TSK.

19.) SA TINGIN MO, MALAKI BA ANG USTE O MALIIT LANG? --> MALAKI.

20.) PAG NAGAWA NA ANG UST SRI LANKA AT IBA PANG BRANCHES NA BINABALAK ITAYO NG UST BY 2011, MAY BALAK KA BANG LUMIPAT AT IWAN ANG MAIN CAMPUS SA MANILA? --> (grad na ko pero...) SHEMPRE HI0DE. UST MA0ILA PARI0 AKO. WO0'T TRADE THE MEMORIES THAT GO WITH IT FOR A0YTHI0G.

21.) LAST: NANGHIHINAYANG KA BA SA TUITION FEE NA BINABAYAD MO SA TUWING ENROLMENT? --> HI0DI 0AMA0. OK 0AMA0 YU0G MGA 0AITURO EH. A0D OK DI0 YU0G E0VIRO0ME0T. WORTH IT SHA ACTUALLY. (go USTE!!) ♥ Posted by zarahlim at 3:10 PM 1 comments Labels: school

Monday, October 27, 2008 My oh my! =D

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ My current obsession:

John Mayer Hay.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Posted by zarahlim at 9:39 PM 2 comments Labels: blab

On unsolicited candies and advice P22.75 - that's how much my change added up when I bought some stuff at the grocery store. P22.25 + 1 grape candy - the change I received from Aleng Kahera (Ms. Cashier). Should I jump for joy because I got free candy? Sure,, If i was like, 3 years old. I wasn't even that fond of candy when I was a kid. I wonder how store owners will react if I got short on cash (even for just a small amount as 50 centavos) and I paid them candy instead of the exact amount. Hhhhmmmm... *** I've been observing this person I know for years now. I noticed everytime someone tells him/her

(let's keep the anonymity seriously, okay?) something about the recent events in their lives, he/she gives advice, as in LOTS of advice. Unsolicited or not, she offers them. Don't get me wrong - it's nice to be given an advice by him/her because I know that's how THAT PERSON shows care and affection, but sometimes it's just too much. Like it's getting too intrusive already. * * * Just rambling. I think I'm just having an emo attack. That's why my posts are quite emo-ish. Hehe. Posted by zarahlim at 6:15 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

My blooming social life While working on the attendance for Oct16-27, my mind wandered to how my social life's blooming these days. I just realized I have more than 3 scheduled "dates" with my friends, some one-on-one dates, others a group thingy. Good thing I just experienced being blessed financially last week. Hehehe. God's timing is always the right timing talaga. Praise God for friends, praise God for His blessings which allows me to have a blooming social life. *My social life's never been this active. And to think it's sembreak. I'm normally a homebody and I'd rather stay at home. But hey, if people wants my company, I'm not gonna stop that! Hehehe! ü Posted by zarahlim at 1:56 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Saturday, October 25, 2008 Everyone's in a bad mood. Lord, I don't wanna be infected with the bad mood virus. Please help. "Your grace is sufficient for me. Your strength is made perfect when I am weak..." Posted by zarahlim at 12:25 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Friday, October 24, 2008 Making the right choice...

...makes me one happy tutor. *That's me making pacute after the guys left for their basketball practice.

Hehehe! I was faced with a major decision today - WHERE to buy right! ;)

flipflops. (Major, yeah

Anyway, I left the mall feeling very pleased with myself. Ergo the very happy me in the photo. ü Posted by zarahlim at 9:57 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, vain

Thursday, October 23, 2008 Staring at my screen... I've been staring at my screen for quite a while now. I see Mr. Cullen's ravenous eyes glowing at me (ooohh, not quite scary; HOT's more like it. Hehehe!) I see Bella's hair and think, "Hey, we almost have the same color of hair." (Feeling Bella. Haha!) I see two PMs on my screen, waiting for my response. Buzz! Wait. Gotta go check what Lawrence wants first. Ok I'm back. He just wants to test the new mic he bought ( I don't know when).

I see him in the webcam. I think he's holding his precious guitar, but I'm not so sure... Naghang ang camera. Wait ulit.. Hhhmm.. What I really wanna say is "Im just really happy because I'm so blessed, I can't contain it.. Hehehe! *Forgive this rambling post. Medjo writer's block ako eh. My head's really throbbing. Oh I sooo want a whole body massage right now. =) Posted by zarahlim at 11:20 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, October 22, 2008 0ail Art (Part 2)

Posted by zarahlim at 12:12 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, vain

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2nd Grading Exam Results, Lost Tempers and an Impromptu Dinner Date @ Holy Cow! First up: The results of the 2nd grading exams are out and the results are not good. As in NOT good. As much as I hate to admit it, I can't help but feel like a failure. Lots of excuses come to mind such as: 1. 2. 3. 4.

We started out very late - 2 wks before the exam. Most of them probably didn't review the reviewer I gave when they got home. They were just careless in solving the problems in Math. They most probably just forgot all the terms because a day of intense studying just wont do for some of them.

When I first heard the news of their terribly low grades, I literally felt all my energy getting drained out of my system. As in I thought of all the hours I spent working on the reviewer, all the the sleepless nights I had reviewing the lessons just so I can explain it to them the next time we met, the nausea and the lack of appetite due to the stress and pressure of wanting them to pass their exams, not to mention the prayers I prayed for each of them. Hhhmmm.. Lord, bakit??! Bakit bagsak sila? I tried my best, You know I did. Because of this, I am challenged to double up my efforts this 3rd Grading. I remember what Ms. Grace (our Asst. Principal) told us during our staff meeting this morning. She said that she set herself a timetable for success - if she didn't see an increase in the school population (or something like that) in the next 3 years, she will resign. She told us that that may just mean that she's not the right person for the job. So after that, I began to think, after 3rd Grading and I haven't seen any improvement with the guys, I'll resign as their tutor. But seriously, I wouldn't mind doing this for free. It's the pressure of being paid to make the guys pass that's stressing me out. Though the incentive's gonna be a big help, I'll still gladly do it for free. After all, this is part of my mission statement in life - teaching (about God), influencing others. What I'm saying is I'll resign as their tutor because I wouldn't feel right taking something from the bosses without me being able to meet their standards. I'll still be available if they need my help but without the pressure of the price. *** Our lesson for today was about Digestive System. I asked them to take notes as I discussed the lesson as they didn't have notes from their class lectures. I told them we'll be having a quiz after our discussion. Needless to say, after repeating every definition for at least 5x, I lost my temper. Not full blown lost it, but enough for them to pay attention and start writing furiously on their papers. I told them it wasn't easy talking (shouting is more like it) with them talking all at once. If you know how I sound like, you'll know what I mean. My voice, compared to their big booming ones (they're big guys after all!), is like a squeaking mouse competing with a roaring lion. Add to that the group of students who were practicing nearby. I just couldn't win over the sound of the music and the drums. So enough with being the nice Achie. I had to bring out the Dragon Lady within me so I can gain some attention. After all, I'm doing this for them to be able to understand how their Digestive system works. Minsan you just have to show them who's boss. Hehe! Taray! Pag puro kasi biruan, they won't take me seriously. *** After work, Lawrence and I went to Robinson's Place to get some materials for his Fashion Design project. We had dinner at Holy Cow! It was nice eating at a new place. This impromptu dinner date is a great reward for a very tiring and trying day.

Praise God for loved ones.♥

Posted by zarahlim at 9:37 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, teaching, work

Sunday, October 19, 2008 Yesterday Lawrence & I had our vain moment - we had our hair colored.

May kulay yan. Hindi lang obvious. Hehe!

♥

this pic! Cool! I Posted by zarahlim at 10:47 PM 0 comments

Labels: blab

Thursday, October 16, 2008 The Interview Today Zarah Grace and I went to STDC (Southern Tagalog District Council) for our interview. Pops encouraged us to apply for a License to Exhort since we already have our regular preaching schedules in our church. Good thing dad took us there before he left for Mindoro since we're not very familiar with the Valenzuela area.

The orientation lasted for 3 hours. Then the interview. Rev. Ric Alay was my interviewer. It was ok, though I wasn't satisfied with my answers because he kept on changing the question even before I was finished answering them. Medjo napressure aku.. But he was nice. Hehe. There was one question that he asked which I wasn't able to answer well enough. I knew the answer but my mind literally went blank. Tsk. Kainis. Anyway... it was all good. Thank you Lord for helping us and being with us throughout the day. ♥♥♥ Posted by zarahlim at 5:01 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

I'm an addict. Yeah, a STRESS addict. After the super hectic days I just had for the past 4 days, I found myself being bored out of my wits today. It's been too quiet without 11 guys talking to you all at once. Too quiet without all those guy talk swirling around you. Too quiet without all those good-natured bantering which eventually led to a near-brawl right before me. Even at lunch time, I found myself lost because once again, I had to take my lunch by myself. Hay. Super boring sa office. Grrr.. Downtime's not good for me. Not when I was having so much fun getting stressed with all the studying. Hehe. My mom told me she finds it funny/weird that I constantly let myself be succumbed to stress and pressure. She constantly warns me of the effect all this is gonna bring to my health. I know she's right. But still.. It's hard to break out of an addiction.

Posted by zarahlim at 12:10 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 Dahil nananahimik ang aking gabi at walang magawa...

...mag NAIL ART tayo! üüü Posted by zarahlim at 11:41 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, vain

Awww.. :">

Posted by zarahlim at 12:41 AM 0 comments Labels: teaching

Tuesday, October 14, 2008 Back to work na tomorrow! I wasn't able to report to the office, though I was in school, because I was busy tutoring the guys. Tomorrow's gonna be another day of paperworks and time-tracking. Hehe. Oh well. That's real world for you. Back to reality, ika nga. Posted by zarahlim at 11:18 PM 0 comments

Wala lang. =)

my niche for the past 3 days. Posted by zarahlim at 4:54 PM 1 comments Labels: blab

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

DO0E! Finally done with Bio, though only partially. I'll have to wait till tomorrow (in a few hours actually) so I can borrow a textbook and look for the answers for my reviewer. Now to catch some sleep.. zZZZZzzzzzz... =) Posted by zarahlim at 3:51 AM 0 comments

Monday, October 13, 2008 I wonder what happened to the cute Energizer bunny? (=?) Wlang maisip na title. Hehe. Just got home a few minutes ago. So far, today's the longest tutor session I've ever had. We were supposed to start at 1pm (coz I was fairly sure they'd react if I asked to meet them immediately after the exam.) But surpise, surprise! I got a call from one of them at around 8:30am, asking me if we can have the tutor right after the exam - 10am. So I agreed (madali naman akong kausap eh. Hehe). Though I only had 3 hours of sleep (I got in bed at 5am. Waah!), I was surprisingly energized all throughout the session. We finished at around 4:30pm. One of them bought me lunch while he was buying one for himself - so sweet. (Thanks Sid! ü)

It's also the most trying one coz I had 11 guys to teach simultaneously (that's 2 more than the usual). My mind's still reeling with X's and Y's and Square roots and triangles, that I can even construct this simple number relation problem into an equation:

11 = x + 2 11 - 2 = x 9=x Ayun. I'm just glad Math's over. Now I only have one subject to work on - B.I.O.L.O.G.Y. Posted by zarahlim at 6:46 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, school, teaching

12 hours, still running... Waah! I'm still up! I've been working on this since 4pm yesterday. Hay..But who would've thought that re-learning Algebra can be so energizing. Hehe. Lord, I didn't even think I would make it this far; heck, I didn't know I would be able to remember the Pythagorean Theorem and the Quadratic Equations in just under 12 hours. And to think I was ranting just a few hours ago of how hard Math is. Hehe (yabang porket nakuha ko na!) Wahaha!! Thank God for sustaining me up til this hour. Not even a fight with * can bring me down. Hehe.

Am gonna deal with that later; just wanna get this exam over and done with. Please wait for me, okay? Gotta get back to work! ;) Posted by zarahlim at 4:28 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, teaching, work

Sunday, October 12, 2008 Math, oh Math! I've been working on this nosebleed-hard Math reviewer since 4pm. I was just about ready to give up when I suddenly got it. Hay. And to think I was just working on something as simple as the Quadratic Equation. Grabeh. Mega memory gap ito. Math (particularly Algebra) was one of my best subjects back in High School. But after so many years of not being used, ayun, nangalawang. Hhhmm, it reminds me of our lesson this morning in Sunday School. Na when God gives you something and you don't use it, he'll take it away and give it to those who have in abundance (Matt.25:29). Anyway, thank God I still have Aby's notebook. After reading it, I understood what I had to do to finish solving that darn equation. *** While my nose was bleeding profusely (hahaha!!!), I asked one of my tutees who was online to help me solve the problem. High-tech tutorial session ongoing. Hehehe!

Posted by zarahlim at 8:46 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, teaching, work

Saturday, October 11, 2008 Long day. As in. 6:00am: Woke up to my neighbor's angry voice, gradually getting louder and louder. 6:15am: "Ugh!! Please stop shouting, I need my sleep!! " 6:30am: In the midst of all the shouting, sleepiness won out. *ZzzzzzzzzzZZZZZzzz* 7:30am: Woke up (again)... Time to get ready. Tutor sched at 9.

*prep* 8:45am: Arrived at school. 9:00am: Tutor starts. 11:40am: Tutor ends. 12:00pm: Lunch @ Mcdo with the guys. 1:00pm: Down time @ church. Did the bulletin. Watched America's Next Top Model Cycle 11 Episode 7 at Youtube *thanks to Tausili for uploading them regularly* 3:40pm: Guys arrived @ church. 4:00pm: Hang out tbefore cell starts. 5:15pm: Cell starts. 6:00pm: Cell ends. Hang out while the others prepare the food and prizes for the game. 7:00pm: Dinner 8:00pm: Game starts 9:00pm: Game's almost finished. Accompanied the guys home, together with Lawrence. 9:40pm: Back at church to "pack (my) stuff and go home" (Tyra's line everytime she's about to announce the new evictee from the Top Model house. Wehehe. Addict!!!) 10:00pm: Starbucks treat c/0 Brznf (woohoo! Uuy special mention! Wahaha!!) with Kim and Abby 11:00pm: Home! 11:10pm: Uploaded pics @ Multiply 11:30pm: Blog 11:55pm: Just about to hit PUBLISH POST. Praise God for the strength. Praise God for new friends. Praise God for old friends. Praise God for blessings. *Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him in everything!!!* Posted by zarahlim at 11:43 PM 1 comments Labels: blab, cell, praise

Friday, October 10, 2008 I wanna eat...but I can't =( Too tired to even eat. Like I'm going to throw up. I think I have to go see the doctor soon.

*** I'll be glad when the exam's over and done with. I'm soooo stressed I can literally feel my energy being drained . . . last night I turned in at around 3am but I didn't get to sleep until 4. While in bed, I could hardly move because of being so tired. I know I'm overworking my body, but what can I do. Even when I'm not doing anything, my mind's doing overtime thinking. Hay... I really need to just stop and recharge . . . I'm here at church now; I just finished a 2-hour session with my tutees. We weren't able to cover English because we spent the whole 2 hours for Social Studies. Hay. I really

leave it all up to you God. I've done my part. Last night as I was praying for them, I kinda doubted if my prayer will be heard. But good thing the Lord reminded me of the verse "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." It was comforting to know that I can come to God and ask for a favor just because I am His daughter and that He loves me . . . Haaaayy.. Anyway. I took a shot of my studious alagas while they were taking the practice exam for Social.

Ang sisipag! Hehe. Lord please help them sa exam... Help them remember everything we've studied pati narin sa class nila.. And help those who are especially working hard to pass; bless their hardwork... :-| Posted by zarahlim at 5:17 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, teaching, work

c-o-n-n-e-c-t-e-d

Posted by zarahlim at 12:29 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

Thursday, October 09, 2008 We're making GOOD progress! Ayon! Yesterday I learned that Sunday's impromptu biology tutorial actually paid off. He passed the long test. It would've been nice if he got a higher score but still, he told me it's the highest he got in Biology ever since. (Totoo kaya yun?) Anyway, I just hope I'm making good progress with the other guys as well. I'm having a hard time sleeping, especially now that the exam's coming up on Monday. Hay. Lord please sustain me, help me and give me lots of wisdom (especially sa Math). Waaaah!! =) Posted by zarahlim at 11:11 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise, teaching, work

Wednesday, October 08, 2008 Im sleepy but too excited to sleep.

Amazing day today. As in A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.! Full of coincidences and God-machinated blessings. Hehe. Though the day started out with me feeling not so good because of stress, it gradually got better and better, with one pick-me-up situation from another just going my way. Hay. God is really good. Posted by zarahlim at 10:35 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise, work

Tuesday, October 07, 2008 Soliloquy A continuation of my conversation with myself. Mag-isa ka nga, at least you're well enough to shop. Ako, our conversation left me super stressed me out. By 3pm, I'm feeling very shaky. Like I can hardly walk around because I feel so weak. Hay. Right now, I'm much better but still a little shaky. Forgive. Forget. Hirap. I know I did you wrong. Kaya nga SORRY eh. Posted by zarahlim at 9:33 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

Holding on (to God) in the midst of testing. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. v. 35-36 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. *Soliloquy* Kapit lang. You can do it with God's help. Kapit, zarah, kapit! Posted by zarahlim at 7:37 PM 0 comments

Look what I got!

Nope, it's not a checkbook.

Post-its. Lots and lots of post-its. :) Posted by zarahlim at 7:09 PM 0 comments Labels: blab

let your TRUE COLOR shine through 11:52 PM 10/6/2008 lessons from pleasantville: -be true to yourself. -let your true self (true color) shine through. I encountered different "color stages" in my life. I have yet to realize which color I really am. Posted by zarahlim at 6:36 PM 1 comments

Monday, October 06, 2008 The Joys of Teaching Yesterday one of my tutees gave me an avatar of me that he made. Sure, I already had one of those but still, being appreciated for the work you do, even with just that simple gesture, goes a long way. Until now, I'm still surprised and touched by the effort. It's just like when Antoinette gave me earrings and letters and other sweet things just to "thank me" for teaching her how to play the piano. Or when the Sunday school kids see me over Ongpin St. and run (at full speed) just to give me a hug and say "I love you, Ate Zarah." Hay... This is why I love teaching. Not because of the stuff, but the thought that comes with it. All the migraine-enducing preparations and the voice-straining shouts you have to make just to be heard over the room are all worth it especially when your efforts are reaffirmed with these small gestures / tokens of appreciation. Ah, the joy of investing in a person's life - P.R.I.C.E.L.E.S.S.! Posted by zarahlim at 6:54 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, praise, teaching, work

Sunday, October 05, 2008 long day. nasungitan pa. 9-11am sunday service pteam sundayschool overtime art time with ss kids 1130am

rest / surf net / chat / mini-tutorial over the net 1230pm lunch 130-5pm pastoral staff meeting 6-8pm biology tutor session *** it's a full and productive day ministering, not only in church but also to others (my oikos). 1Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. Posted by zarahlim at 10:05 PM 0 comments

Saturday, October 04, 2008 Ouch Just got home from a tutor session with my TTHS guys. It was a fruitful session (I think) because we got to review and take a practice quiz on Social Studies. They'll be taking their exam on Oct 13 so we're preparing already. Needless to say, I'm also learning with them. My memory gap's slowly being bridged (eyng??) ...hehe!! Did you know that the Summerians introduced Geometry to the world? I learned that today! wehehhe. I'm learning things now than before; it all seems so interesting... I guess it's like that when you become older - you appreciate learning about the basics, what with the tediousness and unpredictability of work, sometimes it's a bliss to just go back and read up something as basic as History. hhhmmm... My throat hurts. I think I'm experiencing the onset of an upcoming bad cold. Huhu... Posted by zarahlim at 10:45 AM 0 comments Labels: teaching

Friday, October 03, 2008 Mr. Pringles' Surprise

Tonight I discovered a new favorite: Pringles Stix! I didn't even know Pringles makes crackers. Yummy! It kinda reminds me of the lemon biscuits they used to serve us kids during Sunday School. The lemon-shaped biscuits in the yellow and green package. I can't remember the brand of that biscuit. Basta ang counterpart nun ay ang Iced Gems, which was another hit sa aming Sunday Schoolers. Mmmm... Anyway, let me just acknowledge Ms. Doris' generosity. (Nyahaha! Napakapormal ko. wahahaha!)

Thanks Doris for sharing your snack with me! :) Posted by zarahlim at 12:42 AM 0 comments Labels: blab

Thursday, October 02, 2008 Done!

I just finished writing my articles. Whew! Now I'm ready for a snack.

After that, I'm off to sleep. Good night in advance! ü Posted by zarahlim at 12:33 AM 0 comments Labels: blab, work

Wednesday, October 01, 2008 Rainy Wednesday, end of Ramadan, and the return of my writer mode At last, after two weeks of absence from Eph, I got to take in another assignment. *Waddaya know, I missed it!* I was supposed to have a tutor session this afternoon but because of the gloomy weather and the non-stop rain, I decided to cancel. Besides, my tutees called me, asking if we're still a go for this afternoon. I knew they just came from practice, and being the "cool" tutor that I am(yeah right), I decided to just let them take a rest. Tinatamad ba ako? Hhhmmm.. not really, coz I know they'll get online soon enough after they get home and they'll start asking me about this assignment and etc., so even if we don't meet, we'll still get to talk. So... This is what's great about having a home-based job. Even if the weather's not good enough for a trip to 168 (like I planned to do after my tutor session), I can still earn money just by "sitting pretty" (emphasis on the pretty. nyaaaaaak!!) at home. Hahaha.. I'm rambling. I'm just taking a break from writing ... Which is not really a break coz I'm still writing in this beloved blog of mine..

I looove writing.. Speaking of which, I still have lots of pending tasks to write: Sunday school lesson and the discipleship materials... and the guys' reviewers for their upcoming exam. Nyay. I better get back to finishing my articles. 1 down, 4 more to go. *** **Hmm, parang walang connection ang pagsingit ko ng end of Ramadan sa title ko ah... I'm just happy na because of that, walang pasok today. hehehe!

**Back to work! Posted by zarahlim at 5:09 PM 0 comments Labels: blab, work, writing

Monday, September 29, 2008 10 RA0DOM FACTS ABOUT ME a re-post from my multiply site 1. I'm allergic to crabs and shrimps and pain medication. 2. I was valedictorian in Kinder 2 ("move on, zarah, move on!" ü). 3. I was able to finish reading a book in 3 hours, complete with notes! (Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels) 4. I don't like listening to the radio. 5. I like constructing lesson plans and developing teaching materials. 6. My throat was accidentally shot with an airgun when I was in elementary. 7. I go crazy over school supplies (paper, notebooks, clips, pens, post its - POST ITS are my personal favorite, after notebooks. ü) 8. My mood swings are so quick and intense that at one time, I even thought of myself as slightly having Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde syndrome (but praise God because He's helping me get over this; now, I have better control of my mood swings). 9. I am a frustrated dancer. 10. Seeing my nails painted in fun and bold colors makes my otherwise drab-and-uniformwearing-days tolerable. Posted by zarahlim at 8:06 PM 0 comments Labels: blab