Mr. & Mrs. Tumbler

As I’m leaving for the States in two weeks, I’ve been scrambling to find Filipino items to adorn our new home with. Along with decorative bits and pieces, I’ve stocked up on clothing, trinkets and bags. I went to Starbucks a few weeks ago with my cousin and spotted tumblers on sale. Prior to that trip, my cousin and I purchased clear reusable Starbucks containers for our drinks. I saw that the tumblers were still on sale so I bought one for Jordan, given that he has a love affair with coffee. I chose a novelty tumbler over the mug because I want him to have his coffee even if it means that he has to take it with him on the road.

I dressed up our respective containers as a result of boredom amidst a scorching hot day. As far as my creativity goes, mehhh… nothing remarkable about it but don’t Jordan and I make an adorable tumbler pair?

Irked!

Have you ever felt so infuriated to the point where your senses are obscured? You have so much pent up anger that you begin to act indifferent towards a certain person. I'm afraid to be swayed by my emotions because I might run her face against the rough pavement.

I have learned to stretch my patience by a mile in order for me not to bludgeon those who irk me. There's a certain person in my life who has such a foul mouth that it wouldn't shock me if she gets slapped one day. That will teach her a lesson. She has the ability to answer back, devoid of qualms about her attitude problem. Your family can only hack your attitude to an extent and still love you despite of your lousy behavior but once you step foot into the social scene, you'll be fending for yourself. Fix it and swallow the harsh reality because whether you like it or not, you're bound to deal with others.

Some people just never learn. Pull your crap together! TSK TSK TSK!

Baguio Weekend Excursion

My mom's friends from the Rotary Club invited my brother and I to Baguio; we spent the weekend in the Summer Capital of the Philippines. We met up in AIM Makati and slowly trudged through Friday traffic. My brother and I rode in a separate car as the ladies of the Rotary Club bonded in another vehicle. After a seven hour drive up north, two stop overs and five toll gates later, we finally reached the zigzag portion of the mountain. It was a rainy weekend so the fog, eroded land and broken roads added to our travel time. We stayed at the Igorot Lodge of Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Camp John Hay.

Boating in Burnham Park and the St.Bernard in Mines View Park

Shopping centers along Session Road and the Camp John Hay Commissary

View from our lodge before and after the thick fog arose

After a buffet dinner, we headed to Starbucks which was a stone's throw away from the Igorot Lodge. In the days that followed, we visited Burnham Park; Mines View Park; Hangar Market; Session Road; Wagwagan and Manor in Camp John Hay. I was surprised to see how cheap the products were in Baguio. I purchased some affordable fashion finds for the winter season. The chilly weather, simple living, cheap products, fresh produce and serene environment makes Baguio a remarkable tourist spot to frequent.

10 Most Annoying Habits

I generated a list of the ten worst habits that never fail to exasperate me. Since everyday encounters are saturated with irritating behavior, it took me nearly two hours to consolidate a brief list for my entry. I have trimmed down the numerous uncouth practices to the ten most annoying habits in no particular order.

1. Doors Left Ajar – If you’re able to open a door, you can most definitely close it. You won’t exhaust your energy doing such a simple task.

2. Sneezing Openly into the Air – Cover your mouth with your hand if you have an anti-bacterial or some Kleenex nearby. If not, do the “Dracula Sneeze” method and sneeze into your sleeve. This way, you’ll avoid spreading germs on door knobs and other objects. Be considerate of the people in your midst. Sneezing expels germs from your body and permeates the air where colds and Influenza viruses are contracted. In worse cases, it spreads an epidemic.

3. Loud TV Volume – Unless you’re a senior citizen or make use of a hearing aid, I don’t see the point of setting the volume outrageously high. Your neighbors aren’t interested in your program preferences.

4. Tossing Clothes on the Floor – We have enough mountain ranges in the Philippines so your mound of clothes won’t benefit us. Who knows what germs have seeped into your clothing? Fold the clothes and place them in a hamper!

5. Dragging/Stomping Feet – If you have a ball and chain wrapped around your ankle then you’re excused. Otherwise, add a touch of refinement to your walk.

6. Disorganization – I’m a fastidious person so clutter drives me nuts! I can’t comprehend how some people can manage to live in a pigsty. Allow yourself to have the luxury of cleanliness in your personal space. Many aspects of our lives are subjected to clutter such as time, finance, emotions and more. Start with one area and dedicate yourself to a better change.

7. Boisterous Conversations– If you demand attention, just say so. If you’re not getting it then zip it. There’s no need for you to damage my cochlea. Have the common courtesy to be enthusiastic without exposing your tonsils. What may seem funny to you might infuriate another.

8. Snide Remarks – If you have nothing good to say then it’s best to keep it to yourself. Some individuals have the impeccable ability of getting under peoples' skin. It’s so bothersome!

9. Spitting – Imagine someone hack up and spit a glob of saliva on the pavement. It’s an outright revolting habit which I cannot pardon. Spitting in public places can spread diseases!

10. Chewing Food like a Goat – It’s not difficult to practice proper etiquette. There are suitable ways to conduct oneself when attending functions from dining to everyday etiquette.