Curbside Stories

OMG! The 742.1M+ Grand Lotto jackpot landed on the lucky hands of one person from Luzon.  What a great Christmas gift.  The lucky numbers drawn last night were: 11-16-42-47-31-37 What to do with all that money??? If used wisely, it can support the winner's entire family for generations.   This lotto roller coaster is like GMA 7's on going television show Pepito Manaloto .  Pepito is a poor family man who tried his luck in lotto.  He got the 700 million jackpot needless to say and their lives were changed forever.  There were rumors that it is based on the real life story of a lotto winner. Congratulations!

OMG!  I didn't notice that Random Thoughts turned 1 last November 11.  Silly me.  Anyway, I thank all of my readers for reading my entries and commenting from time to time.  It means a lot to me that you take time to read my thoughts about everything.  My wish for my blog's first birthday is for it to have many more years of quality blog entries... and more friends, too.  I hope you will never grow tired of reading Random Thoughts. XOXO Joanne

I feel silly today.  I initially had goosebumps while watching Celine Dion and Charice's Because You Loved Me duet and then I cried.  Cried with lots of tears.  Goosebumps all over especially at 2:10... I hate it when it happens.  You go watch this video while I wipe the tears on my cheeks.  Pesky hormones!  Oh, grab a tissue first before you click on the play button.

Photo from here . Yes, I planned about changing my career.  I am already growing tired of bureaucracy, excessive politicking, communistic type of management.  I never knew that it is more rampant in private offices than in government agencies.  I am actually wondering how I get to live by it for almost 4 years now.  The last quarter of 2009, I already decided it is time to go and look for a better environment to use and hone my skills.   I extended my stay as requested by my dear friends at work.  Actually, it is just the company of friends that made it hard for me to deny their request of me staying for a little while.  The little while went on for months and  I could not believe that it is the last quarter already and I am still living the life and working the work. Changing career is still in my plans, I am actually getting ready for it.  If you are following this challenge, I already mentioned it in my previous entries.  

When I was at a lost, about 7 years ago, I said to myself that if I can't go back to continuing my medicine course, I will venture into business.  I actually had two businesses a year after that but it didn't went well.  My planning was bad and so I went back to working in an office.  I did not close the possibility of having my own business, I just need the right time and conviction that it is what I really want in life.  I was engrossed to doing office works that I forgot about the thought until last year when working started to bore me.  It's like getting up each day thinking that I will do the same thing over and over again.  I actually sit for at least thirty minutes on my bedside to condition my mind and my body that I need  to go to work.  It was hard... harder than dieting.  The process went on for two months but within those months I was already looking for something to help me get back to my senses.   Fortunately, I have found what I have been looking for... my

Ho! Ho! Ho!  It's 29 days before Christmas and you better load up and stock up on gifts for your loved ones.  Found these items at Anthropologie that are so cute... you would think twice about giving them as gifts after buying them.

I pray that peace will prevail between North and South Korea.  War will just do anyone no good.  I know that both nations have great leaders and somewhere, somehow, I know both parties will realize that it is not the ammunitions that will resolve the issues.  North Korea and South Korea: make love not war, after all, you both share the same name--Korea.

I've been too busy lately that I don't have time to relax and pamper myself.  I feel so guilty and I can sense my body is complaining already.  I will make up for it by, of course, going to the spa and have some treatments.    The last time I had total pampering was a year ago when I won a spa gift certificate together with a friend.  It was awesome.  I will probably have a massage, foot spa and facial.  The more complicated and expensive treatments will follow later.   I am kinda "afraid" of complicated treatments because of what my friend told me about her experience in one of spa centers in Cali.  She's from Dallas and just went to Cali to attend the wedding of her cousin.  A day before the wedding, she went to a spa and had a facial and body massage.  The massage was heavenly, as it relieved her of stiff shoulder muscles, but, the facial didn't.  To make the long story short, she had an allergy and had to take anti-histamine drug.  The soreness went away

 GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking is not a new technology as it was first used in the 1960s by the US Navy.  It is a space-based navigation system that provides accurate location and time information about virtually anything using a GPS tracking device.  It was used initially by the military during combat and has been used since in other industries like cargo and freight, vehicles, cellular phones and many others.  In 1989, President Ronald Reagan issued a directive making GPS available for civilian use. What are the benefits of GPS? 1. Surveying - for making maps 2. Map-making - cartographic maps 3. Navigation - to determine the exact location and distance 4. Cellular telephony - clock synchronization 5. Tectonics - fault motion measurement in earthquakes 6. GPS Tours - to give details about a specific location 7. Geofencing - cargo and freight tracking, animal tracking, vehicle and person tracking 8. Recreation - drawing, geocaching 9. GPS Aircraft Tracking - military 10.

Harry, I will see you soon.  I am just too busy lately that seeing you fight He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is like the hardest task to do.  I will see you in 3D within the week. Okay?  Check this link for cinema schedule near you.

These are the most recent photos of my son.  We attended a debut last November 13 and he was the escort of the celebrant.  Earlier that day he was wearing a yellow long sleeved shirt with necktie that I bought a few hours before the party.   He's so handsome! The blue vest and shirt was his second outfit. He's all grown-up now (not really).  I am teary eyed already.

I am such an avid fan of the Oprah Show.  I wish that I could watch her live but it is just me dreaming.  I was saddened by the news that the show will come to an end soon.  Of all her episodes, it is Oprah's Favorite Things that I really love watching.  I get a happy headache after watching the episode.  I could just imagine taking all those wonderful items for free.  I believe the most expensive thing she has ever given on the episode was an LG refrigerator with built-in television.  How cool is that? The network decided to postpone their 2009 Favorite Things episode because of the recession.  I think it's a wise thing to do.  Now, a year after that, she gave away really really cool items for her live audience.  Here are some of those amazing items. A Philip Stein diamond watch worth $2,475. Tory Burch tote worth $250 and Tory Burch 'Reva Ballerina' flat worth $195. Nikon D3100 digital SLR camera worth $700. Cashmere sweater and throw by Ralph Lauren, $498.

After more than a decade, I went back to SVD (Divine Word Seminary) in Tagaytay City.  It is a special and memorable place for me because it is where my 4th year classmates in high school had a retreat.  I was excited to learn that our business planning session will be held there for two days.  I wasn't really thinking of planning but more of reminiscing the good times I had with my friends. The famous Holy Spirit Church with its bell tower.  It is the first structure that will greet you when you enter the compound. The road that leads to the compound (shot from the inside). This is one of the dorms fronting the dorm where we stayed.  It looks old but still charming. That's not a ghost.  It's just me taking the picture of Zen Raum--one of the many prayer rooms in the compound. This is just one of the many portraits of Jesus that hung on the walls of SVD.  This particular portrait can be found just outside the Zen Raum.  There's something about the face of Jesus

Me? Satisfied? I think so.  I am not materialistic.  I find happiness in the simplest of things.  When I had a child, everything about me has changed--my priorities and perspectives in life.  When I was still single, I just do whatever I want--taking little consideration about the people around me.  When Lance was born, I had a 360 degree shift.  Everything that I do now is for him and seeing him happy is what brings me much joy and contentment.   I was asked a while ago a classic question of who will I save in case the boat will sink--my son or my husband?  I said, my son.  Of course at this point, it is all about my son.  He's too young not to be taken cared of.  I did not choose to save my husband (if I have) because I know that he would want me to save our child--there's no doubt about it. I have dreams for my child, although I am not sure whether those are his dreams too, seeing him develop his full potential and creating milestones on his own are enough for me to say t

Photo from here . After 8 years of dating, Prince William finally proposed to Kate Middleton. The couple announced their engagement today--one month after Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in Kenya.  The Prince said that before actually proposing to Kate, he asked first her father's approval.  So, what does the engagement ring look like?  It is the late Princess Diana's engagement ring with 18-karat blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds that Prince Charles gave to her in 1981.  Prince William said that the ring is very special to him, so is Kate and it is just right for her to have it. Many would ask, " who is Kate Middleton "? Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Middleton was born on January 9, 1982 to Carole Goldsmith and Michael Middleton--a self-made millionaire in England. She was raised in Bucklebury, Berkshire and went to St. Andrew's School until she was 13 years old before going to a public school in Marlborough College (the school where

Random Thoughts: 8th Boxing Title for Manny Pacquiao Manny Pacquiao announced yesterday during an interview that he will not yet retire. He will just take a rest, condition himself again and prepare for another fight probably next year. Well, that means we still have something to look forward to in boxing and hopefully another belt for Pacman. I was expecting Mommy Dionisia to be caught live praying ringside but it was his wife, Jinkee, who had some shots. I just learned during the evening news that Mommy Dionisia collapsed during the fight. I might collapse too if I will see my son receiving punches from a taller and muscular guy. I don't know if Mommy Dionisia already know Pacman's plans for next year... I hope she will not collapse. She's been begging Pacman to retire. We can't blame her for her wish because boxing is really a dangerous sport and besides Pacman has proven a lot already. I think no one will ever surpass what he has achieved.

Even the shiniest and most glamorous Hollywood stars aren't spared of photo bombers.  Here, Gwyneth was photo bombed.  I saw this photo on E! while reviewing Gwyneth Paltrow's style through the years .  Haha!

Is it possible to stop time? Well, it is for Manny Pacquiao.  Today, people from all over the world witnessed what could possibly catapult Margarito's career or will force Pacquiao to retire.  Everyone watched and each time Pacquiao releases his killer punches, we are all in awe as if we are the ones throwing powerful punches on Margarito. Many have bet that Pacquiao will knock out Margarito on the 5th or 6th round.  I was actually expecting it on the 4th but Margarito is a strong fighter.  Margarito was not knocked out but he sure bled a lot from a huge cut on his right cheek.  Everyone thought Margarito will draw but he finished it up until the 12th round.  The judges, via unanimous decision, proclaimed Pacquiao as the World Super Welterweight Champion. Congratulations! So what's next after Margarito?  Nobody knows yet but if Pacquiao will solicit my opinion, it is time for him to retire.  He has already proven so much in the boxing arena and I bet it will take many many

Photo from here . Boxing enthusiasts are excited once again to watch what could possibly end Manny Pacquiao's reign in the boxing ring and catapult Antonio Margarito's career.  Some say that Pacquiao is not one hundred percent conditioned for the fight but his fans and some sports analysts say that even if he is only eighty percent ready, he will defeat Margarito. Let us just watch the battle for the title of World Super Welterweight Champion tomorrow (November 14 Philippines, November 13 Dallas, Texas). Who do you think will win?  I am still for Pacman.

Yes! I envy my grand aunt.  She worked in Germany for so many years as a nurse and now that she's retired, she's touring the world.  She recently got back to Germany from a three-week vacation to the US and Canada.  She's planning to put up a business here in the Philippines.  I just admire her for everything that she is.  She shares her blessings to her loved ones.  I for one had my share actually even before she retired.  She sent me to medical school, although I was not able to finish it (I know she's disappointed), she still motivates me to all my endeavors.  I remember one time when I was in college, I was so depressed (I could not remember the reason, though), she bought me a Nokia 6260 cellphone. Although, I have different life path than hers, I hope that I can live the life that dream of not after I retire.

Photo from here .  I hope I am as passionate as they are.  I have lots of things in mind, too many things that I would like to accomplish, that I sometimes lose focus on the things that are really important.  I guess that what makes my dream elusive at times... I lack the passion to pursue it.  I will try do my best to improve on that aspect of my life.  Hopefully by the end of this challenge, I am as passionate as ever... more driven and more inspired to do the things that make me complete.

I tried my luck and bet 80 pesos in lotto for a chance to win more than 300M pesos.  My aunt and I hurried to the betting station last night for tonight's grand lotto draw. While waiting for the numbers to be drawn, I am already thinking of how to spend the money.  Here are the things that I thought of: 1.  Today's jackpot is 333,000,000+,  I will give the 33M+ to charities. 2.  I will give portion to my mom, dad and two sisters. 3.  I will build a house on my itty bitty lot, I really don't want a big house because it is harder to maintain. 4.  If my sister will pursue her migration to Canada, I will give her financial assistance. 5.  I will put up the business that I have been longing for. 6.  I will force my mom to resign on her job.  She doesn't need to work anymore anyway because we're all working. 7.  I will share my blessings to my relatives. 8.  I will put the rest of the money in different financial institutions. I had butterflies in my stomach while th

  Yes.  I wanted to put up a business but I don't have enough funds to start with.  But I am saving for it.   Aside from that, I don't have problems with not doing things because of money.  Money will come and I need not worry about it too much.  I think the problem with some people is that they worry too much about money that when they have more money they can handle, they start to lose grasp of reality that they start to believe that everything in this world comes with a price tag.  Money can't buy happiness... it really couldn't.  It can only give you momentary and superficial happiness that becomes insignificant in time.

I used to cross stitch when I was in college.  I have made several portraits that hung in my grandaunt's house.  My cousin told me that I can sell them from several hundreds to thousands a piece depending on the size and design.  I have thought of it once but never really had a chance to sell a thing.  I stopped cross stitching because I have been using my eyes quite harshly recently (blogging and internet freelancing). Is shopping considered a hobby? Haha! Photo from here . I am into reading again.  I don't get paid reading.  It is a relatively expensive hobby but the ROI is incomparable.  It is with reading that I get inspired, gain knowledge and stimulate my lazy brain neurons.  Here are some of the books that I have read (not listed in order of importance or favorite): 1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey 2. The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey 3. Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan

I find today's question funny. See that photo?  That's my living room.  I know, I am poor at interior designing.  I wanted to achieve the minimalistic look but it ended up looking like this.  I am not complaining.  I thought, this isn't the right time for me to go full blast with interior decorating because my son is all over the place and  leaving furniture alone is not yet in his vocabulary.  As you can see, my home entertainment system consists only of an old style television that my uncle gave me.  *Thanks, Uncle!* The DVD player is inside our bedroom because we seldom watch television shows.  I also do not have a radio or any sound system inside the house.  Ever since cellphones and iPod were invented, it never occurred to me  anymore to buy sound system.  I have plans, though, of improving the house.  Someday, somehow, I wanted to have a living room that looks like this.  For now, I will just be contented with what I have.  I am still saving, furniture are expensi

This is a really hard question.  I am actually lost, still wandering and looking for my niche in terms of creating  a legacy.  I am still in the process, it is a hard process.  I hope you can bear with me.   While I am still in the process, I wanted to share something that I have read in a book by Kevin Elko and Bill Beausay entitled True Greatness: Mastering the Inner Game of Business Success .  The authors said that most of us are chasing false rabbits.  We are being introduced to a world of materialism that we forget that those things are not the real source of happiness and greatness.  Things are just momentary source of contentment.  The authors, therefore, challenge us with the question: What is your reason for being?  If we have answered that question in a straightforward manner, then we have achieved our greatness.  Are you living your life and not just thinking of how to survive?  The book surely made an impact on my personal beliefs. The book has a connection with today'

Today is again not a question but a task that is related to day 16 and 17 questions and this task falls exactly on November 1--the day we commemorate dead loved ones.  What could be creepier than that?   I just got home from the memorial park, it's tiring but I had a great time because I get to chat with my relatives.  In the Philippines, All Saints Day is also the time to have reunions.  Weird, but true.  I noticed that my great grandparents' death dates has a pattern.  Change topic, it gives me the creeps. Today's task is:  Write your epitaph - the sentence you would want to appear on your grave. Photo from here . I want my epitaph to be simple:   "You made a difference in our lives.  You will be missed forever."

That's my grandparents' mausoleum.  It is All Saints Day and remembering the souls of departed loved ones is celebrated in the Philippines every November 1 instead of November 2 which is All Souls Day.  Our celebration seems normal if you will base it on the photo... well, it is not.  Here in the Philippines, All Saints Day is also the time for families to held reunions, well, with both living and dead relatives. This photo is  also taken at the memorial park where my grandparents' mausoleum is located.  People go to the cemetery in the morning and gather around their relative's tomb until evening.  Tables are laid with all sorts of foods to cover the three meals of the day.  The most popular foods served during this day are suman (rice packed in banana leaves and cooked through steaming) topped with grounded coconut meat and brown sugar, puto (rice cake), pansit (noodles with stir fried vegetables) and fried chicken.  I bet the most exciting part of the day is durin