MY SKINNY LOVE

MY SKINNY LOVE

I love music. I have a wide range of  genres that I listen to. I love doing things with background music. As I drive, take a bath, write my teaching lessons, blogs or any paper for that matter, I see to it that I have something to listen to. Music gives me a sort of inspiration and motivation... It makes me think better.  I do write some songs my self but I just keep them with me... I write poems, too.

Skinny Love by Birdy (originally by Bon Iver) became a favorite early part of 2012.  Why it appeals to me? It sounds like a lullaby (LOL). The melody and the lyrics are actually quite sad. Anyway, as I keep on listening to the lyrics, it reminded me of something that I could relate to...skinny love. Skinny means thin...no fat, no substance, malnourished and therefore could mean -   imbalanced, weak, meaningless or a waste :( 

                             (Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNzCDt2eidg)

LYRICS:

Come on skinny love, just last the year.

Pour a little salt, we were never here.

My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my…

Staring at the sink of blood and crushed veneer…

I tell my love to wreck it all.

Cut out all the ropes and let me fall.

My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my…

Right at the moment this order's tall.

And I told you to be patient,

And I told you to be fine,

And I told you to be balanced

And I told you to be kind…

And in the morning, I'll be with you,

But it will be a different kind.

'Cause I'll be holding all the tickets,

And you'll be own’ng all the fines…

Come on skinny love, what happened here?

 Suckle on the hope in light brassiere.

My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my…

Sullen load is full, so slow on the split.

And I told you to be patient,

And I told you to be fine,

And I told you to be balanced,

And I told you to be kind.

And now all your love is wasted,

Then who the hell was I?

'Cause now I'm breaking at the britches,

And at the end of all your lines…

Who will love you?

Who will fight?

Who will fall far behind?

Come on skinny love,

My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my….

My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my….

Christmas Celebration Filipino Style

Christmas Celebration Filipino Style

Since I was a kid, I was brought up with what I call Filipino tradition of celebrating Christmas. My family attends the Misa de Gallo (dawn mass) for nine consecutive days before the Christmas Day, December 25. 

We have to sacrifice waking up very early to hear mass at 4AM or 4:30 AM depending on the parish. After the mass, I happily tread back home with my parents and along the way we buy rice cakes of various kinds (including puto-bumbong - rice cake with violet color cooked in bamboo, spread with Star Margarine then topped with young coconut and sugar) - enough to satisfy a kid's palate.

On the 24th of December at 10:00PM, we hear mass (the midnight mass) and wear our best clothes - usually new shoes, new clothes, etc... After the mass, we have our noche buena, midnight meal, with our family including our grandparents, aunties and uncles, and first cousins. We see to it that we are complete. It's our family reunion, too! What is nice with this noche buena is the variety of food on the table! Almost always there will be the Chinese ham, quezo de bola (cheddar cheese in ball shape), baked chicken, barbeque, sausages, crispy pata or lechon, menudo, baked fish topped with mayonnaise and cheese, tossed salad, spaghetti or pancit, bread, wine, fruit cake, fruit salad (with shredded young coconut meat) and fresh fruits (like apples, pear, chico, bananas, pineapple, oranges)...it's literally a feast day!

After feasting, we gather in our living room near the huge Christmas tree, where gifts are displayed. Then, we exchange gifts and open them to our joy and delight.  Of course, picture taking to document the event will not be missed. Except for the novena masses and  exchange gifts, everything is repeated for the New Year celebration.

Now that I have my own family  (I have only three children - all grownups), we still try our best to follow that Christmas tradition that I have grown up with. This time, however, it's much simpler...food and gifts no longer become the focal point...the family gathering, hearing mass together and praying as a family matter more. 

Christmas has always been about merry-making, giving and receiving. It has lost its meaning through the years, and it has become sooo commercialized. But, is it not about the joy of waiting? Reflecting on the coming of our Savior? Christmas for me is for the poor in spirit and everyone must be prepared and ready to receive that gift...the gift of salvation. 

May we all have a meaningful celebration of Christmas not only this year but through the years to come. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

THE PRIEST WHO IS ALWAYS LATE

THE PRIEST WHO IS ALWAYS LATE

We have a reliever/guest priest who says mass every 5:30 PM Saturday, 4:00 PM Sunday, and 7:00 PM, Sunday. He is a young, six footer, neat and good looking priest. His homily?…hmmmnnn, I should say, average (my personal opinion).  The problem is that he is always (or should I say, habitually) late for mass - 15 minutes to 30 minutes. This really annoys the parishioners. He is already known as Fr. Late.

The worst happened just this December 8, 2012 (Saturday) when he came one hour late! I could have left and attend mass in another parish as their mass, being a special day commemorating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Concepcion plus their town fiesta, was every hour.  I have an appointment at 7:00 PM (perhaps other parishioners, too), but I can’t leave as I was the commentator of the mass. I have read the mass intentions, marriage banns, including the announcements that are usually read before the mass ends. I had requested the choir to teach the congregation how to sing the responsorial psalm, etc., just to keep the congregation from leaving. Unfortunately, several had left.

When the priest arrived, he put on his vestment and went straight to say mass. Alas! I did not have the chance to coordinate with him, thus, the first part of lighting the second Advent candle was so disorganized as he tried to cut things short - to my confusion and that of the invited family who was requested to light the candles. The rite proceeded, anyway.

During his homily, he did not say sorry or apologize, but blamed the traffic, instead… he has not learned after all these time being a local in the province? What do you call that? I live about a kilometer from our parish which would take less than  five minutes without traffic. But, since I know the terrible traffic along this route, I usually leave our house one hour earlier, especially, if I am to serve in the mass.   

My question is...is being (always/habitually) late an excuse or privilege of being a priest?...and that, he does not sin in doing so?  I remember he used to say in his homily that if the priest is late, nobody is late. I find this statement a form of satirical wit which is not funny at all. In his homily this day (after being late for 1hr), he said that waiting is not always exciting and that we should know the pain of waiting - as what we have just experienced -, because that is what Advent is all about. Oh, well…he is not the messiah.  

Postscript:
Our parish priest said that I just pray for the priest who is always late. Another priest told me that  I should have more patience. They have the point, but I would have preferred to hear that they will advise (fraternal advice) and remind the priest to be more punctual.

"Punctuality is the politeness of kings."

Louis XVIII 

An Update:

Today, December 25, 2012,  I was 30 minutes earlier for the 7:30 AM mass as I have to serve. The church started to be filled-up with church-goers as it is Christmas Day. Ten minutes had passed, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 min and this same priest has not arrived! Finally, it was announced that Fr. Late (as he is popularly called) is not arriving and that the parishioners could just wait for the the 9:00 AM mass. Many got infuriated. Never...never in my entire life that no priest officiated a mass on Christmas Day!

I HATE CONFESSIONS...

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (or PENANCE)

John 20:23: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

The Catholic Religion has seven (7) Sacraments; these are the Sacrament of BAPTISM,  EUCHARIST, RECONCILLATION (more popularly called confession), CONFIRMATION, MARRIAGE, HOLY ORDERS, and the ANOINTING OF THE SICK. As a married person, it is only the Sacrament of Holy Orders that I can’t have.

Who says I like to go to confessions? I don't - but, that was when I was young and still soul searching. I shy away from confessions because I can’t take telling my sins to a person whom I also consider a sinner. Isn't it more convenient to just tell my sins to God? God sees what's in my heart and I just want it to be between me and my God. Isn't it a shame to let somebody (priest) know my mistakes -grave and small, especially that I'm known in the community? Besides, going through this sacrament feels very embarrassing and demeaning, more so, if it is done face to face. Doing it inside the confessional with face partly hidden from the priest by a lattice is already a source of discomfort.

In our parish, I often see a long queue during confessions.  I think, they must have mustered the courage to comply with this Catholic teaching. It takes humility to do so.  It is God’s grace given to all who wish their sins be forgiven. Pride and shame serve as  major stumbling blocks to go through this Sacrament.  We are quick to tell of our success, joys and happiness, but are very slow to tell of our downfall and weaknesses. We tend to keep in secret our shameful acts, our dark past… believe me, there is no such thing as secret. We don’t have to brandish around the mistakes we have committed…but there is always the confessional where we could and receive the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

As a practicing Catholic, to the Sacrament of Reconciliation...I now say, YES.  However, I go to confession but still much to my chagrin.

I chanced by this site to my delight and I would like to share this with you. The sermons of the Cure of Ars are a very nice reading materials for the soul….a source of inspiration and reflection.

http://www.theworkofgod.org/Library/Sermons/JdVianey/Sermons.htm

BB CREAMS

MY  FAVORITE BB CREAMS with SPF...

In conjunction with the Phytorelle cold powder pastilles (CPPs), I use moisturizers with sun protection factor (spf). 

I'm not a fond user of make-up. My daily regimen is usually confined to the basics - gentle cleanser, mild toner and moisturizer. Before placing my loose (baby) powder, I see to it that I place sunblock (25-50 SPF). I do not like applying eye shadows, liner and mascara nor use foundation; although from time to time, I do, especially during special occasions. I indulge in lipsticks, lip balm and lip gloss, though. To bring life to my N20-25 skin color, I use peachy-pink powder blush from time to time. Now that I'm old (my brow hairs are getting thin and white!), I use brow powder or pencil.

I'm quite lazy doing this routine. Most often, I forget using toner and moisturizer but, I see to it that I don't go without my sunblock. How can I shorten my regimen? I'm always on the go and time is precious for me.  I stayed in Korea for one year, but the BB (blemish balm) creams that time (2006-2007) were not yet in the market or unheard of. Perhaps, they were, but I did not see them, or perhaps, they were in a different name (tinted moisturizer? makeup base? make-up balm?).

It was only two years ago that I discovered BB creams.  What I like in BB creams is that they already contain the moisturizer and the sunblock, so, I don't have to add them separately.  Besides,  they have added bonus -  they contain some whitening ingredients which can even out the skin tone. They have anti-oxidants and other anti-ageing properties. In short, BB/CC creams are multi-functional.  

Because of my sensitive skin, I'm quite choosy about what I put on my face. So, my BB creams should be devoid of parabens and other toxic ingredients. A clean and toxic free cosmetic is impossible to find. However, there are a few in the market where these toxic ingredients are minimal. 

Do you want to check out your cosmetics for harmful compounds? You may visit this link: cosdna.com.

I choose 01 or sometimes 02 shade. Among my favorite  BB creams (not in order of preference) are:

The History of Whoo BB cream SPF 45 PA+++

The History of Whoo All in One Cushion Sun Balm (SPF 50+, PA+++)

Skinfood Platinum Grape Cell Essential BB cream SPF 45 PA+++
Dior Snow BBcreme SPF 50 PA+++ (looks darkest among the BBs but this blends well on the skin)

These BB creams provide medium coverage and are easy to spread.

  

CATHOLIC PRIEST FALLS

CATHOLIC PRIEST FALLS....

I have heard lots of stories about Catholic priests who have gone wrong...errr...terribly wrong. And it's so easy to point fingers at them, and say that they are immoral, sinners, weak, evil in disguise, etc. So, what can you say about a priest who falls? Ex mea sententia...errare humanum est! Yes, in some way it's the fault of the priest for being unfaithful to his vocation; for being very weak spiritually; and for letting that human nature over power him. But, c'mon, it takes two to tango!... and what about the temptress? 

In a true to life exposé I have read and watched in a T.V. episode, a woman confessed that she did fall after a priest who had been a friend for so long. She said that she knew well that what she was into was totally wrong, but she got entwined emotionally...she fell in love...very much in love.  The good thing here is that she was able to break free. How did she do it? Many have fallen and yet remained in the situation. In the case of this woman, she said that it was due to their family's deep Catholic devotion, the will power to say STOP, and for reason to rule over emotion. 

Heterosexual relationship is just one side of a priest's downfall; but how about the issues of homosexuality, phedophilia and other sex abuses? Sometimes, it occurs to my mind, whether it is still practical for priests to stay celibate when many of them fall? I really don't know... On my part, however, I still want our priests to remain as they are...single, and dedicated to God. 

Let me share this prayer handed to us when I attended the 25th sacerdotal anniversary of a priest friend. May this be your/our prayer for them.

Prayer for Priests

Loving Father,

Grant that our priests be strengthened 

and healed by the power of the 

EUCHARIST they celebrate.

May the Word they proclaim give them 

courage and wisdom.

We pray that all those whom they seek to serve

may see in them the personal care of JESUS, 

OUR ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.

MARY MEDIATRIX OF ALL GRACE look tenderly 

upon your priests, your sons. Prepare a heavenly home, 

for all of us, your children.

Amen.

Let us always remember to pray for our priests, nuns and religious brothers and sisters that they will remain steadfast in their chosen vocation.

NINA QUOTES...

NINA QUOTES...

• I prefer to say things from the product of my own collective thoughts rather than from borrowed words.
• You give me reason to smile and be happy…after which, nostalgia.
• I would like to believe that moving toward the opposite direction will lead me to more challenging and exciting possibilities.
• Do not follow the flow…Moving toward the opposite direction could lead us to more challenging and exciting possibilities of the unknown.
• It takes courage to jump into any eventuality for it is a calculated risk one has to take. Prepare your heart and mind  for it could either make you or break you.
• Only fools will say that kindness is weakness... for kindness is a virtue of those who have strength in character.
• Do not trust charm for it could be a trap… and once trapped it would be most difficult to make your great escape.
• Sometimes, one  feels guilty of using his/her charm for the person knows that he/she has used it unwisely and have caused hearts broken…
• Having too much charm is also dangerous…
• I like the power that moves things without saying a word.
• Don’t be deceived by that innocent and sweet look for deep inside lurks a playful lion.
•  A gentle, sweet, and innocent look is born not made. 
• I’m afraid to look at a man straight to his eyes because men have their twisted interpretation of a woman’s look. The problem is that men read too much between the lines.
• A woman’s mind has too much power…it could disarm a man in full battle gear.
• A passionate kiss is all we need to free us from all the stresses, worries and sadness of the day. It clears one’s mind. That’s why love kissing… but with the right person.
• Secret? Only fools believe that there is such thing.
• I LOVE YOU, is the most overused statement that through time of misuse and liberal use loses its real meaning.  So, say it only when you mean it.
• To teach is to make the students feel happy as they explore and discover the knowledge yet to learn.
• Be like the sunflower…focused and steady following the light.
• The heart is the muscular organ that pumps and circulates blood in our system. It is not this“heart” that feels all kinds of emotions but a spot in our brain that does...  
• The attitude of a woman towards a man is a mirror of what the man does to her....and vice versa.
• When a man tells a woman he loves her, don't believe. When a woman tells a man that she loves him, don't believe either.  
• What you do to the environment comes back to you.
• Patience is a virtue, but if the waiting is too long it becomes an agony.

MY FRAGRANCE COLLECTION

MY FRAGRANCE COLLECTION 

If some people collect bags, shoes, shells, key chains, antiques, dolls, blue & white porcelains, figurines, bottles, etc., I collect perfumes/fragrances. It sounds crazy; but I'm no crazier than the other collectors. This attitude, I inherited from my late father who was an antiquarian. When he was still alive, he was a member of the Antique Society in our country... and a member of the Inventors Society, too. But, the love for perfume, I think I got from my mom.


As a child, I always have that fascination towards perfume... I love the bottle designs and color, but most of all, the the perfume itself . The combinations of the essential oils that embody the uniqueness of each - the top notes, middle notes and base notes, are very appealing.  Ahhh... the olfactory science really intrigues me. So, I started collecting at an early age. Most of my collections I bought, and the rest were gifts. I also buy fragrances as gifts for family members and friends.  

To date, I have almost 200 of them (list here is still incomplete), and they don't come in small bottles. Most of them are in 50 ml and 100 ml volume. I'm not including here the small ones which you can find or buy in sets or gift boxes. I'll make a separate listing for them. Now, you may call me a perfume aficionado. I need to make an inventory of my perfumes/fragrances, so that my friends and relatives would know what and what not to buy for me LOL!

Oh, yes... I still accept perfume gifts as long as they are not in my list.   

1.    Acca Kappa Calycanthus for women

2.    Acca Kappa White Moss

3.    Annick Goutal Nuit Etoilee 

4.    Annick Goutal Eau d' Hadrien 

5.    Annick Goutal Mandragore  

6.    Aquolina Pink Sugar

7.    Balenciaga Paris 10 Avenue GeorgeV for Women

8.    Balmain Ivoire de Balmain for women

9.    Banana Republic W

10.  Bill Blass for women

11.  Britney Spear’s Believe

12.  Burberry Brit for women

13.  Burberry for women

14.  Burberry The Beat

15.  Burberry Weekend

16.  Bvlgari Blv for women

17.  Bvlgari Blv Jasmin Noir

18.  Bvlgari Blv Petits en Mamans for women

19.  Bvlgari eau parfumee au The Blanc

20.  Bvlgari Pour Femme

21.  Cacharel Anais anais

22.  Cacharel Eden for women

23.  Calvin Klein CK Contradiction for Women

24.  Calvin Klein CK Curve Crush

25.  Calvin Klein CK Curve for Women

26.  Calvin Klein CK Escape for Women

27.  Calvin Klein CK Euphoria for Women

28.  Calvin Klein CK IN2U for Her

29.  Calvin Klein CK Obsession for Women

30.  Calvin Klein Eternity for Women

31.  Calvin Klein Eternity Moment

32.  Calvin Klein Eternity Summer 2008

33.  Calvin Klein Eternity Summer 2009

34.  CArolina Herrera 212 for women

35.  CArolina Herrera 212 Sexy

36.  Carolina Herrera for Women

37.  Carolina Herrera Flore 

38.  Cartier Must De Cartier

39.  Chanel Chance

40.  Chanel Cristalle

41.  Chanel No. 19

42.  Chanel No. 5

43.  Charriol Tourmaline for Women

44.  Christian Dior Addict

45.  Christian Dior Diorella

46.  Christian Dior Diorissimo

47.  Christian Dior Dolce Vita

48.  Christian Dior Dune

49.  Christian Dior Eau de Dior Coloressence Relaxing

50.  Christian Dior Miss Dior

51.  Christian Dior Poison

52.  Christian Dior Jadore L'absolu 

53.  Clean Baby Girl

54.  Clean Ultimate

55.  Clean Warm Cotton

56.  Clinique Aromatics Elixir

57.  Clinique Happy

58.  Clinique Happy Heart

59.  Clinique Wrappings

60.  Coty Exclamation! For women

61.  Davidoff for Women Cool Waters

62.  Dolce & Gabanna D&G Feminine  for Women

63.  Dolce & Gabanna D&G for Women (Red)

64.  Dolce & Gabanna D&G Light Blue

65.  Dolce & Gabanna Rose The One

66.  Donna Karan Cashmere Mist

67.  Ed Hardy Love & Luck

68.  Elizabeth Arden 5^th Avenue

69.  Elizabeth Arden Green Tea

70.  Elizabeth Arden Red Door

71.  Elizabeth Arden Sun Flowers

72.  Estee Lauder Aliage

73.  Estee Lauder Beautiful

74.  Estee Lauder Estee

75.  Estee Lauder Intuition for Women

76.  Estee Lauder Pleasures

77.  Estee Lauder Pure White Linen

78.  Estee Lauder Sensuous

79.  Estee Lauder White Linen

80.  Estee Lauder Youth Dew

81.  Fendi for Women

82.  Fendi Palazzo

83.  Fresh Sugar Blossom

84.  Giorgio Armani Aqua Di Gio

85.  Giorgio Armani Sensi

86.  Giorgio Armani Armani Code

87.  Giorgio Beverly Hills Wings for women

88.  Givenchy Amarige

89.  Givenchy Obilque Play

90.  Givenchy Very Irresistible 

91.  Givenchy Ange Ou Demon

92.  Gucci by Gucci

93.  Gucci Eau de Parfum II

94.  Gucci Envy 2

95.  Gucci Envy for Women

96.  Gucci Envy Me

97.  Gucci No. 3

98.  Gucci Rush

99.  Gucci Rush 2

100.       Guerlain Samsara

101.       Guerlain Shalimar

102.       GuerlainAqua Allegoria Jasminora 

103.       GuerlainAqua Allegoria Tutti Kiwi 

104.       Guy Laroche Fidgi

105.       Hermes  eau des Merveilles

106.       Hermes  eau des Merveilles la tete dans les etoiles

107.       Hermes  Kelly Caleche

108.       Hermes Caleche

109.       Hermes Eau d’Orange Verte

110.       Hermes Eau de Gentiane Blanche 

111.       Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Toit

112.       Hollister Socal Perfume for Women

113.       Isabella Rosselini  (Coty) My Manifesto

114.       Issey Miyake L'eau d'Issey Eau de Parfum

115.       Jean Paul Gaultier Classic for women

116.       Jessica Mc Clintock Jess

117.       Jessica Mc Clintock Jessica Mc Clintock

118.       Jessica Mc Clintock Silk Ribbons 

119.       Jessica Simpson Fancy 

120.       Jlo eau de Glow

121.       Jlo Live Luxe

122.       Jlo Still

123.       Jo Malone French Lime Blossom

124.       Jo Malone Orange Blossom

125.       Jo Malone Verbenas of Provence

126.       Jo Malone Grapefruit

127.       Jovan Musk

128.       Jovan Woman Perfume

129.       Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy

130.       Juicy Couture Juicy Couture

131.       Kenzo Flower for Women

132.       L’Occitane Fleur Cherie

133.       L’Occitane Notre Flore Iris

134.       L’Occitane The Vert au Jasmin

135.       L’Occitane Verbena

136.       Lacoste Lacoste Pour Femme

137.       Lancome Miracle

138.       Lancome O Oui!

139.       Lancome Tresor

140.       Lancome Hypnose

141.       Lanvin Eclat D'Arpege 

142.       Liz Claiborne Curve for Women

143.       Liz Claiborne Realities for Women

144.       Liz Claiborne Realities Sweet Desire

145.       Lolita Lempicka Lolita Lempicka

146.       Marc Jacobs Daisy

147.       Moschino Cheap & Chic Hippy Fizz   

148.       Moschino I Love Love

149.       New West SkinScent for Her

150.       Nina Ricci L’air du temps

151.       Nina Ricci Nina

152.       Oleg Cassini Cassini

153.       Oscar de la Renta Oscar for Women

154.       Parfums Gres Cabotine

155.       Prada Infusion d’Iris edp

156.       Prada Infusion d’Iris edt

157.       Prescriptives for women Calyx

158.       Ralph Lauren Blue

159.       Ralph Lauren Lauren

160.       Ralph Lauren Lauren Style

161.       Ralph Lauren Ralph Cool

162.       Ralph Lauren Romance

163.       Ralph Lauren Safari

164.       Rochas Lumiere

165.       Rochas Madame Rochas

166.       Salvatore Ferragamo F for Fascinating

167.       Salvatore Ferragamo Incanto Charms

168.       Salvatore Ferragamo Incanto Dream

169.       Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely

170.       Shiseido Energizing Fragrance Eau Aromatique

171.       Shiseido ZEN

172.       Stella in Two Peony

173.       Stella McCartney 

174.       Stella Tocca for Women

175.       Sung by Alfred Sung  

176.       Thierry Muggler Angel

177.       Valentino V

178.       Versace Bright Crystal

179.       Victoria’s Secret

180.       Victoria’s Secret Cashmere Vanilla Jasmine

181.       Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels Heavenly

182.       Victoria’s Secret Pink for Women

183.       Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy for Her

184.       Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll

185.       Yves Saint Laurent Opium

186.       Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
My new ones :)
187. Acqua Di Gioia
188. Hermes 24 Faubourg for women
189. Lacoste Pink
190. Thierry Muggler Womanity
191. She Wood D'squared2
192. Diesel Fuel for Life Unlimited for Women