wits and nuts

When I used a shy photo in the post In case (and I thought) you want to know, some curious lovely souls came up.  Thanks for the email and comments about the hair.  Incidentally I was asked also if I have any photo where my face is shown in any of my entries.  As much as I try to maintain a certain level of anonymity as a blogger, I am finally giving in to your requests to ‘unmask’ myself.   Only a few of you know me personally (and have met me while I was still in the Philippines). 

So, this post is especially dedicated to the curious and kind souls out there.

My previous office regularly holds a themed christmas party. In 2006, it was a red carpet one.  And in December 2007, a month before I left, I still was able to join the oriental themed party.  Our cluster was tasked to wear a Japanese costume.  I thought that my dress wasn’t japanese-y enough so I played with my hair.

Hair paraphernalias

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One of the nicest things about blogging is the interaction with visitors. The bloghopping becomes part of my routine and I am blessed to have blogmigos and blogmigas who I bet are more interesting in real life than their pretty online stories. It’s a small world, no one knows we may cross paths wherever, whenever.

Recently I got a couple of Oops Award from Jeanny and Sheng. They gave me this award the same day, made me feel “Hey, I’m so Oops!” What does it mean?

The Oops award was created and is to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their humor and their talents, also for contributing to the blogging world in whatever medium. When you receive this award it is considered a “special honor”. Once you have received this award, you are to pass it on to others.

As Jeanny of Startin’ A New Life passed the award to me, she wrote,

She is the reason why I started to read a book again. I have to thank her for coming up with such great online book club and because of that I met new friends too. Wits thank you for that.

And the same day, Sheng of Anything Goes passed the same award to me and said,

Miss J is a Filipina, enjoying life in the UAE, like me, she is an office slave, but would love to enjoy storms in Pinas, because definitely misses rain in the emirate. I love her writings too, especially her experiences that she describes on her blog. It would seem that when you get to read her daily life’s experiences, you experience just the same. But then again, her experiences are all healthy!

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Photo source

One of the things that I definitely miss being in the Philippines is the long weekend.  I think majority likes it.  I didn’t say everyone because there are some  who prefer going to work instead because (a) they are workaholics (b) workplace is their home (!) (c) per day laborer (d) etc.

As you probably know, long weekend here is not as frequent just like in the Philippines. Holiday economics is not observed in UAE.  And of course, there’s no typhoon here (to rain is miraculous).  So when laziness attacks, my usual odd wish of “sana bumagyo bukas” won’t persuade Mother Earth a suspension of classes/work.

Back home, when there’s a long weekend I would usually be spending two of the three days at my favorite malls, go to province/go out of town, or spend all three days at home working, worst, spend the long weekend as if there’s no weekend (meaning I’m at the office).  For those who don’t know me personally, you might think I’m an office slave. Heehee.  No.  It’s normal for us to almost live in the office and sleep for only 2 hours especially during busy season.

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Ano nga ba ang tamang basehan nang pagbibigay ng pangalan sa isang tao? Naalala ko ang ikinuwento nang pumanaw kong Lola. Dati raw ay sa mismong araw ng kapanganakan pa lamang iniisip kung ano ang ipapangalan sa sanggol. Ngunit sa makabagong panahon, ilang buwan bago ang kapanganakan ay nakahanda na ang ipapangalan kung sakaling ang sanggol ay babae o lalaki. Sa Pilipinas at ibang bansa, kadalasan ang kasarian ng sanggol ay alam na. Ngunit sa ilang piling bansa, kagaya ng India, ipinagbabawal ang ultrasound, sapagkat ito ay hindi naaayon sa kanilang tradisyon.

Noong ako ay nasa haiskul, nakarinig ako ng kakaibang pangalan sa unang pagkakataon. Kung ano ang kanyang apelyido ay iyon din ang eksaktong pangalan niya. Ang dahilan? Ayon sa kanyang mga magulang, para raw madaling tandaan sa tuwing isusulat ang pangalan noong siya ay nasa elementarya pa lamang. Simula nang napunta ako sa Gulpo, muli kong naengkuwentro ang ganitong kumbinasyon ng pangalan. Sina Mohammed Mohammed, Mohammad Mohammad, at marami pang iba.

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That’s me. Unexpectedly taken by a colleague during last year’s oriental themed party.

I am: based in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of UAE, since January 28, 2008 (midnight).
I think: I’m hooked with Cinema Global lately.
I know: that three things remain, faith, hope and love.
I have: a sweet tooth.
I wish: everyone is living life with meaning.
I hate : lazy people and work politics.
I miss: my family, relatives and friends in the Philippines (and those based abroad).
I fear: that I’d regret something because I didn’t give my best.
I hear: the chirping of aircon and background music in the movie Forevermore.
I smell: busier months ahead.
I crave: for laing, pinangat, bicol express, baked scallops and ginataang kuhol.
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