When opportunity knocks ...

Something really good happened today. It was something predicted by my friend Amaro last summer. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I hope it definitely pushes through. It means I will be out of retirement, but it is also doing something I love on a subject close to my heart, which is great!

Pray for me, friends ...

A whole lot of poppin' going on!

There are some types of food that we associate with certain activities. Hotdogs make people think of sports. Cake brings birthdays to mind. Cotton candy makes us all think of the carnival. But all will agree that popcorn and soda are meant to be eaten while watching a flick. Whether a movie or TV marathon, or just as pica-pica for a party POPCORN is definitely a hit!

Last night, October 28, we had a popcorn party here at my place. SEVEN FLAVORS of Chef Tony's popcorn were spread out on the table just waiting to be eaten.

Choosing the flavor I liked the best was so hard! I just liked them all! For conservatives it is always good to go ORIGINAL. You can't go wrong there. It's your classic popcorn flavor without the mess!

Those who are "watching their weight" will enjoy the LIGHT. It isn't exactly guiltless 'cause it still has butter and sugar, but Chef Tony's guarantees 50% less of both! I worried at first that it would contain artificial sweetener and I was relieved not to encounter the medicinal taste of Nutrasweet or Equal.

Opening the tub of CINNAMON BUTTER was surreal. The distinctive smell of cinnamon just wafts into your nostrils, and in my case, made me think of cinnamon rolls and coffee. I thought it tasted good, too, but perhaps on the sweet side. I like it but I don't think I can consume a small tub on my own.

PESTO, pesto, pesto! Makes me think of pasta! To complete the pasta experience, though, I would recommend the addition of maybe pine nuts or more basil into the mix. Also, I think it could afford to be less sweet and more salty. Nonetheless, I CAN finish a whole (small) tub on my own. I know I have in the past, hehehe.

When I heard that there was a PARMESAN flavor I admit that I was a bit apprehensive. I know that sounds weird, but ... I just don't like getting my hands dirty, hehe. I hate it when I buy cheese flavored popcorn and they pour on this powdered orange-colored cheese that just stains everything and is extremely messy. Dirty hands are a guarantee. To my surprise, Chef Tony's Parmesan flavored popcorn is nothing like that! In appearance it looks a lot like the ORIGINAL flavor. And then you open the tub and the smell of the PARMESAN hits you. Every bite is a harmony of cheese and butter! We loved this flavor so much that we almost consumed the contents of the tub in 5 minutes! This was while recording our comments, mind you. None of the other flavors went as fast! Hooray for parmesan!

Now it is time for some nuts!

We now open the tub of WHITE CHOCOLATE WALNUT. I have to tell you right now ... I'm not a fan of white chocolate, per se. I'm more of a dark chocolate kind of gal. But I do love chocolate and I do love walnuts, and the way the flavors blended was just perfect! You still can't get me to eat white chocolate in bar form but on Chef Tony's popcorn, I will eat it by the handful. The sweetness of the chocolate and the bitterness of the walnuts made an interesting contrast. I think this flavor is perfect to give as a gift.

We are down to the last flavor for the day ... ROASTED ALMOND MOCHA CHINO. To say I was excited about this one is an understatement. From the name itself I knew to expect something fun! Think about it, coffee flavored popcorn ... with whole almonds! How can you go wrong? I tried eating this flavor today while enjoying a cup of coffee and it was perfect! Roasted Almond Mocha Chino is the perfect blend of coffee, chocolate, popcorn, and fresh almonds. Coffee lovers everywhere will definitely enjoy this flavor.

Some people say that the best food critics are kids. It isn't true that they will eat anything. As a matter of fact, they are quite obvious when they hate something! There were 4 kids sampling the popcorn with us, and the youngest of the bunch was my nephew Gene. At a year and a half, he knows EXACTLY what he wants! In the pic you see him toting his own tub. It is empty, I know. That is because we would give him a little at a time so the popcorn would not go to waste. He tried all the flavors, and did not turn any flavor away!!! As a matter of fact he came back for seconds and thirds! I'd say he ate about as much as a small tub full of popcorn. See the dirty face? That is proof positive that he enjoyed himself! hehe

Now to the packaging ...

The labels are a mite confusing, and the color combinations don't always work. The original design is good, though. But the background has a tendency to make me cross-eyed, especially the green and red combination.

The containers are top-notch! Most people don't notice this but ... his containers are marked 5 on the recyclable scale. This is good! If your plastic containers are marked 5 to 7 then that is definitely recyclable. Most plastic containers are a 1or a 3 and those are ideally just for one use. This makes buying Chef Tony's popcorns not only a delicious decision but a practical one as well! We noticed, also, that the containers are "child-proof". This is a good thing because it means that the container is airtight and will keep the contents fresh longer.

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Chef Tony's popcorn is gourmet at an affordable price! It is the perfect date snack, the perfect viewing companion, and the perfect gift! If you haven't tasted it yet, I promise you, you are missing out!

Chef Tony's has 2 more flavors we didn't get to taste: Macadamia Swirl and Caramel Pecan. Based on the seven above, these 2 are bound to be great! I can't wait to taste them, too! Watch out for the Christmas flavors coming soon.

You can find Chef Tony's outlets at Tomas Morato (Quezon City across the street from McDonald's), Metrowalk (Ortigas Center near Pancake House), and Mega Mall Building A (near National Bookstore. For inquiries you may call them at 0917-500-CORN.

Did we have fun? Was the popcorn good? ABSOLUTELY! I can honestly say, I haven't tasted anything better! Kudos, Anthony!

My office, my haven

At times I feel like life starts to crowd me and the world starts closing in and I just want to escape. But I can't just up and leave. I've found that I find solace in work --- or specifically in my computer. I can spend all day in front of the computer. Checking and answering my emails, blogging, chatting, or working. I am at peace.

But this peace is only present at night. During the day, no matter how I wish otherwise, I keep getting interrupted by the doorbell, the phone, the folks asking me to do this or that, kids (bugging me for whatever reason) --- aaargh! How in the world is a person supposed to think!

And so, I choose sleepless nights and short daytime naps just for some peace ... and quiet ... and productivity.

More than ever I keep wishing that I lived alone but, unfortunately, I just can't afford to. Thus is the result of my choosing not to join the corporate jungle. Well, maybe someday I will find myself swinging from branches with all the other apes.

Fogged-up brain

How in the world am I supposed to get any work done? I have men and sex on my brain. Aaargh! Actually, I can blame my assignment on this. I have to do a series of articles on dating ... which kind of emphasized the fact that I haven't been doing any dating in so long, I think I've forgotten how to act and be in one --- a date, that is.

Instead of working on the article I find myself more inclined to write about different hotties that I can't get out of my head --- top of the list is Victor Webster. And then there are the local hotties -- I won't even mention names anymore.

Long distance relationships SUCK! Honey, when are you coming home to me?

Xenical - Day 11

It's the 11th day on Xenical and so far these are my stats:

• Weight: 138 lbs.
• vital statistics: 36-30-39

I guess it must be working. 4 lbs. lost since Day 1 and 2 inches off my waist. All I need now is a more aerobic exercise/lifestyle.

What I hate about Xenical --- I'm hot and sticky all the time. Sigh.

Indifference

Your indifference bothers me. It's like an itch I can't scratch. I get it. There are just people we don't hit it off with --- the vibe is all wrong or something.

Or maybe you really have intense privacy issues and you feel that I have invaded your privacy. If I have I do apologize. I knew going in that you may react adversely to my overtures of friendship. But nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

You are not very communicative, it seems. But maybe that is just with me. Your friends tell me that you actually do talk a mile a minute when the chemistry is right and, apparently, it isn't for us. Joey and I, we haven't really had a chance to talk much when face to face, but on the net, we manage to talk up a storm. So, yes, the chemistry is there with him.

The chemistry I am looking for is friendship. I don't really expect anything more ... especially considering my situation.

That I find you attractive is a given. That you DON'T find me attractive is obvious. At least, I'd like to think you don't find me repulsive. I can't help but think at times that it isn't even just my appearance that turns you off but my personality as well. I may come on too strong. This is not to say that I have been pursuing you, 'cause I haven't. It is just my realization that I have a very strong (sometimes overpowering) personality and it may, at times, scare people.

You may think I only like you because of your current popularity and I will be honest. I like you initially because I admire your talent. And then I got to like you more when we had short chats and text exchanges. Recently, though, it seems like you've been giving me the cold shoulder and it bothers me ... but not enough for me to pursue it.

Just to set the record straight ... I don't watch the play because you are in it. That is incidental. They could replace you and I would still watch it. I actually find it interesting when different people play the same role. I am curious to see the "attack" on the character. I am rarely disappointed.

I will try NOT to get affected by your indifference. There are other people who are happy to see me and enjoy my company. I need not force my attentions on you. Sometimes I may still get the urge to text you. I hope you will forgive my lapses. The offer of friendship still stands.

Xenical - Day 8

I took my measurements, as instructed, to monitor my supposed weight loss. Here are the results:

• weight: 141 lbs.
• vital statistics: 36-31-39

I'm happy about the 1 inch off my waist, but all I lost is 1 lousy lb? What the?!? I was expecting maybe 3 to 5, not 1!

Sigh ... I guess it will be harder than I thought. I wonder if there is any chance of going down to 130 lbs. by the end of May?

I'll let you know in a week.

The pic attached was taken on April 30, barely 3 days since I started taking Xenical. Was there any discernable weight loss? Mukhang wala pa.

unsettled and confused

I'm confused. You blow hot and cold on me. Sometimes you are so friendly in a chummy kind of way. I don't mind that. Then at times you get all aloof and it seems like you look through and around me --- like I am invisible.

There are times, however, when I find you looking at me and you seem to have this funny look in your eye and I don't know how to read it. Are you weighing me, maybe? Or are you just trying to figure me out? Do I have a smudge on my nose? Is my shirt on backwards? Did I say something out of line earlier? What is it?

I don't know how to place myself with you. I'd love to have a better friendship with you than we currently have. I wish you would vocalize your thoughts so that I am not left guessing. It is unsettling to think I may have done something to offend you.

A part of me hopes that you like me ... just the thought of the possibility makes me smile. And yet, with all the questions going around --- questions about your marital status and sexual preference, to name a few --- I find myself hesitant to intrude into your life.

I figure, if you want me to know that much about you, you wouild let me know yourself. I will not ask you or believe in the gossip. Oftentimes we find malicious people behind gossip anyway, so it isn't really worth listening to.

What I feel for you is so far undefined. I don't know if I will ever define it beyond --- a very strong attraction.

You are beautiful and witty (when you choose to speak) and you can be charming. I know I am not your type and that's ok. It doesn't bother me that much. A lot of men I find attractive seem not to care for my looks (and height) so it really isn't anything new.

I won't lie ... I'm a trifle lonely and possibly affection-starved.

Friends, I have a few. Acquaintances, more than I can count. As for flirtations --- I've hit a brick wall.

I've found that flirting is fulfilling and does not necessarily lead to sexual intimacy. I just like it for the game. Sometimes I like to feel beautiful and sexy. I haven't felt either way in a long, long, time.

Ticket sales for Zsazsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzikal Rerun

April 22 - sold 55 tickets for the evening show
April 30 - sold 3 tickets for the matinee
April 30 - sold 64 tickets for the evening show

Total no of tickets sold for Zsazsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzikal Rerun = 122 tickets.

Total value of tickets sold = P82,100.00

Wow! I sold a lot! Hope I can do it again (and even better!) for the next run.

Xenical - Day 1

The picture on the right was taken on April 20, 2006.

Started on Xenical on April 27, 2006. I used to take it and I figured I'd try it again. I'm a little overweight and I just want to lose a little bit.

Stat as April 27:

• weight: 142 lbs ... 7 lbs. overweight
• Vital statistics: 36-32-39
  

I need to work on my waistline!

the death of an obsession

I've had a crush on this one guy I saw in a play for about a week or so now and from the first time I saw him I couldn't get him out of my mind. Day and night, he occupied my thoughts. Problem was, this guy falls under the category of "unreachables". Why is this so? Well, because he is part of the "showbiz circle", meaning you can't expect him (them) to interact with us mere mortals.

However, as is my wont, I did not let that stop me from befriending him. As a matter of fact, I felt an almost urgent need to befriend him. From my experience, befriending him was the only way to defuse my emotions towards him. To cut a long story short, I was able to acquire his phone no. and I have had the opportunity to exchange some messages with him. From our brief greetings and chats when I watched the play a second time and from our brief text conversation, I figured him for a swell guy. Quite the nice guy and polite as you please.

Now that we are "textmates" I've found that the inevitable has happened. I am not so enamoured anymore. I still find him attractive, sure. But I am not having naughty fantasies with him in it anymore. :D As I suspected, he became "a friend". Well, ok, maybe somewhere between acquaintance and friend. Point is, he is no longer "unreachable" and that killed the magic for me.

But when I think about it, possibly it is also because in my mind, I can't really see that there will ever be an "us", you know. Several points cross my mind:

• he's, at a guess, 8 to 10 years younger than me (but I won't take that against him, hehehe)
• he may already be seeing someone (or some two or three)
  
• he may be gay

In any case, I'm glad I don't get all googly eyed when I think about him. It is so tiring and flustering and frustrating, hehehe.

Oh, if the play has another run, I will surely watch one more time, whether or not he is in it, so long as Ricci Chan (the actor playing Didi) will still be there. Truthfully, he is the main reason I would watch and rewatch the show. :)

An obsession

I think I am going crazy! I have not felt this attracted to anyone in a long, long time. I blame it on hormones. Having no sex for the last 830 days will drive anyone crazy but apparently it drives normally rational people like myself absolutely nuts!!! Talk about pon farr!

I can't get him out of my mind! I see him in my dreams and I think of him the rest of the day. But guess what? I am not in love with him. I am simply swimming in lustful thoughts all day! Is this how it is for men? If so, then how do you get anything done? It is so difficult to concentrate.

Even in my dreams he is far away, out of reach.

I know from experience that so long as he is unreachable these thoughts will continue to spin through my head. That once he becomes a friend I am able to regain my control. Once I get to know him as a friend he becomes "untouchable". So long as he remains elusive, I continue to have lustful thoughts. More than anything now I REALLY want to be friends with him.

Rumor has it that he is involved with someone (or two) at the moment. If so, I don't want to get in the middle of that --- unless he is amenable to something with me, that is, hehehe.

But seriously --- short of hooking up with an old fubu, friendship with him is my best solution.

first post of the year

I haven't updated this blog in a long time. To be honest, I actually FORGOT that I had a blog here. not because this place is no good, but because I got quite caught up in updating my other sites, particularly my multiply site. So ... if you want to know what's been happening to me (since I don't really feel like repeating myself, hehehe) then click HERE and visit my site.