Grape Session

My favorite fruit has always been grapes - so tasty and refreshing! I like them best when they are seedless, crunchy, and cold. My meals at home are usually capped with a serving of grapes.

I've never really paid much attention to their nutritional value, and it's just recently that I discovered they have a lot of amazing health benefits. I came across an article in the May issue of Healthy Options News Digest that talks about the great things grapes can do. Here are some of them:

• Aids in the cure of asthma
• Reduces the chances of heart attacks
• Contains antioxidants which slacken ageing and boost the immune system
  
• Ripe grape juice is a home remedy for migraine
• Helps in overcoming constipation and indigestion
• Light and white grape juice prevents fatigue and provides instant energy
• Prevents breast cancer
• Enhances brain health
• Brings down cholesterol levels
• Has anti-cancer properties

Whoa, I never realized! Am I glad this is my favorite fruit. Let the grape sessions continue!

I Like This Drink!

I discovered another delicious drink in Starbucks (thanks to Vangie, who tried it during one of our recent visits and praised it to high heavens) -- White Chocolate Mocha.

Served warm, it's a delightful combination of espresso and steamed milk, complemented with flavors of white chocolate, and topped with whipped cream!

Blissfully sweet and comforting. Definitely the kind of drink that makes my day.

Random Thoughts

I'm stuck here but my thoughts are all over.

My laptop went bonkers last Friday due to a slew of viruses that attacked it. It affected pretty much everything, including my AT&T, so I couldn't check my mails last night (good or bad?). Turns out there were still some viruses left after my visit to Helpdesk last Friday, so I had to go to the office early today to have it fixed again. Thank goodness for the quick action of the Helpdesk folks stationed in Blake, namely Ike and Ryan. It's unsettling how dependent I am on my laptop, and how not being able to connect can disrupt a day so thoroughly.

Nanay (our nanny since birth, since the birth of my eldest sister actually) left yesterday for a quick trip to her hometown Bicol. This never fails to make me feel sad and apprehensive. I worry about her because, well, her place of residence is not very accessible (a boat ride away from the city), and I'm always thinking about her health, typhoons, and whether or not she's comfortable. I miss her a lot. It's really weird going through a day without Nanay, who is a second mom to me and my sisters. She's arriving on Thursday -- I'm counting the days already!

May is almost up, and June is just around the corner. Gawd, half the year is practically gone! Where does the time go? I wish I could get into something really exciting and adventure-filled, something that approximates or surpasses my Macau Skyjump last January. What on earth could that be?

An infiltrator's goodbye post

The night before my last day in IBM was sleepless and restless.
Not because of the things I need to do, but more because of the people.

My IBM stint could have never been as fulfilling, as inspiring, and as challenging without so many people. I have enjoyed working with everyone. But I hope I can steal Bing's blog space to share how grateful I am to find a family in two very special people:

(1) Bing -- my whipcracker, my boss, my friend, my IBM mom (if I can choose a mom, it would be her -- not to imply she's old or something :p Cool yan si Bing, nagpapatugtog ng Katy Perry during lunch break). But seriously, Bing is the only one left who I look up to - for her accomplishments, for her creativity, for her drive, for her compassion, for her craziness, and for her wisdom and intelligence. I know that might sound so over the top, but I kid you not. She is really one of the VERY few people I love to death and would do anything for. I could go on and on but I know how much she hates it when I say things like that in public.

Alam mo na yun, Bing. :) Thank you, thank you, thank you. I would have been a very different person if it weren't for you. You are a Midas in more ways than one.

(2) Riza -- if Bing is my mom, Riza is my sister. I never had a sister before and having Riza around, I wish I had one like her. I could always count on her - whether it's work or personal stuff. I'll miss our projects and events together, where long hours and hard work seem so easy and fun. I'll also miss her expressions, my favorite being "para ka namang others!" (I try to use it as often as possible hahaha). Wait, ano ba yan, para namang mamamatay ako.

Basta Rizzie, you know how much I love you too. My IBM experience would have been dreary and less colorful without you. And if I somehow get myself into a bowling game, I'll be sure to drag you in as my savior. Hehehe

Girls, I'll be here until August so I will ambush you at work from time to time. After that, it'll be your turn to visit me in Madrid! (or for my wedding *wink*)

Also On My Mind

On My Mind

I want to learn to play drums! I've always been interested in learning (even way back), but of late, it's on my mind a lot. I'm thinking, if I go ahead and take classes and buy me a set --

1) Where will I put it? Hmm...how will I make it fit in my room?
2) How do I practice at home w/o disturbing the household? :p
2) Who will I jam with?

Anyway! I already listed the songs I'd like to play (haha getting ahead of myself!). Here they are:

• How to Save A Life and All At Once by The Fray
  
• Mercy by One Republic
  
• Breakeven and The Man Who Can't Be Moved by The Script
  
• Most of Katy Perry's songs, especially One of the Boys and Waking Up In Vegas
• Built to Last by Melee
• Only When You Leave by Spandau Ballet
  

If not drums, it's the violin (there's an entirely different songlist for this). I've always thought that both instruments aptly describe and fit my personality... Maybe this is the reason I like them :)