Day 8: Today feels like a Monday…

I’m back to work again after a one-day birthday leave. But it’s cool because I accomplished what I planned to do during that period. Had dinner last night with Isa, the only one among my college friends who still lives in the same city as I do. It’s funny how we never really run out of things to talk about. That said, I hope the reunion with the girls pushes through in November. We have to do that Harry Potter marathon we’ve always planned about! :)

I’m done with my Annual Physical Exam as well. What took me three hours last year only took me about less than an hour earlier today. I guess it pays to be early at the venue after all. And never go on a weekend! I learned that the hard way.

So how did you spend the long weekend?

Day 7: Blog-a-log for Nuffnang's Blog Day

In celebration of my birthday, allow me to share with you six fabulous blogs that I regularly visit whenever I go online. I worship the ground these bloggers walk on. Crafting a content for your site is never easy, much more coming up with something witty that will automatically catch your reader's attention.

A Koala’s Playground (http://www.koalasplayground.com)

What's to love: Miss OC Koala rules the world of K-drama blogging. Her recaps are witty and very engaging, it's almost like you're watching the whole episode unfold before your very eyes. She also has mini-updates on your favorite Korean, Japanese or Taiwanese A-listers. How's that for versatility, huh? :)

Eat, Drink & Be Loved (http://steveandmickie.wordpress.com)

What's to love: The ultimate guide on where-to-eat if you're planning to visit Cebu. Mickie sets their food blog apart by including a photo of the menu from each restaurant they visit. Consider it your head start in knowing what to order when it's your turn to visit the establishment.

 

Con La Roja (http://conlaroja.wordpress.com)

What's to love: All the updates about our favorite La Roja guys! Xabi? Sergio? Iker? Juanin? Javi? You name it! My sister  discovered this gem of a blog during the FIFA World Cup 2010 and we've been avid visitors ever since. If you're a fan of Real Madrid FC, her other blog Una Madridista, is also worth checking out.

Mommy Fleur (http://mommyfleur.blogspot.com)

What's to love: I’m no mommy yet, but Mommy Fleur’s witty chronicles of her everyday life makes it a fun read for everyone. Her OotD entries are something to look forward to as well as her little anecdotes about the family princess, Anika. But can I let you in on a secret? My favorites are the Girlie and Jekjek posts. Oh what a hoot those two would’ve been if they were our neighbors.

 

Dramabeans (http://www.dramabeans.com)

What’s to love: The mother of all K-drama recap blogs. Consider the drama lucky if the team chose to add it on their current list of projects. Again, I tip my hats off to those who painstakingly post recaps of each K-drama episode almost as soon after it aired in Korea. It’s never easy doing screenshots and writing your thoughts all the while knowing that hundreds of readers are awaiting your next update.

 

Krissyfied (http://www.krissyfied.com)

What’s to love: Admittedly one of the bloggers who inspired me to start blogging again, Krissy’s busy schedule these days makes you wonder how she manages to fit all those events into her social calendar considering she has a day job on the side. Truth be told, I admire her for living a life I’ve always dreamed of. :) She’s a fashion icon, writer and working girl all rolled into one.

How about you? Got any blogs to recommend? Join and post it over at Nuffnang as well. Less than 24hrs to go before the deadline!

Day 6: Red Velvet Dreams

Why, oh why is there a shortage of pastry shops in Cebu that sell these lovely creations? I’ve been craving for one ever since I read entries from Mommy Fleur and Eat, Drink & Be Loved. Had I known earlier, I would’ve placed this on my birthday wish list. Hmmm… maybe I’ll try ordering it from The Cupcake Theory once I get some extra moolah on the side just to shut me up. Or, I can always check out Starbucks or Vickie’s for their red velvet cake instead. *sighs* If only we had a spiffy kitchen at home. I’d be doing baking experiments every weekend.

*Image swiped from Picky Cook

Day 5: Why so cheesy, Wonder Woman?

When word got out that Wonder Woman was being adapted as a television series, a lot raised their eyebrows in doubt. Much more when it was revealed that David E. Kelley would be its showrunner. A guy, famous for his procedural dramas, doing a superhero show? This was either going to be a hit or a miss for everyone involved.

Then the upfront happened and the show was never picked up. Reviews branded it as cheesy. I was heartbroken. I couldn’t believe it suffered the same fate as Aquaman (whose pilot I absolutely loved). But after seeing the WW pilot, I think I know why the network chose to pass on this. Wonder Woman had too much angst in her system you’d think her nostrils would flare everytime she spoke. Another nitpick was that there was no air of mystery towards Diana (her human alter-ego) because everyone knew she was WW. Superhero shows don’t work that way. There always has to be a thin line separating your personal life from your crime-busting pursuits.

It’s a pity, really, because I loved the cast. Adrianne Palicki and Justin Bruening need to be seen more on television. Granted that WW was picked up and the writing stayed the same, it would’ve been a complete and utter waste of their talent to stay involved with the project. A good project and a more coherent script is all they need to make it big.

Day 4: Jeyne and Ygritte sure are lucky gals!

I’d gladly take any of the brothers if I were given a choice. But knowing how majority are fawning over Jon Snow, my heart’s pretty much set towards Robb Stark. How can you not love the accent? And Richard Madden’s eyes! *swoon*

Speaking of which, I still have some Game of Thrones catching up to do. (the TV series, not the books) I got into it pretty late and currently I’m on Episode 5. Team Stark FTW! But boy do they have a gazillion of characters to remember for this series. Season 2 is set to introduce new ones as well. Can they still replace the actress they cast for Jeyne? :) Just feeling possessive over Robb, that’s all. Haha!

I wonder if there are plans to cast Ygritte too? They’d better pick a good one otherwise Jon Snow fangirls will raise hell.

Day 3: Cheesecake Heaven

Mochaccino cheesecake from Dessert Factory is <3! I had this for dessert after a much-deserved lunch date with my sister. We seldom go on food trips lately so I make sure I only order what I love best from a restaurant. And cheesecakes never fail me. Whether it be the blueberry or the plain ol’ version, I cannot get enough of it.

I could do without the caramel sauce. The cream cheese alone blended perfectly with its chocolate base while the whipped cream balanced the sweetness of the dessert. I’d definitely order this again if I get to dine at Dessert Factory in the near future.

Day 2: Wi-Fi, at last!

 

We’ve been intending to buy a wi-fi router at home for as long as I can remember. But it has never materialized because we cannot seem to allocate a specific budget just for that purchase. With all the expenses, buying a router wasn’t the top of everyone’s priority list.

Enter my telecom provider. They provided me a free router in exchange for an upgrade in my internet connection. What would’ve cost me a thousand (or more) was given to me for three hundred bucks only. (the router, not the subscription) Quite a steal, eh? Or at least that’s how I see it.

Finally, no more taking turns at the laptop. We can go online all at the same time!

Day 1: It’s a challenge!

I’m keeping this short, but today I’m taking up the 30-day blog challenge. No themes, no guide questions… just random thoughts and whatever catches my fancy. This is going to be interesting since I never write entries in succession. I’m the first one to admit that I am such a lazy blogger. 

Call me inspired. Reading the entries of Mariel from NYMinuteNow doing her own challenge (her third year, imagine that!) gave me the much needed boost to start my own. Who knows? I might make a habit out of this once I get to the 30th day. But for now, let’s see how long I can sustain this momentum. Wish me luck!

August 21 = DISASTER

No internet, no water… on a ‘tingbits’ (read: no money) weekend. Could things get any worse? Shallow rant on my part, I know. But the universe owes me at least my internet connection because I’m staying put instead of going to the mall. 

It’s ironic how I’m suddenly having this internet problem (again!) after I agreed to an upgrade for my broadband DSL. And the tech support isn’t of any help. I’m being fed the standard apologetic and template-y response when customers complain about their connection. Troubleshooting did not get us anywhere because I know the problem isn’t on our end. And because this happened on a weekend, tech visit isn’t until tomorrow. Gahhh! I hate being an irate customer because I was nothing but kind when I was an agent with my current company.

Please let my luck change by next week. It’ll be my birthday weekend and I hate to spend it with bad vibes bouncing all over the place.

I <3 Xabi Alonso

Because he’s a midfielder, the love of my life scores like… once in a blue moon. So forgive me if I’m getting all fangirl-y about him lately. First was the penalty kick for La Roja against Italy and now the equalizer for the Super Copa match between Los Blancos and FCB. The guy’s on a roll!

Why so flawless, Xabier? <3

One Day + La Roja

Forgive the week-long absence. Things at the office got pretty hectic at one point and by the time I arrived home all I want to do is sleep. Naturally, a lot has happened in my fandoms. Let’s see if I can remember them all in a quick rundown:

The trailer for One Day. I love romantic flicks, much more if the main OTP has off-the-charts chemistry. While I’m on the fence regarding Anne Hathaway (don’t like her, don’t hate her either)... Jim Sturgess is reason enough for me to be on-board this flick. Not really sure if I’d rather read the book first while waiting for the movie to be released here.

Speaking of romantic flicks, I should really find a copy of Something Borrowed (the movie, not the book). Saw some being sold in Colon DVD stalls last Saturday but I think it’s better if I borrow instead from an officemate who already has one.

Oh, and La Roja had a friendly last August 10 against Forza Azzurri (Team Italy). They lost. Nothing surprising about that considering their track record in friendlies. The only good thing was that my bebe Xabi scored the lone goal for Spain in that game! Yayyy! The man is perfection personified as always.

Crossing my fingers that they do better once they play another Euro qualifying game in September.

Pottermore: I’m finally IN!

I am such a klutz for not figuring out Pottermore sooner when the first clue was released last Sunday. By the time I knew how it worked, it was too late since I am usually asleep every time they release a clue each day until August 6. As a Potter fan, I couldn’t very well let this chance pass up.

Then my prayers were answered. So thank you, Jesser, for helping me register. I owe you big-time! :)

Say hello to QuaffleSky99! (I really love that username, honestly)

Kitchen Chronicles: Beef Steak w/ margarine

Sounds weird? Believe me, it tastes otherwise. My mom introduced us to a new secret ingredient she’s been using for her beef steak over the summer. I was so used to the traditional way of cooking it that I was apprehensive how margarine would factor into the equation. But surprise, surprise… it made the dish even tastier… and more fragrant too! Since then I have been requesting it every once in a while from my sister. She’s the real cook in the family. :) I merely plan and photograph the dishes afterwards.

FYI: If you’re on a diet, better skip this dish for you’ll consume several platefuls of rice without even realizing it. I'm the living proof. Hehe!

BEFORE: marinated beef

Preparing this dish is fairly simple. Just marinate the beef in soy sauce, vinegar, calamansi juice, grated ginger and grated garlic. Use margarine instead of cooking oil when you cook it and add star anise afterwards. Top with onions once done for plating. Pair it with steaming hot rice plus your favorite beverage and you’ll be one happy foodie.

AFTER: beef steak w/ margarine topped with onions

Speaking of food trips, I’m really craving for Zubuchon right now. It doesn’t help that a former classmate of mine posted a photo of her recent dining experience in one of their restaurants here in Cebu. Hopefully next weekend we can finally sample what Anthony Bourdain had been raving about in his No Reservations show.