She became my friend in first year college. There were tough times but since we were kindred spirits, our friendship sustained college more than anything else. I remember her being so generous when she knew I had nothing to spare. I remember her being so down-to-earth, never boasting about her status in life, never making me feel like I was lower in social status. We reviewed for the board exams together and we shared so many things back then, even sharing food when we were short of our allowances. She was like a sister to me, I was probably closer to her than my real sisters back then.

We were supposed to work for the same auditing firm. But I got accepted in the accounting side (BPO) while she was in the waiting list. Instead of waiting for a call from the firm, she opted to work for a family friend’s business.

I was so envious of her that time because whenever I talk to her, I felt like she was having fun while I was being harassed by my bosses and the clients I was handling. Not to mention the salary I was earning was really small compared to her. I remember crying so bad one morning while she was talking to me and because she knew I was so depressed that day, she kept on calling to check on me. For that alone, she will forever hold a special place in my heart. Even my sisters would not do that to me.

So after half a year of enduring the firm, she asked me if I wanted to work for the same company she’s working for, the sister company being a trading firm was looking for an accountant. I went for an interview, it was just a formality because I was highly recommended by her. I was offered a job the same day I was interviewed and I accepted. We were laughing and crying after that interview. That same day, I tendered my immediate resignation at the firm.

We worked for almost a year. She was the personal assistant cum accountant of the owner. I was the one-woman accountant of the trading firm. It was a lot of fun. But then, like all good things, it came to an end. That was a pretty rough patch of my life. Something bad happened in the company and I had to resign. The trust that we shared was broken because of it.

I was so ashamed of letting her down that I did not answer her calls. I can still remember her voice, almost crying that night, while asking me if I want her to come and get me. I was being harassed by my boss back then. I was crying so hard I told her that it’s okay. But we were like sisters crying on the phone. That’s the last time I talked to her.

She talked to my mom one more time, asking about me, if I was okay. But after that, she stopped calling. I couldn’t blame her.

They say things happen for a reason and maybe, she came into my life to make me feel what a real sister is like. I am crying while writing this post. It was 7 years now. I know I should let go of the regrets I have in my heart. But this regret will forever be here.

I miss my sister. I wish she can read this now.

Buy Asus Transformer. For mobility. For when inspiration strikes and pen and paper can no longer accommodate the demands of the mind…

Shari is a romance novelist. I know for a fact how writers work. When inspiration strikes, it’s anytime, anywhere. So they cease it! They will do everything to capture that moment and be able to put their ideas into writing. That is why Shari always brings with her a tablet. Or a netbook. But since a tablet is more convenient to bring, she bought two and alternates in using both.

She is once again in a slump. But she knows that sooner or later inspiration will strike again and she is ready for it!

Instead of reading, I will turn to listening for now. I am downloading popular audio books so I can get my eyes to rest even for a few days. I’ve been using it too much that I think I’m making my eyesight poorer by the second. And since I am in my reading mode, I want to still read or rather listen to an audio book.

My bookish friends have been telling me that listening to an audio book is like being told a bedtime story. I think I like that. I will try it and see how it goes.

I think my eyes will thank me for the few days that it can rest.

It’s quite obvious that Nina is head over heels in love with her current boyfriend. They’ve been together for the past six months and her world revolves around her man alone. No one else exists for her except her man and it’s rather weird to see her as such as she’s a very strong-willed woman.

Oh, well.

So she’s looking for the best Christmas gifts for boyfriends here, yes, even as early as now so she can buy him at least three of the best ones she’ll find. She is that in love!

I do believe that she’d get him the moon if she can only do so.

There is something about the smell of freshly brewed coffee. It reminds me of the time when I was young and all I had to worry about was waking up on time so I would not miss the school service. I remember my grandaunt, we call her Tita Luming. When my brother was sick and was always in and out of the hospital, my parents would sleep there. My siblings and I were left in the house with our Tita Luming. You know how kids are, when you wake them in the morning, no matter how long they have been sleeping, chances are they will continue sleeping or complain loudly about being woken up. That was how we were kids. We were just blessed that our Tita Luming was and still is a patient woman. She really made sure we all went to school bathed and well-fed.

I wish all kids who have busy parents (or like mine who were occupied with taking care of a very sick son) have someone like our Tita Luming who’s patient enough and loving enough to take care of the 5 of us.

Marie has always been dreaming of putting up her own business so she can quit her nine to five job and just be her own boss, fulfilling her childhood dream of a catering business with her siblings. It’s not easy putting up a business and she knows that. So for the past three years she’s been preparing herself for this. She grabbed some bargain catering equipment for sale when she saw one at a trade center. She has been studying culinary arts, short courses only due to her work schedule, alongside her two sisters. She’s been saving up for the operating funds they would need and sourcing out vendors where they can get fresh produce at a discounted price.

She is prepared mentally, emotionally, physically and financially for the business she’s been dreaming of for more than a decade now.

When I was just giving money to my mom for her to budget, I would keep on wondering why we’re almost always short on our monthly budget. I kept thinking I was giving more than enough so maybe my mom was not too good on budgeting our household expenses. But you know what I learned for the past seven years? Budgeting for the household is not easy! There are always stuff to buy and pay for that are not on the budget!

Actually, I was going over some stuff that I have to fund for that are not on my budget. Repairs and replacements. Good thing there are cheap appliance parts that I can get or I would be scratching my head wondering how I can make this month’s end meet.

And that’s the truth! No matter how much money one has, I think the idea of getting a discount is a great way to lure a potential customer from buying from you. Don’t you think?

What more if there are coupon codes that one can use!

From the time I learned about coupons, I made sure to look for some that I can use whether over the internet or when doing my actual grocery shopping at the nearest store. The money that I get to save from the coupons I use for other equally important household expenses.

Now, tell me, who doesn’t love discounts?!?

I am an old soul. I love listening to old music, those ballads of long ago that stirs the love in my heart. I got this from my mom who oriented us with mellow music.

My mom loved those 50s music, those that feels like you are being swayed while lying on a hammock. I remember my dad always teasing her about listening to those oldies music, especially on Sundays. Mathis, Armstrong, I forgot the other singers…

One of her all time favorites was What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. I could still see her smile whenever she heard that song. I was listening a few minutes ago to Fools Rush In, another favorite of her.

These old songs also bring a smile to my tired soul. You never do appreciate the things to have and learned until the person who helped you learn that something is already gone. Thanks, Mom!

She drives a mean Airhawk motorbike. It has always been a dream of hers to be able to drive a motorbike so for her 23rd birthday, she bought herself one. Instead of a car, she thought it would be best to fulfill her dreams so she got herself an Airhawk, bought an Airhawk Seat Cushion as well for possible replacement. She is particular with seat cushions so if she finds she doesn’t like the cushion on the bike, she will have it replaced right away. You know, for a smooth drive.

She is planning to drive her bike to her bestfriend’s place outside the city. Hopefully, she will be able to stay there for the weekend as planned.