Happy Thanksgiving!

There is really so much to be thankful for. Sometimes I just get too busy or too unsatisfied with a lot of things to realize that. 

To add to that, I'm actually looking forward to a shopping spree (yey!) - for myself (thanks daddy and gg) and for Christmas gifts as well. This year however, I'm gonna try my best to spend less. Here's why:

Advent Conspiracy Video  - Please watch it. It's so moving. 

So, if you're planning to give me a gift for Christmas, please try to spend less too. I know I want a lot of stuff from Pinas and I'd love to receive them for sure. Nonetheless, there's nothing more meaningful than giving me a bit of one's self - time - than any other tangible gift there is. 

After I watched that video, I realized, I am indeed blessed. 

I'm sad...

...and tired. I've been working on my project all day!

It's my sister's birthday today (Philippine time) and I'm not there to celebrate it with her. I miss my family. =(

I'm trying to make myself laugh.. so here she is:

The Birthday Girl...

Lei, wearing my eye glasses and immitating my taray look. Hehe.

She made a major mistake of waxing her "bigote" yesterday. I don't know why she wanted to get rid of it. It suits her naman. Parang Lei isn't Lei without it; just like daddy isn't daddy without his. Hehe! Oh, they look very alike by the way. Anyway, she went to "Let's Face It"; and her skin got irritated because of the wax that they used. I wonder why they didn't test it first on a small spot on her skin. She got depressed tuloy yesterday but I think she's ok already. 

She's really pretty with or without it. Take a look at her:

She's "modeling her Fino bag here. Hehe. This is Micah's shot. (Oh, Micah's so pretty too. take a look here)

Lei and moi. ;)

HaBerDay Lei! Guard your heart always. Love you. 

I want this...

...it's probably out of stock tomorrow already though. =(

Comme des Garcons for H&M

Ok, back to work. study-mode again.

Message Last Sunday...

Last Sunday, after church, Gian and I were discussing Pastor Art's message and how it relates to us. He left us with a question: What is one thing in your life that God is telling you "Go for it!"?

Mine's life after graduation. I have to admit I'm kinda scared. I'm really looking forward to my OPT (Optional Practical Training) here. I don't want to go back home without any experience because I've never had any in retail yet (Well, except for my 2 internships this quarter and a few volunteer opportunities, but still, I think those aren't enough). But given the economic condition right now, it's getting even more scarier. My colleagues who are looking for jobs - since they're not International Students and can already work - are having a really hard time finding one. I would always tell Gian those stories. I guess he realized he's already like a broken vinyl because he encourages me over and over again that I'm gonna get a job after I graduate. He always says, "Iba naman situation nila sayo." I have to admit, after hearing the message last Sunday, I was really assured and encouraged. God brought me here with little, in fact almost no effort on my part. He'll surely finish whatever good work He has started in me.

Gian's, is his proposal. That was so clear to him, he said. Well, he actually had a different plan. I think he didn't really want to propose yet. He wanted to prepare further for the proposal and for our life together, of course. He even said, he wanted to give me a Tiffany engagement ring instead (Isn't he always spoiling me?). I was really touched hearing him say things like that because I realized how much he always wants to give me the best... And I mean, always. But this I also have to say, I'll never take anything in exchange for God's perfect time. I knew, when He said to him, "Gian, go for it!", Gian gave me the best by responding to that voice. Isn't it just so wonderful?

Love you fiance.. :)

We went to Napa Twice last Summer...

This post is actually the first one. The second time was with Art and Angela which I posted earlier. See here. This blog isn't in chronological order anymore. 

We went to Robert Mondavi Winery...

at the entrance

We were late for our group tour because of this train. It blocked the entrance!

Aren't they lovely?

We had a great lunch afterwards..

Bread with Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

My Strawberry Margarita

My lamb. Yum!

Gian's Kobe Burger. His fave so far.

Gian and I

Guess where we went last Saturday?

Gian and I had dinner at Tivoli in Mandarin Oriental, Manila for his birthday (Sorry, no pictures. He forgot my camera in the car). But here in U.S., we still haven't really celebrated. So we did last Saturday. It's more than a month late but it's okay. 

Moi

My date

I've seen the popover in person. hehehe! I finished it and the strawberry butter. I even ate half of Gian's strawberry butter. It's really nice and creamy. I love how it melts with the popover.

Popover and Strawberry Butter from Neiman Marcus Rotunda

Gian's Angus Beef Burger and Fries

My Tenderloin Salad. Yum!

We're supposed to go to Japan Town for dessert. I've been craving for Sophie's Crepe. Their Strawberry Crepe with Chocolate Gelato is sinfully delicious! We didn't go though. It was raining hard. Too bad the weather wasn't cooperative.

P.S.

I got sick btw... probably because of the weather. I miss summer. 

To Return or Not?!

Got this skirt on sale at H&M last week:

 

It's a high waisted heavy weight wool flannel skirt (whew! that's long. hehe). What I like most about it is the fact that it has pockets. Plus, the color is also nice - not the usual plum which is the mainstream color for fall. I really like the skirt a lot. But I'm not sure if it's practical since I can probably use it only during Fall/Winter. Yeah, it's on sale anyway... but I'm hoping I could buy a new pair of really comfortable shoes (my pinky toe bled last week because of my shoes. Poor toe!) that I can use for internship... so I'm still thinking if I should return this. Btw, I like the length too. It's something new for me. I'm feeling experimental. ;) I'll wait another week before deciding. We'll see..

EDIT: I returned it.

Dinner...

Vietnamese Resto. I forgot the name. I enjoyed a lot!

Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Parmesan Cheese

Shaking Beef (super tender!)