Pending Road Trip

I really want a road trip. A simple one, something closer to home but still kind of away from Manila. And I want somewhere cold. Where else? Tagaytay.

But here's the thing. I want it with my pack. That means Harvey, Chivas and Bruce. Yes, Bruce, that big puppy who hates getting in the car.

Harvey and Chivas are practically easy going. They manage road trips pretty well. We've been bringing  them in short to long drives with no problems or known incidents. Chivas could practically be alone. He's pretty observant and well behaved in public. He's not adventurous to the point of endangering himself.  Harvey is okay in traveling too, he just sleeps when he's wiped out and stands between the driver and the passenger keenly observing. Though sometimes he gets too excited and wants to be really in front to watch all action as it happens. He just needs to be reminded to stay where you need him to stay and he won't push the issue. They don't jump around, run around, bark and make a mess of things. Most importantly, they're kind of small.

Bruce is slightly different. Again, he's the biggest and he hates getting in the car. He won't panic and and create chaos, but he is a bit antsy when he's at the back. To calm him down, he needs to be seated at the backseat with someone. A little bit stressful, but manageable. He doesn't bark and destroy stuff. He's antsy, but still pretty cool about it.

So I want a road trip and yes in my ever dutiful car. I want it to happen this year, this month as soon as I have my car have its scheduled check up to have everything set. I'll bring my sister who will be the driver, my brother who wants to go to Sta. Rosa Paseo Center to assist us and my three beautiful dogs and even Nanay who loves the dogs as well. We will eat there, have my dogs experience the cool weather and just relax. I know we would be stressed a bit, I do have a rambunctious pack with me, but it would be a happy kind of stress.

I want this soon, pretty soon...

I got a Journal

If there's one thing I'm sure of is that I don't really keep journals. I'm not the diary-journal-type of girl. I've tried it, believe me, but I can't seem to finish or maximize it. I had not made into something productive. Either my past journals ended up missing or recycled to be used by someone else. Though I love to write, it's been a dream to at least write something meaningful (to me), I can't seem to follow through. I start with so many ideas every single day, but I can't seem to fill a page. I get discouraged, distracted and wasted. Some days I find the urge, sometimes I find the effort senseless. I love to write, but I'm not sure about journals. Ironic.

But today, I find myself getting one.

After getting my nails done, I was walking while holding a 200 peso bill intended for an Auntie Anne's pretzel combo. National Bookstore was beside Auntie Anne's, naturally I went inside the bookstore first only to find out Mitch was also there. Well well well...Surprise #1. Mitch never goes to a bookstore unless I ask him to or if he's looking for me. Whenever he's there, he won't paint a happy face. But I saw him clutching something looking excited like a child. Sadly it wasn't a book. Surprise #2. Mitch was clutching something looking like a small Moleskine journal, a known trendy and very expensive journal, so much expensive that Mitch being a very practical dude won't choose to go near it. But he was..take note...clutching it...and also take note....happily.

Me: What are you doing here? Is that a journal? You know that's expensive? Thats a Moleskine right?
Mitch: No. It's Venzi! (Super proud). It's cheap. Looks like Moleskine but it's only 99 pesos! (Venzi is a product by National Bookstore. Nice)
Me: (Baffled) Really? I want one, a bigger one. 
Mitch: Here! Get one! Black really looks nice. Get one.

I was frozen while trying to decide. I like the notebook and especially the price cause you'll never see me buying a specialized notebook costing 500 pesos no matter how nice the paper is. But I'm not sure if I really should get it even if it's cheap knowing my past relationship with journals. But before I could agree or disagree, Mitch already latched the 200 pesos from my hand and went to the counter.

By far this is one of the most abrupt and spontaneous purchases ever. I ended up having a very classy-Moleskine-look-a-like journal for 180 pesos with no Auntie Anne's pretzel combo. I like the journal and the price, the thing is, I don't know what I'm going to use it for. Mitch will his for work while I still have to figure something out. I don't even know if I have a courage to write. I might make erasures and I hate looking at erasures. And what if I start something and not follow through? I'm looking at the journal and this has got to be either the most brilliant spontaneous purchase or a stupid and impulsive expense ever. I do have good hopes.

After the surreal National Bookstore moment, I watched The Life of Pi. I enjoyed it immensely and in a way I got inspired to write. Looking at my journal I'm praying this has a purpose. I would hate to see it waste away.

Dog Portraits 2013

One of my goals this year to have a decent portrait of my dogs. Something that I could print, frame and stick on my wall. I want an individual portrait, a group picture and a picture with me.

Only Harvey had a taste of a good photoshoot, pictures that really emphasized his beauty. I don't know the technical know-how of those pictures, but those really came out nice. It was shot a couple of years ago in our garden one afternoon by Mitch Bautista. I have to remind myself to ask him for copies.

One of the pictures I liked in his pictorial years ago. Shot by Mitch Bautista 2009

Now that our pack is complete and diverse, I think it's about time to get really good portraits. It doesn't have to be anywhere special. Our backyard would do. But if they wanted to do it in a studio, be my guest!

This is the cool part. Really professional and cool photographers, equipment and a studio (if need be) are already within reach. All we need is a perfect schedule and a cool concept and we're good to go!


Dog Portrait 2013 Project = In Progress. 

Last and First Book

My last book for the year 2012 was Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I got it in National Bookstore no less  after I read lengthly and thoughtful reviews from credible writers. All I can say is...

True. I understand the hype. It's a contemporary suspense to a psycho-thriller. Majority of the story is about figuring out what happened to the missing girl, where is the missing girl and is she really a missing girl? It's a story of a normal couple in a jaded relationship harboring twisted and egotistic minds. Girl turns out to be a sociopath. Husband is handsome, weak and adulterous. I honestly felt I didn't know whom I was raving for. There are no pristine protagonists here. It's worth the read. But I'm not a fan of the ending. I wanted more retribution from someone. More bloodshed. Har Har.

___

And my first book for 2013 is Hilary Mantel's most acclaimed Wolf Hall. I've read really good reviews about this book and it's sequel Bring up the Bodies, which always comes up in the best books of 2012. I'm not a fan of hype, but I'm always up for good books set in period eras.

All I know is it's a fictional story of the workings of the English monarchy set in the burly 1500's with Thomas Cromwell's life at the center who happened to be the minister of the popular king Henry VIII. It is the era of monarchial heirs, Henry VIII, tasteful conspiracies, Tudor politics and egos flying about. Set in a period piece with fluid writing, I'm always up for it!

Hears to a smashing year of BOOKS!

Bookshelf Project 2013

As I look at my bookshelf, I want to cringe. It's still a total mess by my standards. Unread books are mixed with read ones. Titles are not cataloged. It's arranged in such way to maximize space with no other purpose. I hate it. Blame it on time and laziness. I have very few possessions. Books are my treasures and I need these to be super super organized.

2 years ago, I hired my brother to arrange my books according to author while I do the catalog. That was when he was still cute, fat, fairly innocent to the world's ways and any amount of free money was considered gold.  I saw how he painstakingly did the task so I became generous. From 750, I increased it to 1000 Pesos with a pizza dinner. I made a contract and had my parents witness and sign it. It was a successful business transaction.

For this year, I offered him the same remuneration, 1000 pesos and a pizza dinner, but the snob declined. I added 500 bucks and a large jamba juice just for him to say yes, but he still declined. His going rate to fix my bookshelf is at 3000 pesos with a pizza dinner, large jamba juice and a trip to Sta. Rosa Paseo Center...take note....with lunch. Crazy demanding fool, right?

I told him he was insane and terminated the deal. But I'm still seriously considering of hiring him. Now I'm hating my bookshelf, but I feel I'm starting to hate my room as well. I have books everywhere!  It's driving me nuts. They're unorganized in my shelf, took over my drawers and desks. Some of my new books are still in separate paper bags kept under the desks and cabinets. It's crazy.

Blame it on me, but that's why there's paid physical labor. We just have to meet halfway. I might just have to add something more to my demands.

Bookshelf Project 2013 - A Goal for this year. Contract in Progress. 

Dogs and Fireworks = Stress

If there's one known hell day the dogs would have to endure, it's New Year's Eve. At least here in the Philippines.

Dogs generally hate fireworks and they couldn't get more of that than in New Year's Eve. They get stressed, anxious and very scared. They don't like the smell and definitely they don't like any form of explosions. They literally fear for their lives and it contributes to their overall stress and trauma. 

Admittedly I was a bit curious on this most recent New Year to find out how our two new dogs would react. This will be their first new year's celebration ever in our household and I want to do observations.  As for the oldies, Buddy, the most senior of the group,he has always been scared of fireworks but we know he can cope. He doesn't bark and get physically anxious. He just finds a cool and secluded spot to hide and he'll be okay. 

Harvey is a totally different creature. He is this typical macho-dog who isn't afraid of anything. He would always join us at the garden as we listen, watch and light fireworks. He runs around, sits in the cooler, jumps on the chair and joins us amidst the loud sounds and crazy times. Whenever we light fireworks, he's there actually beside the fireworks. His favorite is the FOUNTAIN. Clearly, he is enjoying himself and no seclusion for this dude.

As for Chivas, I'm proud to say, he turned out to be okay. It's a bit of a surprise because amongst the group he is the cattiest. He is our certified guard dog and a certified barker. He's noisy and could be stressful if he wants to. But surprisingly, he was okay during New Year's. He was more observing than bitching. He doesn't run around and get excited like Harvey and he isn't shaking and scurrying like Buddy or Bruce either. He's steady.  No barking, no bitching and no crazy antics. This dog might have drank a bottle of valium. 

Well for Bruce just as we've expected. This is the pup my heart breaks out for. He is the biggest of the pack. He's the youngest, and he's the most scared. I can't say I'm surprised. I kind of expected this. Large breed dogs really fall down during New Year's. Even up to now, Mitch's senior labrador Rocky goes crazy during New Year's Eve.

Bruce literally walked with his head down, shaken and frantically tried to look for a dark spot to hide. Buddy is at least systematic in hiding and he doesn't shake. But Bruce does. His droopy and worried face said it all. He clearly wasn't enjoying. Chivas and Buddy once stayed with him, but he wouldn't budge. He wouldn't play with his favorite tasty bone. He wouldn't drink water. He wouldn't do anything. Clearly he needed comforting so I stayed with him and massaged him until he can be coaxed to go somewhere more peaceful. The last hour before new year and the first hour of the new year were the worst hours. He was clearly looking for some solution and comfort and I could only do is to be with him, cover his ears and massage him. 

Eventually, our Brucie was escorted by Harvey to his house, which is the farthest point of the action. I bet he felt relieved after the worst is over. He survived hell. Next year, we thought of putting him at the dirty kitchen near Ate Ne's bedroom where it's more secluded with a nice bone and a bowl of his favorite milk. Next year, I am also thinking of giving him sedatives. 

Dogs generally fear fireworks and it's natural. They have an acute sense of hearing and smell so you could just imagine them hearing those fireworks explode louder than usual. According to dogsandfireworks.com, one way to help pets cope with fireworks is to desensitize the sound. You could practice it year round by making the dogs more familiar with the explosions by plugging in a cd collection of fireworks (I honestly don't know where you'll get this) and let them listen from a player on a minimum volume at first. If they can manage it for some time, you put up the volume gradually until they won't mind it anymore. Then you give treats in between when they display a desirable behavior once the sound is being played especially in higher volumes. Sounds laborious, but it's one of the sure-shot ways they could be prepared for that one day.

Massage also helps and clinically prescribed sedatives for really bad cases of trauma. Owners must not force the dogs to come out of a hiding spot. Being scared about explosions is natural. Dogs do not understand that fireworks are parts of celebrations. Their behavior depends on what they experience at the moment. If they hate the sounds and smell, then they will try to hide away from it. Watching television, listening to music and having the dog face the cool breeze from the electric fan also helped in my case. 

My heart goes out to Bruce and Buddy, but I couldn't say I was really surprised. At least now we would be better prepared for next new year's eve. Chivas was a breakthrough dog of peace. While Harvey, just like every year, turns out to be this really crazy, excited nut who tries to be  where the action is. I guess different strokes for different dogs. 

A more Positive 2013

This will be my very first post for 2013, on a beautiful first weekend of the year. How quaint.

All I can say is that I've managed the first few days of the year with a little bit of bruise coupled with insanely happy moments. Sometimes, we wish for simple things like balance.

I was happy with my grand year end vacation, but missing 3 weeks of work just easily meant towering unread work emails when I got back. I dreaded opening my inbox. There were escalations, new informations and stuff to do. And that's not even my real work. Also, the first few days of the year means people have more money to spend which easily means they have more orders to deal, which in the end translates to us having MORE work. I never spend extra hours at work, I try not to, but for the past two days my energy was wiped and our time was squeezed to the maximum! Clearly it's a New Year's wake up call!! Hello Stress!! Sadly, I did not miss you.

But with the bad comes the good vibes. I had happy moments with good people I work with. Sure we get stressed, but we do not forget to laugh a lot. Surrounding yourselves with optimistic people always helps starting the year right. Also, my wonderful team gave me flowers! I know. It goes against my core being and I seriously couldn't figure out why they thought of me...with flowers. I'm not really a flower person, but receiving it from time to time is highly appreciated. I think flowers are the most natural and thoughtful thing you could give to someone. It's fresh, it's natural and they are oh-so lovely. And I could never forget that marshmallow-icing chocolate covered cake from Purple Oven, which was a belated birthday gift. I loved it, my friends loved it and my family finished it all. I'm thankful to be with thoughtful people. I was genuinely surprised.

For the past four days of the new year, I think I started off with a right note and a good attitude towards things. It's also good to be aware that in this year, there are tons of opportunities to become better and a lot of possibilities to learn new stuff. We should also accept that just like in any year, it's not going to be all cheerio! There will be low moments, I'm sure, but I just hope we could find balance and happiness at the end. I think physically and mentally, we all tend to find ways to survive and this year is no different.

January officially opens the grace of starting a new year. I love this month. Not only am I the type who likes to make plans, but I love fresh starts!!  Plan! Plan! Plan and Reassess! Finally in with good and out with the bad. Iron out some goals and adopt a clearer and a more positive vision! First quarter is always a transition phase which will set-up the tone of the entire year so January is really important. Hopefully this month, I would get to figure out what I want to do for this year with a big smile on my face! Everything is possible this year! Everything will be better this year! I'm so excited!

Let's get the planning started and the good vibes rolling! We are given another year to live and love life! Good with the bad, Cheers to a smashing 2013!!