this morning i woke up, showered and went back to my room and saw this...

yup, that's my little doggie, bubbles. she loves to cuddle with you and take over the bed, no matter how much space there is.

here's another picture of her...

she just loves taking over... she's still my cute, little, sweet doggie bubbles.

Fall is here...

it has been really gloomy over the weekend and today. the weather just makes you wanna stay in bed and sleep in the whole day or be a couch potato and watch any type of tv shows/movies while eating none other than junk foods. the trees are losing their green, lively colors and slowly turning into brown, dead ones. the flowers are slowly wilting away together with the chirping birds that i usually hear in the mornings from my bedroom. the sun is shying away - no more beach, no more water fun, no more coney island, no more picnics in the park, no more barbecuing.

over the summer, all that i have been wearing most summer days were skirts, dresses, skirts, shorts together with tank tops, halter tops, or shirts that is thin and very comfortable. i admit, i went a little crazy with dresses and skirts over the summer. this summer was the most relaxed and fun summer that i ever had, aside from having to work monday through friday. the first time that i didn't spend my summer in school everday of the week, not worrying about incoming school year and reading requirements that still haven't read from the last semester. this summer was spent with family and friends. went to california with my family for a week to attend my cousin's wedding, went to beach with friends.

now that fall is looming around - pants have to be worn with closed shoes, thick, itchy, long sleeves are to be worn, can't leave the house without a sweater or a thick jacket. sad, i know. but, before fall really kicks in, i plan to enjoy my last fun under the sun when we get to manila and play in the waters of boracay.

the food that i grew up with... and terribly missed!

Yesterday afternoon, while doing the mail Marjorie and I started talking about the foods that we missed the most when in Philippines.

Some of the fruits mentioned were:

Rambutan - this red, furry little fruit is so delicious! The inside is white, kinda like the lychee fruit, but sweeter and meatier. I remember finishing more than a kilo of this fruit in one sitting when I was younger (and sick) at Iloilo. I remember seeing these furry, red fruits around chinatown once when I was with friends. I told them how delicious they were, and (picky) Marleni bought some and loved them. Eversince then we could find any of those anywhere. It were expensive though, if I remember correctly it was around $0.25 for each little fruit.

Lansones - this fruit is tan in color and the meat is almost transluscent. My first memory of eating this fruit is when my dad and mom was driving us around town. We were in the backseat munching on this fruit. My mom told us the legend behind the fruit. The legend being - it used to be poisonous until Maria Makiling pinched on them and started to eat this fruit amidst the warning of the towns people. Some say that you can somehow see Maria Makiling's "fingerprint" as an evidence of her pinching it thus making this fruit edible.

Siniguelas - olive-like in shape, the color varies from green to purple. Once it turns to purple, it means that it is ripe and ready to be eaten. You eat this just as you would an olive, the skin of this fruit, as I mentioned earlier is from green to purple, but the inside is yellow. I remember us bring a boxful of this fruit when we were leaving for Manila with dad and my dad trying to lower the price and trying his best to sound like a local in Iloilo.

Mangoes - i know there are tons of mangoes around New York, I don't know why but Philippine mangoes, for me, are sweeter and taste so much different than other mangoes. Other than the usual yellow (ripe) mangoes that you see here, words just can't express how much I would love to have some green (unripe, sour!) mangoes dipped in either soy sauce, salt or bagoong (shrimp paste). Just thinking of the sourness of the green mangoes easily trigger my salivary glands. Then there's the yellow mango shake from Jona's in Boracay and the green manho shake... mmm... mangoes...

Langka (Jackfruit) - my earliest memory with this hard, rough skinned but yellow, sweet, yummylicious fruit was when Tita Neneng brought this fruit during her usual lunch at my grandma's place. I just couldn't have enough of it. This fruit could be eaten by itself, added in the turon (which is a deep fried banana covered with a spring roll wrapper and brown sugar) or halo-halo (often eaten during summer, it is mixed with different typed of beans, banana [plantain], coconut, jellies, kaong, nata de coco, topped with shaved ice, leche flan, ube [purple yam], ice cream and evaporated milk).

Lomboy - this blueberry-like, smaller than olive-like, purple fruit is kind of sweet and tangy. One just have to be careful when eating this tiny fruit for even the seed could cause an indelible stain on your favorite clothings.

Santol - there are three layers to this fruit - the skin, middle brownish part, and the white flesh with the seed on it. After peeling it, I use to eat all the brownish middle part then I save the white flesh for the last. I dip them salt but preferrable to bagoong and salt. I remember my sister and I would sit on the floor and eat this fruit with gusto.

In addition to the fruits, we also longed for the street foods - fishball, squidball, kikiam, those cocktail hotdogs that you dip in a variety of sauce (sweet, sour, hot, a mixture of those three). I know, they are dirty, the oil is used for God knows how many times, but they just have that distinctive taste that is so different if you try to make it at home. Then there's Potato Corner which sells soggy french fries added with your choice of bbq, sour cream or cheese. The Mini-Donuts sprinkled with different sugar-flavored powder. Waffle dog, hotdog encased with waffle batter, oh so yummy! Then of course there's the chicken and gravy from Jollibee, the fresh seafoods. I also long for isaw (grilled chicken intestines - scringe in grossness, but they really are yummy!), balot ("aborted" duck egg - the one featured at Fear Factor), the 'dirty' ice cream...

I could go on all day just thinking of those food that I miss... no wonder I gain so much weight (5-10 lbs) after a three week visit in Manila!

Overjoyed

This is the song that our dance instructor - Lina played during our rhumba lessons. I find this song so nice, but unfortunately Horacio found it annoying and traumatizing since he had a (bit) hard time getting the steps.

Yes, this has been our third week in our dance lessons, so far it has been nothing but great (to put it lightly). It's gonna be sad when this month comes to an end, I am so gonna miss having to go to dance chelsea for lessons, learning new steps as each time we leave.

More on the song - I guess the other reason why i liked this song is that I have been so thankful and happy for the past year and some months. being with horacio has been something. we see each other practically everyday, and yet when we are apart for even a couple of ours, we still can't wait to see each other. it doesn't matter whether we go out or stay in our couch, all that matters is that we are with each other. i know i sound so cliche or so smittened, maybe i (still) am or maybe God had better plans for me and as part of that plan is for me and horacio to meet.

I'll end this post with this...

Overjoyed
(Stevie Wonder)

Over time, I've building my castle of love
Just for two, though you never knew you were my reason
I've gone much too far for you now to say
That I've got to throw my castle away

Over dreams, I have picked out a perfect come true
Though you never knew it was of you I've been dreaming
The sandman has come from too far away
For you to say come back some other day

And though you don't believe that they do
They do come true
For did my dreams
Come true when I looked at you
And maybe too, if you would believe
You too might be
Overjoyed, over loved, over me

Over hearts, I have painfully turned every stone
Just to find, I had found what I've searched to discover
I've come much too far for me now to find
The love that I've sought can never be mine

And though you don't believe that they do
They do come true
For did my dreams
Come true when I looked at you
And maybe too, if you would believe
You too might be
Overjoyed, over loved, over me

And though the odds say improbable
What do they know
For in romance
All true love needs is a chance
And maybe with a chance you will find
You too like I
Overjoyed, over loved, over you, over you

Who do I look like?

this is weird... but fun! lol



i wasn't contented, i did another one...



try it!!

sleep deprived? over sleeping?

i have been waking up tired and wanting more sleep for the past few weeks. most nights i blame my little doggie for crying by my bed wanting to sleep with me and not wanting to jump in the bed, instead she wants me to "carry" her into the bed, as a result she cries until her needs are met. if i count the hours of my sleep, i sleep at least eight hours. when i was still in school, i was good even if i have at least four to five hours of sleep. i would go to clinicals with that amount of sleep, attend a class and still have enough strength to hang out with my friends. but now that all i do is work 9:30-4:30 at the lawfirm and study until at 8:00 to 11:30.

is this fatigue feeling due to sleep deprivation? it can't be sleep deprivation for i sleep at least eight hours a night. is it sleeping too much, since my body was so use to being sleep deprived?? i would never find out the real answer to this, would i?

A Fine Line...

At the beginning of nursing school, our professors told us that once people find out that you are in the nursing program, they will not think twice about asking your opinion about their health or the health of the people close to them. True to their word... most people I know would ask me for their opinion, most of the time, I try to help them out and find out what's going on and advise them of what to do. Sometimes, I try to explain to them certain procedures or illness to the extent that I know.

Lately, some people has been asking about something, and when I try to explain it to them either they insist that I am wrong or simply disregards my thoughts - why did you ask me in the first place then?

Now, that I am getting ready to embark my nursing career (professionally) conflicts in me occurs. How do you separate personal from professional? I always told my family that no matter what happens, I hope not to see them on my floor. I guess this would be one conflict that I have to address. I am not at ease to tell my family what to do when it comes to their health. I know I should be the one pushing them to eat properly, monitor my mom's nutritional intake especially, monitor their vitamin and prescription intake - for most them loves to share their medications with each other. No matter what I tell them, no matter how I explain to them that sharing medications is not the same as sharing candies - they don't listen, and I am pretty sure, as soon as I turn my back it's as if they never heard a single word. I tell my uncle to seek medical advice for his toe since he is diabetic (and has no idea how his glucose is!) when he hurt his toe and started to bleed (internally)... few weeks after, he asked why it's not getting better - did he seek medical advice? went to a podiatrist? No.

Sometimes, people has their ups and downs. How can I help my family when they are in the downs? My sister and brother used to not tell me the problems that we are facing. They usually keep things to themselves. So, I am usually left in the dark. How can I talk to my family, find ways to help them when it is so awkward to confront them? When they would rather keep a strong facade instead of sharing their problems...

It's just hard, I guess, to separate personal from professionalism.. but I hope, somehow I could reach out to my family and let them know that they could talk to me and I won't judge them. That's one thing that I learned from nursing and from life - never judge a person, it's not your place to judge anyone.

~~~o~~~o~~~o~~~

I have learned that talking ones problems, thoughts, worries helps. It relieves the stress, the burden that you are carrying, you find support from people who cares for you and you could rationalized things better. Talking makes you see a better picture of the situation. Advise may be given, comments may have uttered, it may be not be the best advise or the words that you want to hear, but not all advises are meant to be accepted, advises are there for you to understand/see better. Decisions are still made by you. Comments may snap you back to reality, but oftentimes that's all that we need.

Second and Second

After two years of not hanging out, we once again saw each other, this time, no one's missing.

Ernesto and Marjorie was actually the planner of this hang-out, succeeded by Gretchen who chose the place and made the reservations. We went to Second and Second located at, where else, Second Avenue and Second Street. We only stayed for until 9:45 pm since I still have a doctor's appointment and dance lessons the next day. Gretchen belted her heart out with "Let's Stay Together" and we, as the supporters, cheered loudly for her. People who has been up there with the microphone could really carry a tune, making it harder for those people who are musically challenged in that area. It was still fun nonetheless, Nesty showed up, well that's another props for the night (he is known not to show up because he "forgot" that we were supposed to go out!).

Hoping for a next hang-out, hopefully this time we go clubbing!!! :)

Finally!!!!

After two days that my computer is not connected to the "network", the computer guy finally came in and fix (after I left) yesterday afternoon. I finally have internet once more!!! :) So, what did I do for the past two days with....

Yup! I have been playing around with paint. I guess my "artistic" side shines when boredom hits! I can't believe how much I missed working with computer. It still a wonder what we did back then when internet was only available in one computer and it was dial-up...

***************

Chiqui, sent out E-vites for her wedding... "Save The Date". She is getting married in Davao on December 9, 2006. At first, she invited to attend her wedding. Few months back, she told me that she wants me to be her maid-of-honor, although I was the third one on her list, I still am touched. Our friendship began at BMCC during a Dosage Calculations class. I wasn't sure at first if she was filipino, since she looks Chinese (look who's talking!), but so did she with me. Our acquaintance began with Christopher... since then, we just spent so much time giggling and sharing life's experiences. We may not talk on the phone every single day or see each other twice or thrice a year. Each time we do talk or meet up, it's just like picking up from yesterday, sounds cliche, I know.. but it's true.

Now, my dilemma - I'm going to Manila on September for my uncle's birthday celebration. I decided to go since it makes more sense rather than start working in a hospital now, only to have to quit to go to Manila on December for Christmas and New Year. Chiqui is somehow begging me to be there on her wedding in Davao, because if I don't go, she won't have a maid-of-honor. How can I do that to her? Her other friends have real, valid reason why they can't go. I on the other hand, could go, it's just a matter of how. She offered to take care of my stay in Davao, meaning all I have to do is pay for the fare to Manila and back here in New York. If I do decide to go, I would only be staying there for two weeks - the most. I haven't gone to Davao, the only places that I have been to outside Manila is Iloilo. It would be a really great opportunity for me to see more of Philippines and visit the Pearl Farm. Do I go, and just stay a week in Manila and a week in Davao? Do I not go and disappoint a friend on her day? Wish things are much easier than they are....

A Shout Out To My Mommy

I just want to take this opportunity to thank my mommy for getting us the dance lessons. She could have just given just me or Horacio and once a week class for a month, instead she paid for BOTH of us and we are taking the twice a week classes. :) We won't just be taking the salsa class, but we are also taking the Rhumba/Chacha beginners classes in Wednesdays. This is just amazing!! THANK YOU SO MUCH MOM!!! :) Horacio and I really appreciate this. :)


***************

A Diary of a Mad Black Woman

We took our chance in watching this movie yesterday, just to kill time while waiting for mom to be done with her nails. At first, I thought it was going to be one of those wacky movie. It left me in tears!!! This movie is really nice, not only it reflects Christian values, but also the soundtrack got into me. It's weird how praise and worship or gospel songs could affect me this way. I never thought I would be listening to these songs. I started to appreciate church songs when I moved here in New York few years back and went to church with my mom. The church plays different songs each Sunday, unlike in Manila where they would play the same songs each and every Sunday (melody may change). Then, Horacio got me into listening to this praise and worship songs that he has. At first, I tried to dodge it and tell him that I haven't chance upon the CD that he lent me. One day, while hanging out with a friend at her dorm room, she was listening to this song and it just got me. Then I started listening to Horacio's CD, uploaded them into my ipod... and now, I enjoy listening to them.

In closing, I highly recommend you to watch this. It's really nice and it's just full of life's lesson.

Lessons in Salsa

As most of you know that when it comes to the dance floor, I am usually the last one to get up, better yet, by butt is glued to the seat. So, what is all the craze about taking ballroom dancing? I can't really put a finger into it. Let's go back a couple memories back...

During my first few years here in New York, whenever I would go clubbing with my friends at work, it would take so much effort for them to get me on the dance floor. Subsequently, I would give in for a quarter of a song and go back to my seat. When I go out clubbing with my mom's friend, Tito Vic, I could dance with him.

Then college life start, specifically nursing life. My friends would make me plan a night of dinner and clubbing, and still, much effort needed to get me off my seat. Then, one night, we decided to go to the "party" at Discotheque that the Hunter Senate sponsored. It turned out, there were no seats in the club, only a bar and the dance floor. So, I get a bit tipsy, and with no other choice danced with my friends. I find myself enjoying and dancing as I was sobering up. I went home and woke up the next morning with muscle pains in places I thought never existed, and wanting to go out dancing once again. Having Horacio who loves to go dancing, made it easier for us to go out clubbing. We went out a couple of times and enjoyed our times, even when there's no alcohol in our system. It was fun.

Few months ago, this T.V. station started airing competition on ballroom dancing, oen of them is called "Dancing With The Stars" which my aunt religiously followed and eventually getting us hooked on. I enjoyed watching them dancing, having fun and losing weight! Then, it became a part of my dream to learn ballroom dancing, so did Horacio's.

Late last month, Horacio celebrated his birthday. As a gift for him, I got us gift certificat to Fred Astaire's Chelsea Dance Studion for a really good price (it included a 30-minute private lesson and a 50-minute group lesson). We went for the private lesson during his birthday and couldn't wait for the next one.

Today, Horacio and I went for our group lesson on Salsa for beginners. We both went home wanting to attend the another lesson next week (and the following, and the following...). Unfortunately, the once a week group lesson, four times a month, comes with a price... double the price than the gift certificate. I think, if I continue with the dance lessons, I would be more comfortable with myself when it comes to dancing and really dance as if no one is watching.

I hope we could both take dancing lessons again, I would really stick to this one, more so when I used to do yoga. (People who knows me, knows how much dedicated I was with my yoga.) Anyone wants to pay for our dance lessons? We would greatly appreciate it! :)

Tuesday is Science Day

After reading a couple of articles in New York Times, I found myself still looking for things to be done. So, I went to CNN.com to read about more stuff. I haven't read so much news in my life during the morning, especially in the morning. I have been trying to dodge newspaper, news on the television ever since I was a child. I just can't seem to take everything in on top of having violence in the newspaper all over. It seems like it's the same story each and everyday, the only difference are the characters and the setting.

Anyways, just to share what I read and my opinions about it.

Breastfeeding in Public

There is a group called lactivist who promote breastfeeding. A lot of people frown at mothers who breastfeed their babies in public. Yeah, it could be so awkward, especially having men around looking at your bare bossom. Like what they said, a breast is a breast is a breast to most man, even if there is a baby attached to it. Sad, I know. Think about it though, what can one do if the baby is hungry and they are stuck, let's say, on a subway? Would you really want a wailing child next to you or a mother breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is highly recommended for babies until the age of two. Breastmilk could also easily go bad and it's a bad idea to store it in room temperature. I personally have mixed emotionss about this, I am not sure if I would be comfortable breastfeeding in public, but I also don't mind if moms breastfeed in front of me.

On AIDS

In Saudi Arabia, it said that there is about 10,000 people reported to have HIV/AIDS, but the real, unreported cases is estimated to be aorund 80,000. Wow!! Those are really big numbers. I don't know what the population number is in Saudi Arabia, but still, that is alot. According to the article, AIDS is still taboo in the country and that it is SLOWLY just coming into the open. That alot of people are not aware that they have it, especially the women. A good number of them are giving birth and without them knowing, passing the disease to theur offspring. Most people as well have a hard time looking for employment for it would require testing, and once found out, they are turned away. Most can't tell their families what they are going through and really can't confide to someone. There is an AIDS conference going on right now (I think) in Canada, and they are discussing ways on how to treat it, since the virus could be really smart and hide in places in our body that the treatment can't reach. I have encountered people with HIV/AIDS during my clinicals, and hearing their stories and how they contracted it, most of the time, blows me away. I pray that cure for this disease be found and that people who has this disease could find comfort and support from people around them.

Tapeworms

A tapeworm could live for 20 years and could grow upto 30 feet long in our intestines. They stick onto the walls with their suction-cup like feet. Tapeworms absorb most of the bodies Vit. B-12 which could cause us to have pernicious anemia since B-12 is known as vital vitamin for red blood cell production. I used to think that tapeworms are only found in porks, apparently, these tapeworms are capable of secreting eggs in fresh water and fresh water fishes sometimes feed on these eggs. The case that the New York Times wrote on was about a Jewish wife who tastes the fish raw prior to seasoning. To rid of this tapeworm one needs to go through heavy medication since it is a really menace, and sticks really well in the intestine.

Body Modification

Aside from tatoos and body piercing, people found a new way to make themselves look more "unique" than anyone else. They found a way to put horns on their temples, slice their tongues to make it look snake like, implant magnets on the palms of their hands. Yep, weird, right? These people say that tatoo and boyd piercings are not enough anymore since everybody does it now a days. How much unique can you be? God created us all differently right? Oh well..

Blueberries

My mom has been buying me a crate of these tiny fruits that I could eat a bowl of it in one sitting. These tiny berries are found to be good antioxidants and they carry alot more antioxidants compared to other fruits. They are good in dealing with free radicals in ones body and it's is also good for preventing urinary tract infection. It is also known to delay, if not prevent, certain types of cancer.

Cellphones and Humor

Although not really health related, Iraqis are found to own more advanced cellphones. Amidst the terror of the war, people find humor in their lives. (Read article on nytimes.com) The article reminded me of Filipinos and how they deal with everyday hardships in living. They say that it is seldom that you see a filipino with a sad face for they are always smiling. That humor has been one way for them to cope.

Weekend With Friends

Friday, we had a (really) late lunch - early dinner at Izalco, a Salvadoran restaurant. We had pupusas, guacamole, chicharron pollo, bistec, fried pork and some grilled chicken. We had more than we could take in, so we had some left for take home. On top of that I guanabana shale and Horacio had his banana shake. The place was really homey and the service was great. The server tried her best to explain to us the food, which Horacio had a hard time explaining himself. On our way back home, the ice cream shop around our corner were giving away free scoop of ice cream coupons. At first, we thought it was just one of those usual people giving away fliers for a psychic place or dental clinic. Few taking one and glancing at it, we realized it was a coupon. Horacio and Nancy went back for more, at least three more. We decided to rent a movie then head for our free ice cream. After debating on which movies to rent, and pouting and attempting to throw a tantrum since Horacio was so hard to please and wouldn't agree with my choice of "Turtles Can Fly" and Marleni's "Aquamarine", we settled for "Bee Season" and they settled with "The Hills Have Eyes - Unrated", we headed for our free scoop of ice cream. I had the georgia peach (which was so yummy and made me forget about my movie not being selected for a moment), Nancy had the coffee flavored ice cream, and Marleni had her black raspberry (which didn't make her forget about her unselected movie). As soon as we went home, we talked more and shared stories. We first saw the "Bee Season" which just left us boggled and trying to figure out why and what of the story. Then we readied ourselves for "The Hills Have Eyes" - which I watched a couple of scenes and fell asleep - on purpose! I am really not a big fan of scary movies. I used to watch them and like them, but I think "Sixth Sense" plus our helper scaring the heck out of me by standing and looking like a ghost in the dark! When I woke up few hours later, I saw Marleni, Nancy and Horacio on the dining table having the chocolate cake that I made and the one that Nancy brought and some chips. After their munchies, we saw "A Walk To Remember", this time it was Horacio who slept. After the movie, we all bade each other good night... few minutes later, Nancy asked if she could sleep on the floor with us. :)

We woke up at around nine in the morning and readied ourselves for Coney Island!!! After the hour and a half (or so) train ride, we finally got ourselves in the boardwalk of Coney Island. On contrary to my Nathan's hotdog craving, we had Popeye's chicken and fries, which was equally satisfying for me. :) We walked through the sand and tried to find a spot closer to the shore amidst the crowd. Although the sand was scorching hot, we relieved our almost blistered feet in the cool water of the ocean. It was a great day under the sun, we took turns going into the water, since it was really crowded and there's no way that we could all continuously keep eye on our things. It was so much fun hanging with Marleni and Nancy again. After few hours under the sun, we headed to the boardwalk and saw a pictorial for a wedding, we found it a bit weird, but we guessed that the place could have been significant for the couple. I felt bad for the bridal party though, since the sun was really shining at that hour. Afterwards, Marleni, Nancy and Horacio went to the ever-famous Cyclone. I opted out of it, and volunteered to watch the things instead. Before parting ways with Nancy, we planned to get together again, at least before summer ends, and go to Bear Mountain or have dinner at Mama Mexico within the week.

Oh Man...

Here I am at work, and would be until the clock strikes six. I had the opportunity to call in sick today and be in the sand with my friends. Marleni was trying to convince me to miss a day of work and go to the beach with them. Although Horacio has a driving class today at one, he was willing to call and re-schedule his class. Oh man... if it were only that easy! I mean, I know it's really easy to call in and pretend that you're sick, I have done it several times in the past. On those occassions, I actually either stayed at home or did some errands. The thing is, I can't call in and say that I am not feeling well and come back the following day all nicely tanned. This office is full of politics, and I don't feel like being for judgment, especially when I know that I really am not doing much here at work and that I would soon be setting for the "real" world of nursing (God willing I pass the board exams). I have witnessed a lot of backstabbing once an employee leaves this office. Yes, they say that I do a good job and stuff, and that I would be missed and that they are hoping that I just stay with them. With six years of experience and observing their behaviors... I think I would rather be "nice" and not push the envelop thoroughly. Maybe, just maybe, because my conscience can't just take it.

On the lighter note, for the past few months, I have been trying to solve crossword puzzles and would get Horacio and my brother to finish it with me. It may not be the the New York Times Sunday Crossword.. but it is a start and I get amused by it. Yesterday, after a couple of hours in our Kaplan review, Horacio and I started on the crossword puzzle on AM New York... before the review ended, we finished it!!! Yep! We finished a crossword puzzle! This time, no internet cheating or whatsoever. It was fun and really felt amazing. Horacio kept the newspaper and took it home with him, but as soon as I get my hands on them I'll scan it and post it here. I never thought crossword puzzles would be this so much fun! :)

As The Humidity Rise

Today's forecast is around 100-something degrees. As my family, co-workers and friends continuously complain about the summer heat I, on the other hand, is wishing (and hoping) that I am lying on the sands, soaking up the sun and refreshing myself in the salty water - then repeat.

I don't know since when I ever enjoyed and loved the beach. I used to detest it due to the sand. Probably eversince I stopped burning and started tanning. Before I would turn beet red under the sun and be uncomfortable for the following days. Now, I no longer suffer. Most people would compliment me with my tan which lasts for about at least 6-10 months. You must think by not that I am such a beach junkie, that you would see me in the beach almost every weekend. Sadly, you're wrong. I wish I was... unfortunately, I got no car and taking the public transportation seems so much a hassle. Due to desperation, though, Horacio and I are planning on going to the beach on Saturday via train and just walk from the train station to the beach.

Oh man... I wish I was in the beach now.