Not ready for goodbye....

This week has probably been one of the most intoxicating week in the history of my existence. This whole time I have been thinking a lot like my brain’s gonna explode or will lead me to having a brain tumor for that matter. I have a feeling when I got to be a lot older more than my age right now, I’m gonna have that tumor that I would carry with me until the day I would die. That would probably be my biggest fear, but who knows really. But hey, I won’t be talking about who’s and who’s not gonna die in here too soon. HAHA!

The whole time of the week I was just clothed and populated with so much drama and a lot of people had been affected and probably disturbed by my craziness. I’ve been telling a close friend, I might have this manic depression or bipolar disorder disease with me for a while now. Have you ever felt like one day you’re having fun, your happy, celebrating life with friends who laugh at your corny jokes and then suddenly you changed mood and you got to be sad just out of nowhere? I guess that would be me. It’s like I could change mood in a snap, a very impulsive attitude that I have with me eversince.

The whole drama of the week did not rest easy on me. I was tired, an emotional kind of tired. And probably I’m ok by now. I wouldn’t be writing this if I’m not. And if I don’t write on this blog then two things might gonna happen. People would talk bad about me inaccurately and second I would become even more crazier. I think I’m a good person and all that matters is that I’m gonna be ok.

Perhaps, you might be wondering what would be the reason of all this brouhaha surrounding me all this week. I would give you two valid reasons, work and matters of the heart. Work? I can handle. Heart? Hmmm probably not. But it took me days to figure and sort things out. I just had to redeem myself afterall. I was even confiding and pouring out to my friend J, that I would probably be shaving my head this weekend so people would know that there really is something wrong with me. But unfortunately it took me this long to admit and realized that its not ok to do that, that it’s not ok to be sad all the time. A part of me would probably be ashamed if that would happen. A part of me? Like my brain? That part…

Well, I’ve had my bad experiences in relationships before for the sole reason that I did not wait for the right guy to come. I just followed my instinct and took the risk. Sure I did not wait any of it from happening because I wouldn’t be the strong person I am today if I haven’t experience those. But if I could just have waited, maybe it going to be a much sweeter experienced. But I have no regrets. I’ll stick to my decision that after all this time, I’d like to shout it out that I’m not ready for goodbye, not just yet. I’d probably just be thinking of the good side of all this. That in the end things would look a lot like I’m heaven on earth even if it had to come a little pain in my heart. The good part is what he reiterated to me yesterday that what I have felt for him is normal and everyone had probably experienced what I have experienced. That was such a relief especially coming from him.

Anyway, so much of that, I have done my research on bipolar disorder just to keep me reminded all the time and you might as well made use of this.

Bipolar disorder is not a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood, clinically referred to as mania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes which present with features of both mania and depression. These episodes are normally separated by periods of normal mood, but in some patients, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, known as rapid cycling. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymia based on the type and severity of mood episodes experienced.

Also called bipolar affective disorder until recently, the current name is of fairly recent origin and refers to the cycling between high and low episodes; it has replaced the older term manic-depressive illness coined by Emil Kraepelin (1856-1926) in the late nineteenth century. The new term is designed to be neutral, to avoid the stigma in the non-mental health community that comes from conflating "manic" and "depression."

Onset of symptoms generally occurs in young adulthood. Diagnosis is based on the person's self-reported experiences, as well as observed behavior. Episodes of illness are associated with distress and disruption, and a relatively high risk of suicide. Studies suggest that geneics, early environment, neurobiology, and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found. Bipolar disorder is usually treated with medications and/or therapy or counseling. The mainstay of medication are a number of drugs termed mood stabilizers, in particular lithium and sodium valproate; these are a group of unrelated medications used to prevent relapses of further episodes. Antipsychotic medications, sometimes called neuroleptics, in particular olanzapine, are used in the treatment of manic episodes and in maintenance. The benefits of using antidepressants in depressive episodes is unclear. In serious cases where there is risk to self and others involuntary hospitalization may be necessary; these generally involve severe manic episodes with dangerous behaviour or depressive episodes with suicidal ideation. Hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years.

Some studies have suggested a significant correlation between creativity and bipolar disorder. However, the relationship between the disorder and creativity is still very unclear. One study indicated increased striving for, and sometimes attaining, goals and achievements. While the disorder affects people differently, individuals with bipolar disorder tend to be much more outgoing and daring than individuals without bipolar disorder. The disorder is also found in a large number of people involved in the arts. It is an ongoing study as to why many creative geniuss had bipolar disorder.

GUESS WHAT, I’M NO GENIUS. Now I’m LOL.

Our very own REYNA ELENA....

Nothing last forever, there goes the old familiar saying. There always come a time when you know you have to say goodbye and I’ve reached that point again. I was actually talking about my friend Rommel.

As I write this, he might be all set, geared up and had packed his things and ready to go.

A few weeks ago I promise Rommel that I would write about him and feature him here at my blog like I always do to my other friends who leave or not. I’ve been contemplating about what to say, in a positive way. It’s not that I’ve been running out of words but because of the many things I wanted to write about him.

Rommel and I have been friends for almost six years now. He is one of my oldest friends here in Riyadh. I always knew from the start, the moment I met him that we would become good friends to some degree.

Rommel for me is well, Rommel. I remember one time on our way to the EP forever years ago. We would hitch in this 10-wheeler truck in the middle of the desert with a stranger who drives us four hours way through to the EP. It was an adventure. We arrived to the place safe and sound though.

One of the many things I liked ‘bout Rommel is, he’s being adventurous and outgoing, it weird’s me out sometimes. Our adventure to the EP is just one of the many crazy memorable things we have shared over the years.

Rommel has come a long way since he first arrived in the Kingdom. He accomplished a lot of things. He came up with the idea and put up the now successful QIL for one. The now inactive LAPEMTS. He has become a member and an officer of the Mabuhay Toastmasters Club for years. He has recently been teaching IT at COMSOFIL and I had the chance to sit-in at one of his class one time. Though he was nervous at first but he came out very good at it.

The leadership quality of Rommel continues while serving as an officer of RAGI whom I was a member too. Not to mention he’s a good dancer and an efficient public speaker. And the list goes on and on…. There are just some people who are meant to stand out. Rommel is one of them. That’s the thing with him, he never felt he needed to prove to people that he was good. He is comfortable with the fact that he is. For him, it came naturally.

You might think Rommel is perfect but he’s not. I’ve witnessed his imperfections esp. when his inlove and I too can relate to him sometimes. It felt like Rommel and I had something in common in so many ways.

Rommel’s life has always been a roller coaster. There is nothing that exhilarates him more than his family back in the Philippines. I mean, his father passed away a couple of years ago, but he showed how strong he was as a person. I held his hand when his father died and he held mine when I cried because of love. He’s family is all that’s he’s ever got aside from us.

Nothing seemed to bother Rommel, much to his surprise, even. He came out of this knowing how strong he really was. These are things we can only hope for and that we ourselves will realize in our own time.

So it’s hard for me to see Rommel go.

Personally, I've never been very good at good-byes. I see someone walking into the boarding area at the airport, or getting into a bus or a car and there's something sad about it. Saying good-bye to someone like Rommel whom I've gotten to know for years is daunting to say the least. It feels as though a family is losing an important member. Those who thought they were alone with their problems discovered they had people to share them with.

My love goes out to you, Miss Reyna Elena and best wishes for the future.

Here it goes, just as I promise you a special feature at my blog. I guess you wouldn’t be called Reyna Elena for no reason at all.

Long live the queen, choz!

Too little too late...

Weekend in the ME is over. Today is Saturday which means I’m back at work. I know this week is going to be tough for me again coz of the many many things I had to deal with. For one, my gut feeling is telling me to quit working and give up my job. Easy for me to say coz I had my agency to look after me and they could just find another job in another company.

After a year of simply putting up with the demands of the department where I work with right now finally I realized I had enough. In fact last week I’ve been doing crazy things at the office like coming late, doing sub-standard work, reading newspaper at my desk while having coffee, self-declared off and absences, going home early than the normal time which is 6PM, putting off a lot of things, etc etc. which I think they must have notice but didn’t give a shit. Aside from that, I was very vocal in telling them that if they don’t like me then they could just fire me anytime. I’m confident in telling this to some of them coz I know there’s something waiting for me. A better work, nice people and the timing is just perfect. Some of them totally understand where all this complains and whining came from. I’m just hoping my antics will paid off, but from the look of it, it won’t happen just yet.

So much of that, another interesting and unexpected turn-out of event that happen to me last weekend. I had to transfer room. It was never a plan at all but it happened. Prior to my transfer there’s a buzz going on ‘bout the transfer of some of my fellow housemates but I wasn’t really into it. I was like who cares. They could transfer all they want but I’m gonna stick my butt at my old room. Then rl went on to say if I like to transfer in there room other than this new guy who is supposed to transfer in their room. My first reaction, I said whatever and then after a few seconds of thinking, out of nowhere I said yes. Hahahah. I know deep down inside me wants to and I know there’s gonna be some of them won’t and it’s actually obvious to some of their faces. But who cares. I think I’m gonna be happy with my new roommates now. I’m hoping they won’t show their true colors along the way. Gosshhh after all that I have gone thru, the transfer was a bit exhausting and time consuming. Rl was nice enough to ask me the next day how was my first night…hahaha! Does he have to? Grrr…made me shiver!

Anyway, don’t you think the transfer was too little too late. I should have done it before!

Rollercoaster...

The past week had been a struggle for me personally. I felt like I was in a rollercoaster ride once again trying to unravel everything worthy unraveling about. But in the end, it’s all good, it’s all good. I was just amaze at how I was able to ironed things out. Every single thing. There’s just so many people to thank about. Friends who’s always up there to rescue me all the time. Friends who just never give up on me. Not yet I guess. How could I ever thank them? I know there are a lot of ways how. Countless ways to say thank you and that is exactly what I should do.

It reminded me that we should always try to spend quality moments with friends. I’ve been away from my family for so long that I consider my friends as my family whether they like it or not.

Obviously, as we get older it becomes harder to make time with our work schedules but it’s important to always put in a few minutes with them. Even if it’s just a cup of coffee for 10 minutes in the morning before you begin your day. Or maybe watch American Idol together. Sounds really fun!

It may not seem like much but I believe that those are the moments we all hold on to when we all have to be on our separate ways soon (drama). It’s the five minutes you spent with them laughing over a joke or even the half hour when you held their hand while they cried or when I cried ( tnx M). Memories, both the good and the bad, are all will be left of us and we should all have as many of them as possible.

These last few months have been amazing for me on that account, because I’ve been able to spend time with all of those who truly matter to me. I’ve go to spend time with friends and I always get my 20-minute (at least) catch-up time with them over the week or a lunch or two on Thursdays and Fridays, and if not, then definitely a cup of coffee every morning. It’s really nice to have these times to look forward to in my week. It’s surreal, it’s amazing. My friend Jaleesa should know…hahaha!

I’ve had my own little brush with the ever-turning circle of life this week. And I have to say I am humbled and awed by the thought of how all-encompassing it is. It’s amazing to think that this happens every single day. As simple a conclusion as it may be, it makes me appreciate my own life and every single day I have to live it.

Britney and her fans. A complicated Relationship....

brit now....blackout era

brit then...In the Zone era

For the past weeks I have been hearing multiple 'fans' saying: Britney is fat, Britney is pregnant, Britney is ugly, Britney needs blonde hair etc. And you can block out the first 'fan' saying it, and the 2nd but at the 3rd one you start to wonder: Is this normal? Are these people allowed to call themself fans? In my opinion I say: NO.

Being a fan is like a marriage. You choose to be a fan of one person and with that you accept the good but you also need to accept those bad things. You need to be there for them and support them when they're down. You can't just stop being a fan when the person is going thru a rough pattern for a while. Would you be happy if you were down, hospitalized, lost custody of your children and on top of that having a 'fan' calling you fat?

Fans do not kick you down, fans do not want you to get an eating disorder or whatever. In the end Britney is the boss of her own life. The Britney from 2002 does no longer exist. A person grows, gets mature and experiences things in his life. No one can stay the same they were, no one.

And on a final note: Who are we to judge? We arent perfect! We're also humans, and we make mistakes too and so does Britney. So why don't you judge yourself first and then Britney.

American Idol Craze....

Since I started watching American Idol season 7 last week, I’ve been hooked with the show unknowingly. Laugher, comedy, all-the-drama and stories to tell by all the featured contestants. All in one package. The show has so much to offer. You can never be bored with AI.

I never really like AI that much but I don’t dislike it either. I have watched one or two episodes from the previous seasons. Now it’s a different story. I even watch my favorite contestant on youtube all the time and like patiently waiting for it to upload.

Almost everyone in the house watch AI since the 9 epi spread quickly. It all started with me and then everyone follows. Right now, I have my utorrent up in running with 3 episodes on the queue.

In AI, you will be able to witness the best and the worst of auditions. People with different talent or humorous potential, personalities and human interest all come together and show to the three judges what they got during the preliminaries upto the Hollywood round to the finale.

This season I have my own predictions and compiled my favorite contestants who I think has the most potential to win. I know it’s too early but what the heck…

1) Michael Johns – First on my list. The first time I heard him sing was during his audition in San Diego. I started to like him when he sang Bohemian Rhapsody during the Hollywood round. I think I’m inlove with his voice. He’s almost like a pro. I love you Michael Johns!!!! You’re my American Idol!

2) Ramiele Malubay - being the only asian-american among the group and a filipina. She’s definitely one of my favorite to win the competition. She’s the little girl with the big voice. The moment she open her mouth and sing, wow. She captured my heart with her rendition of "You don’t have to say you love me". Filipinos all over the world would be rooting for this girl to win that’s for sure. Go go go Ramiele!!!

3) Brooke White – the nanny. I like the husky/sultry tone of her voice. She’s very talented and plays the piano. During her audition, she admitted to never having seen a rated-R movie due to having strict parents, prompting Cowell to state that the show will "bring her over to the dark side." Brooke White is definitely the girl to watch.

4) Carly Smithson – this girl has a fantastic voice. Simon would comment; every single contestant must be scared of her. She nailed every song she sang. Definitely the one to beat.

5) David Archuleta – 17 y/o, with a voice of an adult. He’s a former star search finalist and a heartthrob potential and has a100% likability factor in him. He’s really cute. Everyone, watch out for him!!!

6) Danny Noriega – The Jessica Alba look-alike. I like the cockiness and the confidence of this guy. He has an attitude of a diva and I like that. He’s very confident and a fashionista as well. My people would definitely vote for him.

Go go go, watch American Idol and vote for your favorite contestant.

Break the ice again....

It’s been a while; I know I have not made any update on my blog lately. Remember the tax seminar that I have been talking about before? It’s over since last week, but still here I am running out of topic to post. I choose not to post anything about the seminar, though. It makes me sick just the thought of it. Grrrr….

There are days that I just run out of words to say out here. I haven’t even blog hop. Or maybe the lazy part of me just overtakes the not-so-lazy part of me. I admit I can be lazy at times. It always took me a while to recover and get my groove back and be enthusiastic again. Something must trigger me to post again. Something must inspire me to write again. Inspiration? I guess that is what I needed the most.

As I write this, I was thinking of how I wanted to give up on my blog. Last night was a battle between good and evil. Many times I’ve been thinking to let go of my blog and try something new, yet many times it just didn’t happen. There is still this strong desire in me to still go on.

And while all this is going on, I have decided to keep my blog and act responsibly as I could but I liberate myself from the expectations of others, especially those that get in the way of my personal growth and expression. Which means I can still take control of my life and do whatever it is that is closest to my heart and not somebody telling me what to do. That’s just the way it is.

I know part of me would be disappointed if I’d give up. I just have to keep the faith and keep on believing in myself that I could still do this.

No pressure, whatsoever!

Nuff said…

P.S. Thanks KrisJ, Mark, Lalye, J and Rob for the visit.

Stupid cupid...

Big Pink Heart...

I'm off to party tonight at ranco alone with my friends. Rl's not gonna be there and it's fine, so i'd probably enjoy the party with them. V-day may not be the most pressing thing for me this year, but it'll be ok. Instead of enterntaining cupid i'd rather enjoy the moment with myself alone and get in control of myself again.

Happy V-day to all of you my blogger friends!

Mumu etc...

A week has past and I have not updated my blog. There’s just so many things going on around me, professionally and personally and so I had to prioritize things. Yeah, I am extremely busy these days. The job is the big culprit. The tax seminar for one, which worries me the most, I think you might know about this being the topic of my previous post. But I can say I have done my best on this and people at my workplace kinda appreciate my efforts and that what keeps me going. I call this self-fulfillment. Never mind if I’m not reli compensated well.

Personally, I can handle things like I always do and get away with it a little bit smooth. It’s rough sometimes to deal with people and it has been a challenge for me eversince. I may not be ok in some aspect of my life right now. I just have to think I’m going to be ok.

Anyway, so much with that, I’m posting some pictures taken last thursday at Mark’s despidida party.

We had fun Mark! We will truly miss you!

EY - Quality in everything we do

EY - Middle East

Since archie has left EY for a couple weeks now, I have been pre occupied with so many things to do at the office. I have never been this busy so far in my entire career being an assistant. FYI, not just an assistant for one person, but an assistant of the entire tax dept. of EY Riyadh. Beat that!.har! har! har!

I know archie won’t be coming back to work with us anymore and I have no freakin’ idea what to say if people would ask me upfront especially the partners. Where the hell is he? I just don’t know what to say. Sometimes I thought of telling them what the real status of archie’s return a couple of days from now as agreed between him and EY, but I keep mum about it. I don’t wanna feel like I’m the traitor of all this. I will let them discover for themselves and let khalda do the explaining for all I care.

Right now, i had to juggle myself with small stuff at the office and this upcoming tax and zakat seminar. God, it's like my whole day at the office had been consumed with this seminar. Soon as this will be over, then i'm free again.

Ok, i had to cut this short. Let me start my saturday morning with some follow-up phone calls to EY clients. With what else? tax seminar, come on!!!!

Hmmm, wish me luck ppl. I hope my calls won't piss them off.