I started writing this post a few days ago. Unfortunately, that post has to be set aside. My thoughts were all scattered. It emerged as a lengthy post filled with shallow rants. Problem is, I think this post is bound to make the same ending. :p As they say, you cannot escape your own monster. A disorganized mind will also breed a messed up post. :p

The first quarter of the year is one of the busiest at work. I have this recurring task that happens on the early months of the year. I organized my schedule and realized that the next weeks would be the most tiring. Truth is, it meant doing one of my not-so-favorite tasks. The work haven't started yet, but half of me is looking forward for its ending. If it is not too much ask, I wish my other struggles would temporarily go away or at least tone down. Or maybe, a well-behaved skin and manageable hair would work. Looking decent after a day of work is a silly yet rewarding wish for every member of the female populace. 

Before everything gets messed up (literally and figuratively), here are some photos from last week.


Books and postcards - The constant view during weekends and my Sunday posts. Friends have been sending postcards showcasing flowers. It gives me a feel of spring but more of summer in my country. 

Beautiful Sunday # 306 - Ready or not

I started writing this post a few days ago. Unfortunately, that post has to be set aside. My thoughts were all scattered. It emerged as a lengthy post filled with shallow rants. Problem is, I think this post is bound to make the same ending. :p As they say, you cannot escape your own monster. A disorganized mind will also breed a messed up post. :p

The first quarter of the year is one of the busiest at work. I have this recurring task that happens on the early months of the year. I organized my schedule and realized that the next weeks would be the most tiring. Truth is, it meant doing one of my not-so-favorite tasks. The work haven't started yet, but half of me is looking forward for its ending. If it is not too much ask, I wish my other struggles would temporarily go away or at least tone down. Or maybe, a well-behaved skin and manageable hair would work. Looking decent after a day of work is a silly yet rewarding wish for every member of the female populace. 

Before everything gets messed up (literally and figuratively), here are some photos from last week.


Books and postcards - The constant view during weekends and my Sunday posts. Friends have been sending postcards showcasing flowers. It gives me a feel of spring but more of summer in my country. 
Today, we laid my last grandparent to rest. My Grandpa, who everyone fondly called Lolo, was reunited with my Lola (Grandma) on her birthday.

The last years of  Lolo involved countless trips to the hospital. It started with eyesight problems. He developed problems in his digestive system. Later, his excretory system was affected. He underwent a sensitive operation two years ago. He recovered only to suffer from stroke last year. We celebrated his 93rd birthday last November and the past months meant seeing him deteriorate. Though we live in the same city, I rarely see my Lolo. It was my cousins, uncles and aunties who ensured his safety and comfort.

Last Thursday, I fell asleep in our living room after a long day at work. Around 10 pm, my phone has been receiving endless calls and text messages. My cousins were looking for my Dad. Lolo was at his worst stage. The entire family spent the last hours of the day until Lolo held his last breath. It was a painful moment for the family. But in my heart, it will always be one of the most heart warming experiences with my family. 

Grandpa

Today, we laid my last grandparent to rest. My Grandpa, who everyone fondly called Lolo, was reunited with my Lola (Grandma) on her birthday.

The last years of  Lolo involved countless trips to the hospital. It started with eyesight problems. He developed problems in his digestive system. Later, his excretory system was affected. He underwent a sensitive operation two years ago. He recovered only to suffer from stroke last year. We celebrated his 93rd birthday last November and the past months meant seeing him deteriorate. Though we live in the same city, I rarely see my Lolo. It was my cousins, uncles and aunties who ensured his safety and comfort.

Last Thursday, I fell asleep in our living room after a long day at work. Around 10 pm, my phone has been receiving endless calls and text messages. My cousins were looking for my Dad. Lolo was at his worst stage. The entire family spent the last hours of the day until Lolo held his last breath. It was a painful moment for the family. But in my heart, it will always be one of the most heart warming experiences with my family. 
Truth to be told, I wasn't aware of the first Big Bad Wolf Book Sale in Manila. Barely a week before its opening date, my cousin told me about this grandest book sale. I later searched for leads and reviews. Much to my surprise, the event has been ongoing for years in other Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. It will be the first attempt to have it in Manila.

Those who know me well can easily figure out that events like this easily attracts my weak shopaholic EQ. :p I was determined to join the flock of book shoppers. Although part of me felt reluctant because I already went to National Bookstore's first Book Binge Bazaar, I'm more than contented with the Manila International Book Fair every September, I have more than enough books for the year and I'm saving up for an item in my bucket list. :) What convinced me to join was the responses and encouragement of fellow bloggers from Malaysia and Indonesia. Added to this, I have a group of "enablers" within my family. So off we went to World Trade Center at 1:00 am. We wanted to avoid the crowd, so we thought that the wee hours in the morning was the best time. I guess this is one of the best features of this event. It's the first book sale in Manila that runs for 24 hours. 



  • February 19, 2018

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale in Manila, Philippines : My Shopping Review

Truth to be told, I wasn't aware of the first Big Bad Wolf Book Sale in Manila. Barely a week before its opening date, my cousin told me about this grandest book sale. I later searched for leads and reviews. Much to my surprise, the event has been ongoing for years in other Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. It will be the first attempt to have it in Manila.

Those who know me well can easily figure out that events like this easily attracts my weak shopaholic EQ. :p I was determined to join the flock of book shoppers. Although part of me felt reluctant because I already went to National Bookstore's first Book Binge Bazaar, I'm more than contented with the Manila International Book Fair every September, I have more than enough books for the year and I'm saving up for an item in my bucket list. :) What convinced me to join was the responses and encouragement of fellow bloggers from Malaysia and Indonesia. Added to this, I have a group of "enablers" within my family. So off we went to World Trade Center at 1:00 am. We wanted to avoid the crowd, so we thought that the wee hours in the morning was the best time. I guess this is one of the best features of this event. It's the first book sale in Manila that runs for 24 hours. 





You have always wished for "long life." You had it in 93 years, thank you for everything Lolo! Heaven gained another beautiful person. 
  • February 18, 2018

Beautiful Sunday # 305 - Grandpa



You have always wished for "long life." You had it in 93 years, thank you for everything Lolo! Heaven gained another beautiful person. 
The unexpected - This was the theme of the past week. It started with an unforeseen task. In the middle of the week, I found myself rushing a presentation. It felt like the good old days, back when I was 22 years old. Having been entrusted to present a report felt like a turning point in my career. I was nervous, but I treasure the opportunity. Last week's reporting was a different case. It was scheduled at 2 pm, everyone was sleepy. I'm not sure if I appeared informative or annoying. It later made me exhausted and hungry. In effect, I finished a entire burger meal from Wendy's. The week long efforts of exercising are now worthless. :p

Years ago, I would always feel great after earning a significant accomplishment. The feeling of being accomplished would later translate to motivation and inspiration. Last week, I felt like another useless being. The next days felt tiring and melancholy. I was counting the days  till weekend arrives. Friday came, another evening class finished and finally, the burden of this week was over. 

My weekend started out great because I accommodated my cousin's request. I woke up earlier than my usual Saturday schedule for National Bookstore's Book Binge Bazaar. Much of the books sold are in the genre of Young Adult reads, not really my favorite. I was able to score only three books, much to my relief. Hahaha Because we arrived early, we were able to finish shopping before lunch time. The rest of the weekend was spent at home and attending to some additional work from my freelance assignments. 

Meanwhile, here are photos from the past week

Reading and organizing my pile of letters and postcards

Beautiful Sunday # 304 - The unexpected

The unexpected - This was the theme of the past week. It started with an unforeseen task. In the middle of the week, I found myself rushing a presentation. It felt like the good old days, back when I was 22 years old. Having been entrusted to present a report felt like a turning point in my career. I was nervous, but I treasure the opportunity. Last week's reporting was a different case. It was scheduled at 2 pm, everyone was sleepy. I'm not sure if I appeared informative or annoying. It later made me exhausted and hungry. In effect, I finished a entire burger meal from Wendy's. The week long efforts of exercising are now worthless. :p

Years ago, I would always feel great after earning a significant accomplishment. The feeling of being accomplished would later translate to motivation and inspiration. Last week, I felt like another useless being. The next days felt tiring and melancholy. I was counting the days  till weekend arrives. Friday came, another evening class finished and finally, the burden of this week was over. 

My weekend started out great because I accommodated my cousin's request. I woke up earlier than my usual Saturday schedule for National Bookstore's Book Binge Bazaar. Much of the books sold are in the genre of Young Adult reads, not really my favorite. I was able to score only three books, much to my relief. Hahaha Because we arrived early, we were able to finish shopping before lunch time. The rest of the weekend was spent at home and attending to some additional work from my freelance assignments. 

Meanwhile, here are photos from the past week

Reading and organizing my pile of letters and postcards
I don't have intentions of attending National Bookstore's Book Binge Bazaar. I have more than enough books since December. I also have pending orders from Thrift Books. I've been seeing teasers from National Bookstore's Facebook page, nothing appealed to me. A few days before weekend, my cousin signified her intention. Being the dutiful cousin ;), I woke up earlier than my usual Saturday routine. The early morning trip was worth it because less traffic and surprisingly, SM Megamall wasn't populated yet. 

Walking towards the 5th floor to the mega trade hall was a breeze. The few people inside the mall, particularly the millennials, seem to head to one destination. I love the sight of the younger generation eagerly headed to exhibition hall. Much more when I saw that the flock of Book Binge shoppers were teenage to college kiddies. :) Some came with their parents, but most are with their friends. #FriendshipGoals :p Although my heart bleeds whenever I see them returning books because of budget constraints. Deciding which books to let go, even when their hearts long for that crisp hardbound read. 

As I made my way to the shelves, I realized why this event appealed to the younger populace. Most books belong to the genre of Young Adult (YA). Books written by David Levithan, Kiera Cass, Jenny Han, Meg Leder, Robyn Schneider and Jennifer Smith. There were also great selections of children's books and a few lifestyle books. I was hoping to score a nice coffee table book from the lifestyle section. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything interesting.

Here are photos from the event



  • February 10, 2018

National Bookstore's First Book Binge Bazaar : My Shopping Review

I don't have intentions of attending National Bookstore's Book Binge Bazaar. I have more than enough books since December. I also have pending orders from Thrift Books. I've been seeing teasers from National Bookstore's Facebook page, nothing appealed to me. A few days before weekend, my cousin signified her intention. Being the dutiful cousin ;), I woke up earlier than my usual Saturday routine. The early morning trip was worth it because less traffic and surprisingly, SM Megamall wasn't populated yet. 

Walking towards the 5th floor to the mega trade hall was a breeze. The few people inside the mall, particularly the millennials, seem to head to one destination. I love the sight of the younger generation eagerly headed to exhibition hall. Much more when I saw that the flock of Book Binge shoppers were teenage to college kiddies. :) Some came with their parents, but most are with their friends. #FriendshipGoals :p Although my heart bleeds whenever I see them returning books because of budget constraints. Deciding which books to let go, even when their hearts long for that crisp hardbound read. 

As I made my way to the shelves, I realized why this event appealed to the younger populace. Most books belong to the genre of Young Adult (YA). Books written by David Levithan, Kiera Cass, Jenny Han, Meg Leder, Robyn Schneider and Jennifer Smith. There were also great selections of children's books and a few lifestyle books. I was hoping to score a nice coffee table book from the lifestyle section. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything interesting.

Here are photos from the event



Examination Week, Thrift Books and Unproductivity - These made the past week. I wanted to include Blue Moon, but I was one of the few who didn't give a big deal. ;) I was occupied with other concerns, tired and sleepy. Somewhere along the way, I became affected with some issues aka unfair realities of life. Then again, I have this unending realization that some things like honesty and hard work will never be enough. The struggle is to how to become unaffected, inspired and motivated. Sometimes, the challenge is how to remain decent and truthful, even when dishonesty and taking advantage seemed to become an accepted practice. Sad, but that's how life worked last week. 

I'm trying to recall anything optimistic to cover up another unfortunate experience. A few good old friends, family, cousins, home, moments of laughter, and receiving some words of gratitude and appreciation. Meanwhile, here are other beautiful things that made the past week.

The usual table mess - The hours I don't use any of my social media accounts, emphasis on Facebook, is almost pure bliss. 

Beautiful Sunday # 303 - First of February

Examination Week, Thrift Books and Unproductivity - These made the past week. I wanted to include Blue Moon, but I was one of the few who didn't give a big deal. ;) I was occupied with other concerns, tired and sleepy. Somewhere along the way, I became affected with some issues aka unfair realities of life. Then again, I have this unending realization that some things like honesty and hard work will never be enough. The struggle is to how to become unaffected, inspired and motivated. Sometimes, the challenge is how to remain decent and truthful, even when dishonesty and taking advantage seemed to become an accepted practice. Sad, but that's how life worked last week. 

I'm trying to recall anything optimistic to cover up another unfortunate experience. A few good old friends, family, cousins, home, moments of laughter, and receiving some words of gratitude and appreciation. Meanwhile, here are other beautiful things that made the past week.

The usual table mess - The hours I don't use any of my social media accounts, emphasis on Facebook, is almost pure bliss. 
I cannot exactly remember where and how I discovered Thrift Books. The least I can recall was my attempt to search for cheaper copies of Nick Bantock's Griffin and Sabine's Trilogy. Local bookstores offer each book in the series for Php 900 (around $ 18). Meanwhile, second hand copies from Thrift Books ranged from $ 3 to 7. I didn't think twice then. I purchased the books and it was another happy shopaholic story. :) 



What exactly is Thrift Books? As the name suggests, it offers the cheapest deals for second hand books. While I can always go to local shops such as Book Sale or Book for Less, Thrift Books had me over the widest selections. Almost all titles I have in mind have second hand copies. 
  • February 02, 2018

Where to buy second hand books online : My Shopping Experience at Thriftbooks.com

I cannot exactly remember where and how I discovered Thrift Books. The least I can recall was my attempt to search for cheaper copies of Nick Bantock's Griffin and Sabine's Trilogy. Local bookstores offer each book in the series for Php 900 (around $ 18). Meanwhile, second hand copies from Thrift Books ranged from $ 3 to 7. I didn't think twice then. I purchased the books and it was another happy shopaholic story. :) 



What exactly is Thrift Books? As the name suggests, it offers the cheapest deals for second hand books. While I can always go to local shops such as Book Sale or Book for Less, Thrift Books had me over the widest selections. Almost all titles I have in mind have second hand copies. 

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Thank you for visiting :) My name is Diane and welcome to my home in the blogosphere. Please feel free to explore my posts and check my ABOUT ME page.

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