MARIPOSA'S TALES

Two Years, Already?

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:56:00 +0000

Time flies so fast...

I just turned 2 years with my Company...and I didn't even realize it.
Two years ago I left Cebu and join "my" call center. So many things had happened...good, not so good...but I am very happy to get this far.

I came to the office yesterday to have a meeting with the Boss. He started with do you know what date is today? Today is a special day...then we looked back together 2 years back. To say I am very proud of what we have accomplished is an understatement. Being where I am is one of the best things that I did for myself.

Nothing New But Nothing Usual

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:50:00 +0000

PhotoHunt: POINT

I have been struggling with my schedule and for the past weeks I've been telling myself to join PhotoHunt again...I'm NOT going to fail myself this week. Huh!

This is what I got last minute...I always do this to my hair!

I wish everyone a great weekend!

Still Loving You

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:17:00 +0000

sitting here alone

in awe of how i still feel

after all these years

OMG...It's Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:45:00 +0000

It's Friday already!?!

Time flies so fast...I need more than 24 hours a day...and I need that pill that would allow me to be up for 4 days. I have been so busy for the past weeks yet I try to make sure to visit this place and take few minutes break. I have never been so tired and tense and sick in my life...yet I don't think I would also want it any other way. Life is so highly dynamic and complicated...and I am! :)

So I'm here with Friday Fill-Ins...

1. Finally, I am able to smile despite the hectic schedule.

2. This new role sure takes some getting used to!

3. Dad says: he will always be with us.
He passed away last December and I miss him so much...

4. Yummy is my favorite nick name for the IT Guy.

5. It took a long time, but I'm slowly getting the grip.

6. This role I have has taken so much of me though I wouldn't have it any other way.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing all documentation I need for our PCI Audit, tomorrow my plans include having a good work session with my staff and Sunday, I want to attend to mass!
I need more than luck for next week...hope you guys would share some of those lucky charms with me!

I wish you all a kick-ass weekend! Take care!

Love,

To Love and Be Loved

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:14:00 +0000

LOVE is ...when you meet somebody better and you still stay with the person you promised to be with.

Yesterday I woke with these flowers delivered to my house, didn't expect for the IT Guy to bother since he was here over the weekend and being from another island can be quites a challenge to organize and sed something...specially that he has been quite busy the past weeks.

So I guess he loves me. He has stayed with my for 8 years now. Despite the person I am. With all my infirmities...and so forth.

Honey...words cannot express how grateful I am to have you with me. I look forward to each day because I know you are with me despite the distance. Thank you very much for everything and I love you!

Yours always,

Mariposa

P.S. I wish you all a great week, and Happy not so WORDLESS WEDNESDAY!

Back With Friday Fill-Ins

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:37:00 +0000

It's FLY Day...and Monday seems just yesterday. Time flies so fast.
I need a break...so here goes my Friday Fill-ins!

1. When it comes time to make a decision, I always try to see the bigger picture.

2. FAIRNESS that must be the rule.

3. Ma says, you can't hurry love. Haha!

4. Happy at the same time bithcy.

5. I never saw you smile.

6. BS not a new invention.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to gettting a facial, tomorrow my plans include eating out and Sunday, I want to go shopping with the IT Guy!

I wish you all a happy FLY Day!!!

Facts About Chocolates

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:06:00 +0000

It is nice to be back...

Things are not so well with me. Just so much to do...so little time. For the past days, while I'm not really fond of them, chocolates have been my company at the office. so for this week's Thursday 13...let's talk about CHOCOLATES!

1. It is believed that chocolate was originally used more than 2,500 years ago in Central America. The Mayan civilisation considered Cacao to be a divine gift and held it in high regard. It was used for ceremonies and as a form of currency. 'Cacao' is a Maya word meaning 'god food' which after being introduced to Europe in the 16th century, was the basis of the Latin name for the Cacao tree 'Theobrama Cacao' meaning 'food for the gods'.

2. 'Chocolate' comes from the Aztec word xocalati which means bitter water.

3. More than 66 percent of the worlds cacao is produced in Africa and 98 percent of the worlds cocoa is produced by just 15 countries.

4. More than twice as many women than men eat and crave for chocolate.

5. It is observed that chocolate cravings cannot be satisfied by any sweet/candy other than chocolate itself. Huh!

6. Chocolate produces the effects of a mild anti-depressant by increasing serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. (No wonder!)

7. Chocolate contains a small quantity of caffeine which emulates mild amphetamine.

8. Although not scientifically proven, chocolate is believed by many, to be an aphrodisiac. The theory is supported by the fact that chocolate does contain among many chemicals the stimulants: caffeine, theobromine, and phenyethylamine.

9. The biggest chocolate structure ever made was a 4,484lb, 10 foot tall, Easter egg, made in Melbourne Australia.

10. 17,000 people in Belgium work in the chocolate industry

11. Despite being high in fat content, chocolate doesn't appear to raise blood cholesterol levels.

12. Allergies to chocolate are uncommon (Good to know!).

13. In 2006 more than 6.5 million tons of chocolate was traded worldwide.

Happy CHOCOLATEy Thursday everyone!!!

My Rose...

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:07:00 +0000

You are beautiful, but you are empty.

One could not die for you.

To be sure, an ordinary passerby

would think that my rose looked just like you--

the rose that belongs to me.

But in herself alone she is more important

than all the hundreds of you other roses:

because it is she that I have watered.

-The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Happy Wordless Wednesday everyone!

The Earth Moves

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:58:00 +0000

saw ripples in my coffee
thought it was magic,
but no! it was the earthquake...

Gong Xi Fa Cai 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:57:00 +0000

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

恭禧發財

It's the first time for the past years that I will be celebrating Chinese New Year away from the IT Guy.
Schedules are quite difficult for us as I just had a long weekend with the Management Team. I'd say one of the best weekend I've spent. Our work session was a success!

2011 was a very challenging year yet full of promises. I hope 2012 will bring more returns.

To all of you who celebrates Chinese New Year, I wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity.

To IT Guy who sent me all the food I need to complete my evening...thank you very much!

Cheers!!!

Merry Christmas To All!

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:28:00 +0000

Today I got the best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. While we miss Papa so much...we're still able to celebrate Christmas in honor of his memory.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!!

May God continue to bless you all...

Beyond...

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 22:00:00 +0000

long weekend it is

anxious to know what's ahead

please give me good news

Saturday Morning Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:55:00 +0000

I am three hours early for my flight to Cebu.

The airport is strategically located in a way that people waiting for boarding are able to enjoy the sunrise. I was just staring at the sunrise few minutes ago...and while sunrise is a thing of beauty to be enjoyed, today sunrise was different. It allowed all the sunken sadness in me to surface. I have never been so sad in my life. I have never felt so lonely...at least not in the past years.

While holding back tears I decided to take my laptop out and blog. This blog has been my sweet refuge and it had carried me through for years now...so I'm here pounding the keys...with whatever that comes to my mind...just to have something worthwhile to do...other than being sad.

I am going home to be with my father. And every time I think of him and his illness I can't help but ask God why. I know there is always a reason for everything...but I have to be honest, I still have yet to find His reason for giving Papa his illness. My friends are telling me for everything there is always a reason to be grateful...and they all tell me I should be grateful that this happens in a time I can afford it...and it has nothing to do with finances at all! I have friends who are very supportive and a boss who is just behind me all the way. All these mean so much to me, yet at times when I am alone, in moment like this, it seems that no amount of comfort in the world can make me feel better. Just NOTHING.

I am not afraid of death. I am learning to let go. But I cannot bear seeing my father suffer. And if only I can share his pain I would. But I can't...just not possible.

All I can do is pray and hope that he gets to have peace and accept what he has, without fear....without blame...without the whys... I want him to be ready.

And what was said in the movie Go Towards The Light that "It's the hardest thing anyone could ever have to do, to help someone they love die." How do we make a love one face death without pain, without fear and ultimately without us?

If I Can't...I'd Rather Not

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0000

every second seemed to heavy to pass
the hands the clock move as if pained
hours in between roil in a seething mass
hours faded away moments just waned
if i can't sleep with you beside me
i'd rather not sleep at all

sleepless eyes open to herald the dawn
rolling and tossing, all attempts in vain
reliving everything that's said and gone
yet another attempt to hide the pain
if i can't wake with you beside me,
i'd rather not wake at all

the little things do not mean the same
without you there's nothing left to see
hope it's not gone for no one's to blame
fervent desire for another chance maybe
if i can't be me with you beside me,
i'd rather not be me at all

November of My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:39:00 +0000

What's up with November?

I remember writing this 5 years ago...

Today was a strange day.
I wanted to scream at someone.Anyone.
I wanted to cry.
I think I need to rent a sad movie and be by myself and just release.
I have no logical reason to feel this way. (Not even PMS is to blame!)
Especally since my attempt at building my dream career is going really well.
Last week was one of the highest points in my life thus far, and never ever thought it could be my lowest!
Maybe that's why I feel so down.
After the high, comes the low.
Maybe it's just because I get this way EVERY November.
Maybe because I need my head examined.
I don't know... all I know is

I'm exhausted
and sad
and elated
and scared
all at the same time.

I also feel like escaping.
Which is another thing that happens every November.

Like I want to be anywhere but HERE.

Anyone but ME.

Unfortunately I just have to go through November to make it to December...something which I always look forward to.

One Miracle...

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:41:00 +0000

I knew something was wrong...

I haven't seen Dad so tired...I haven't seen him weak...and in 2 week time he had grown old so fast.

I have been in several stages of denial...nothing could be wrong. Maybe just one of those days. He had 4 executive check-ups for the past 18 months. Had there been something we should have seen it. The doctors would know...

Yet, all this does not convince me at all. The nosebleeds, the fatigue, the edema, the sugar level...these things are not good signs combined. So I called my Mom and told her to have Dad's liver checked.

My phone rang...it was the doctor on the other line...he started reading to me the results of all tests and ultrasound...I don't have to hear the rest, I don't have to get the details...Dad has liver cirrhosis.

How could that be??? He doesn't drink. If he does...only occasionally. He gets regular tests. He never had any history of Hepatitis. Nothing of sort! What caused it???

To be honest whatever caused is irrelevant. All I know is my Dad is terribly sick and we can lose him any moment. I am happy to note though that he is still in a "good state"right now. He can walk. He can still travel several miles and go to the farm. He can still do some of the chores...

Yet...I know that he is no longer how he used to be.

I am not really sure if I will hit publish as soon as I am done typing whatever is on my head right now. I want to talk about it...and I am talking about it, it's just that I don't think I have told anyone about my feelings about it. You see discussing facts is way different from talking about how you feel about those facts. I just feel I need to tell someone that at some point I am afraid. That I have not been sleeping since I learned about Dad's diagnosis...I just close my eyes and pretend to be asleep.

I look at Dad and wonder if he is aware....aware that he may leave us anytime. I know it will happen anytime to anyone but I just cannot bear the thought of Dad suffering. Plus...how do you feel someone you love get ready for his time? Did it ever occur to you to ask that question? I did ask myself that 10 years ago while watching the movie "Go Towards The Light", and 10 years ago I prayed so hard not to get into that situation and look where I am now.

And yes I did ask God why. Then I did ask God why Dad? Why like this?

Yet I don't really need His answers. I just need Him to rest His hand on Dad's shoulder.

Christmas is coming and for most of you who frequent here you know how I love to plan for Christmas. Can you all imagine how difficult it is for me to plan Christmas not knowing what's going to happen in between?

The doctor said maybe he has 6 months...

Six months.

What can you do in 6 months?

One Christmas...

One New Year...

One Sinulog (Cebu Festival)...

One Valentine's...

One birthday (Dad's birthday is March!)...

One summer...

And then maybe, we will have one miracle.

My Life Is Just Work

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:25:00 +0000

As hard as it is and as tired as I am...

I force myself to come here and post something. This is a place I run to when I need to be ME.

Otherwise...

My Life Is Just Work

Happy Wordless Wednesday everyone!

Finding Inner Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:08:00 +0000

It's been a whirlwind...I didn't even know it's Friday already. I guess because for the past months I don't get to have my weekends anyway.

I had a horrific day at work. Just horrific.

And good thing a fellow blogger made me LOL when I open FB. Then I had those light bulb moments...I am thinking why not do a Funny Friday post every Friday?!

So starting this week...I will post whatever that made me LOL...or whatever I believe can make people's Friday Funny and I hope with my little way somehow I get to make someone out there smile at least.

This week's topic is Inner Peace...how timely!

Some doctor on TV said the way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started. So I looked around my house to see things I'd started & hadn't finished. Then I finished off a bottle of Vodka, a bodle of Baileys, a botle of wum, a pock of Prungles, 1/2 chesecke an a bocs a choclezt. Yu haf no idr how bludy fablus I feeel now. Plaese sned dhis orn to dem yu fel ar in ned ov innr piss!

I wish you all a FUNNY ~~FLY~~ FRIDAY!

I Dream of A Vacation By the Sea

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:58:00 +0000

Work has been horrific and it is killing me. In an imperfect world full of so many imperfect people, I find myself holding my hand so as not to smack the speaker phone because at some point I thought they're the mouth of the person I'm talking to. Goodness!

For months now I've been working between 12 to 20 hours a day without rest. I don't have weekend folks! I don't even have time to cut my nails...can you believe that? I haven't even watched Harry Potter! Arrggghhh!

Anyway...once this is all is over? Guess what, I am going to Mexico! I have heard of puerto penasco beach rentals and I have started dreaming of it since. They offer several destination options at a very reasonable price. I can't wait for the day when I have nothing to do but wait for the sun to come up and watch it go down. I can't wait to use the new Nikon that I bought several months ago...and try it to capture the beauty of the beach! It's been awhile since I last took a shot of sunrise and sunset. I am so wanting to be looking through the lens again. I want to feel the sand under my feet. I want the sun to kiss my skin.

I can't wait to find that time for myself!

I Was At The Top

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 07:52:00 +0000

PhotoHunt: BACKWARDS

I know there are people who are afraid of heights...I am lucky I'm not. Last April, the client SVP visite the Center and one morning after a long night shift...we decided to climb the roof of the building to see how we did all the civil works.

Now the boss wanted me to climb...which I have no problem with, except that I had to remove my high heels. Good thing I was wearing jeans!

So this is ~~the Site Director of one of the call centers in the Philippines~~ Mariposa...backwards...after the climb! It was fun!

I have another photo which could have been a nice one for this week's theme as well but I thought I might need to post something that might let me explain the things that kept me busy for months now. I'm very excited what others have. Let's go visit PhotoHunt!

13 Interesting Facts About Lipstick

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:03:00 +0000

It's Hump Day everyone...I hope you are all having fun. The week is almost over and I am hoping this week will kinder to me than the previous ones!

I have made myself a promise...to post something here whatever happens. Today I am staying home. Ideally I should be resting that is why I'm home. But then I'm bringing work with me so there goes not getting the rest my body needs again.

I am doing Thursday 13 today and I couldn't find any feel good topic which I can deeply relate to except lipstick. At least not with the current state of mind and body I am right now.

So here goes Thursday 13 Interesting Facts About Lipsticks

And please I beg for all your indulgence if I am making myself the model today! ;)

1. A survey result taken in 1998 showed that 32% of women claimed that they owned more than 20 lipsticks.

2. 80% of American women regularly wear lipstick. According to some Journal, 65% of women use lipstick on daily routine and 25% won’t leave house without applying it.

3. Lipsticks are sold most during gloomy rainy days.

4. The best product for everyday use is a clear lip balm. Clinique’s world-wide retail operation is reputed to sell one lipstick every second.

5. Applying only color lip gloss on your lips can work a lot and make you to look beautiful.

6. About 5% of the lipsticks are found on cups of coffee or tea, and about another 5% of the lipsticks are found inside the women’s stomach due to new flavors and essences. Isn’t it interesting?

7. Lipsticks are composed of waxes, different types of oils, pigments, emollients, Vitamin E, aloe Vera and sunscreens.

8. It is astonishing but still beeswax is one of the basic lipstick components.

9. Wax help in shaping lipstick and make it easy to apply, caster oil is one of the most important ingredient which creates a shiny film after drying that does not smear easily.

10. A Survey studies shows that, 5% of the Lipstick goes to tissue papers and cotton tabs at the time of removing the make-up, while 15% goes in drain at the time of washing face and lips.

11. During ancient time, Noble Japanese women were not allowed to appear in public without intensive makeup.

12.he first modern lipstick with metal “bullet” case was manufactured in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1915 by the Scovil Manufacturing Company.

...this one, has been an outstanding line of Mariposa since time immemorial...

13. Women wear lipstick to warn the men that's its the wrong hole!

I hope you enjoyed your trip up to here...reading 13 stuff can be too much sometimes, you know! ;)

Happy Thursday people...help spread the LOVE!

Long Drive Through Don Salvador Benedicto

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:46:00 +0000

Don Salvador Benedicto, Island of Negros, Philippines

Last June we went on a long drive from Bacolod to Dumaguete. Our Vendor Manager was visiting our partner's other Center and we just decided to pick him up instead of flying him in via DUM-MNL-BAC which I think is crazy! Dumaguete and Bacolod are on the same island but to get to each other we have to pass through another island (by plane) or hit the road for 8-9 hours.

The long drive tiring yet full of fun. I just had the best company I needed!

Happy Wordless Wednesday everyone!

You On My Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:54:00 +0000

Weekend just passed me by and it's Monday already! How could my week start without even knowing that the previous one ending?! Ha!

So much to do, so little time! So many things on my mind --- and what occupies the most is YOU.

I miss you...and I feel bad that we're not able to talk as often. I am hoping I'll make it to Cebu this coming weekend so we can spend time together. Yes, I've booked a flight and all...something is just telling me that is not 100% sure that I can go! Pfftt...

Anyway...let me tune up our Monday a bit with Swing Out Sister's You On My Mind.

Happy Monday to all!

Never Had A Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:49:00 +0000

can't do anything

i'm too tired, body and mind

need a vacation!

A Promise of Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Mariposa) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 00:44:00 +0000

PhotoHunt: NEAR

What do you do when the thing you love the most is within your reach...yet you dare not touch it for fear of crushing it? There it is...so beautiful, calling me...tempting me to hold it close. I will not dare, not even in my dreams for I am fine keeping it at a distance. Up Close at a distance when there is no risk of crushing it. Up close at a distance when it cannot harm me. Up close at a distance when all there is, is a promise. A promise of happiness!

I wish you all a happy weekend. It feels so great to be back doing PhotoHunt!