I'M BACK, BITCHES!

 OMG! I just bought a new laptop last week, and just tonight, I thought about blogging again, and so here it is. 

What has been happening in my life, you ask? Well, first, I got married to the most wonderful man. He is amazing! Second, I have been working from home (just like the rest of us) for more than a year now. And speaking of work, that brings me to my third - I resigned from the company I worked for 16 years! Right now, I am on terminal leave. Man... Talk about getting out of my comfort zone, huh! It was the hardest decision of my life. I had to think about it for 6 months! 

Oh, aside from that, I've also gained all the weight I lost during my wedding (plus more), and I honestly don't know if I still have the energy to lose them again. I realize I am okay being fat. It's just unhealthy. But yeah, this is me now!

...and that's my husband! Later!

2016

Happy new year everyone!! It's been a while! I will be creating another blog soon so watch out for it! 

May God bless you all!

Lovelots, 

Xinalia

Birthday Blog

OMG! I missed a birthday blog this year. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! Anyway, think it's still August. :)

I'm 31!!! My gosh! And yes, despite my not-so-baby fats, I FEEL FAB. I almost always do. I don't when I'm cooking Crispy Pata and the oil is splattering explosively on me and I get burns which turn into scars and I smell fried. Anyway, I get my reward after so I don't mind. Briane doesn't mind either. He still kisses me even when I look like the Crispy Pata itself. I hope he doesn't change. hehe..

There's a huge difference between being 29 and being 30. Funny because I didn't feel the same when
I was 28 and then when I turned 29. I guess it's the change of decade. Right now, I'm much more in a hurry. There's a lot of things I want to do with just very little time. I want to travel with Briane but that'd mean saving, which would take time. At the same time I want to have a kid because I'm 31 and my chance is getting slimmer by the minute. And we all know THAT needs the grandest preparation. Tsk. AAAHHHHHHH! PRESSURE!!!

Yes, I'm ready to be a mother.
I want to be a mother.
I think I will be a great mother.

So in conclusion: THE EARLY 30s ARE A BITCH!

Still, just like always, I don't have the right to whine. I'm probablyl one of the most blessed people in the world (Thank you God, You are the greatest). I am just being human. I feel the pressure. And I hate it. I guess, it's better than being numb and oblivious.

So in celebration of what could be the most stressful year of my life, here's a picture of my very stressed self:

mwuahahahahaha!

'Til my next birthday! xxx

It's Our First Anniversary!

Hello everyone! What's up? :0

This month, Briane and I celebrated our first year anniversary. People say, "time flies when you're having fun". It's true! I feel like we just laughed (and ate!) our way through our relationship. No kidding. I mean, we've had bad days, LQs, dramas, but at the end of it all, we just laughed (and then ate).

Briane is a natural comic and he said that one of his missions in life is to make me laugh. Exactly how you get a girl! ;) I, on the other hand.. Well, you know!



So, in between transferring to a new account, 2 jobless situations, and 2 hospitalizations, here we are, laughing (and eating!)

Anyway, I'd like to share with you pics from our anniv. I know.. "yawn", right? Well, it's a big deal for me because it's my first time to celebrate an anniversary with the person I'm in a relationship with.  The only other time was a long distance relationship, which really sucked then. Ok, so THAT, plus, you'll see that I am now bigger, rounder, fatter! Maybe, when you're happy you don't care about your figure anymore? NO. I am happy but I do still care about my figure AND health -- all the more now! It's just.. the party invites! Of course I can't say no - it's rude!

Ok, so here -- we had lunch at Tokyo Table. Food was really good except the sushis and sashimis and makis. Ironic that what's supposed to be their specialty isn't their best. I love jap food, and we chose to be there for that reason so it's kind of dissapointing for me. But all's well that ends well. The unlimited dessert! Oh...

who ate more??? ;)

we had to ask the waitress (who's very nice, btw), right?

Briane ate them all! I swear!

the resto. not a great pic quality - this is from a phone cam.

where's my wasabi???

ask me how many times did Briane go for another glass??? ASK ME! hehe..

i had to take a pic with the warrior

Briane's Miley Cyrus look! hahahahhahahaha

full and happier!

Then we headed to Mr. A, at Lower Busay to "chill". It's one of my favorite places in Cebu. The view's just awesome. Their coffee mixes and cakes are not bad as well. Well, too sweet for Briane's taste. We've been there a few times but for that night, we had beers and Crispy Pata. If you wanna go there, bring jackets as it gets cold at night.

we were their first guests!

and you have this for free

dating tip 1: put your phone down! haha

look what we did.....

look what HE did! hahahaha

I love the flavored beer (lemon). Briane went light - he has to drive

we couldn't grin more!

"The truth is sometimes things aren't exactly what you always imagined... they're even better!" One of my faves from the movie What A Girl Wants. I have always imagined what it's like to find someone you can really have fun with, and at the same time, you can really trust during the hard days.. and now, it's all happening.. and it's better! I am one very lucky woman!

Lastly, I want to share what Briane has to say..

Here's to forever! ♥♥♥

Thanks for reading you guys! And thank you for all your messages! And as you can see, I'm ok. And if I'm not, you'd know. I just don't have much time for blogging anymore. But this is hopefully a start.
xxx

What's Going On?

Hey guys! I hope you're all doing well. I, on the other hand, am under a lot of pressure. My bosses transferred me and some of my colleagues to a technical account and if you guys have been reading my blog for a while now, you'd know that I don't have a single techical nerve in my body. So yes, I am kind of having a hard time. And with that, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the coolest, most systematic and patient trainer ever, Sir Lee. I will not put his full name because I didn't ask permission, I might get sued. Haha! Now I know what modems, routers, filters, etc. are! Isn't that amazing? So, despite the pressure, I am having fun. Learning is, so to all the young people out there, STAY IN SCHOOL!

Tsk.

I now own more flats (shoes - due to my herniated disc). And my latest buy is this:

I am not giving up on high heels but damn, those babies are so comfy and uniquely fashionable! In fact, one of my fashion blogger friends from WIWT has one of those! Hers is Nike and you can check her blog here. I wear mine with capris/shorts with tees, and jersey/shirt dresses. One time, I wore it with my boyfriend's Polo Shirt. You gotta buy a pair! It's quite an investment!

And speaking of my boyfriend, I gotta share one of our chats on Facebook. I just thought it's funny. This was fairly recent, while he's making his report and I was just browsing through sites and was bored.. and yes, we're facing each other! love, love, love! :)

 And here's us on our 8th month of being together (last week) - we drowned ourselves with calories! 

'Til next time! God bless you all! xxx

L4, L5

A month ago, around the same time, same Monday morning, I woke up and a nightmare began. I couldn't get up. I felt extreme pain on my lower back. I pretty much have a high pain tolerance (I have tattoos) so by "extreme" I really meant EXTREME! My tears would just fell on their own. I was rushed to the hospital and stayed there for a week. I had to undergo rehab. Oh gosh.. I thought I was going to be on a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Worst, I thought I was going to die, and I didn't (and still don't) want to.

I had Herniated Disc (L4, L5). I admit, while my doctors were explaining their diagnosis, I wasn't listening. Yeah, I'm stupid that way. Tsk. All I cared about was if I can still walk. And yes, on the third day, I was up and walking again, though very slowly. I almost couldn't contain my happiness but I had to because my therapists (Hi Eula! Hi Chubs!) were there, I was shy. Yikes! Haha!

Here are my pics at the hospital:


I had to be hooked to this monstrosity for most of my stay at the hospital.



Maybe a little too early for the "in sickness and in health" part of our relationship but this might be a start - my uyab was with me through it all. Thanks Bri! I love you so much! ♥

Naturally, I was advised by my doctors to lose weight as my gaining has A LOT to do with the bulging of my disc. My therapists taught me proper body mechanics - I need to improve my posture. I now have to always sit erect. I can't do running for a while. I have to move "gracefully" which would be very difficult for I am way far from being graceful. Man.. In other words, I HAVE TO CHANGE MY LIFESTYLE!!!

And slowly, I am. For the past month, I already lost 5 lbs. It's a start!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my doctors, nurses, and PTs at Chong Hua Hospital, my friends who texted/called/visited (special thanks to the ff: Therese Marie Cañete, Vanessa Rhea Labesig, Marie Grace Malanog, and my housemate Douey Joy Cagud - Girls, I OWE YOU.), my FAMILY, and my uyab, Briane. Lord, thank You. You truly are the most awesome!

There's a lot of articles about Herniated/Slipped Disc online. I recommend reading it here for those who don't know anything about it.

Guys, take care of yourselves. Health is indeed wealth!

Thanks to those who emailed me! I'M STILL ALIVE! May God bless you all! xxx

2013 RECAP

describe 2013:
My kuya got married at 38!
I became top 1 agent after 8 years, which is more of a joke than an achievement! It felt soooo good. I and my colleagues had a good laugh! hahahaha
I became close to Douey Joy Cagud and Vanessa Rhea Labesig.
Paul Walker died.
Anderson Silva lost his belt.
Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom broke up.
I am in love and I never saw it coming! Surprise! ♥♥♥

Here are few of my outfit posts this year. All of my outfit posts are here.

happiest moment:
My 30th birthday! You can read my 30th birthday thoughts here and you can view some of the pics here. Gogogo! Ü

saddest moment:
CHRISTMAS - Although it wasn't bad at all, my family wasn't complete, so there.. :(

most memorable person:
Rafael Nadal - He finished the year back at the top and I couldn't be more proud!

still believe that:
Nothing is impossible with God - this has always been my belief. 

stopped:
holding back when it comes to love and now i'm happier - happiest even (purya buyag)!

fave place to chill:
Jollibee Panagdait branch, EMTER 4 (my brother's apartment bldg.), Krispy Kreme IT, IT Park, and as of late, our apartment.

frequent companion:
my younger brothers (which is always a happy moment for me!), van and douey, and my super duper love Briane ♥!

best Month:
my birthday month - AUGUST

Best Movie:
The Croods - It reminded me that I had the best Papa in the world!

Worst Movie:
White House Down - It made the POTUS a joke.

Best TV program:
UFC, Gandang-Gabi Vice

Worst TV program:
Jersey Shore

Best book:
It's an old book but I read Paradise by Judith Mcnaught late this year (4th time) and fell in love with it over again..

Newest Idol/s:
Atom Araullo

Best Purchase:
My running shoes - it's the start of a healthier me!

Worst Purchase:
Aldo boots - because it didn't last a year and it's pricey.

Best Place you have been:
Savory Chicken (A Resto) - I was with BF and I was happy that day.. :)

Worst Place:
Aurora - it's sad that my hometown has now become my worst place. It's where my Papa was murdered. The place brings back that memory.

Best Decision you Made:
I broke up with my ex-bf. I wrote about it here.

greatest frustration:
My family and I couldn't celebrate Christmas together.

Worst Decision:
 Harvest my Smurfsville Crops while in Colon and got my phone snatched. It was so traumatic. I was with Therese.

greatest gift:
FAMILY and BF

hardest decision:
Dec. 1, 2013 - I had to decide to whether or not give someone a chance. And I did.

song of the year:
Wrecking Ball - It's so raw and it made me cry.. :( I had the same feeling when I first listened to "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey years ago.

best 5 pesos:
Pan de Sal sa Pan de Manila

best 3 hours:
First shopping date with BF - he bought a Polo Shirt at Folded&Hung. I felt closer to him after that.

bands I saw for the first time:
Rico Blanco and his band - His voice is unbelievable! You have to see and listen to him live.

best day in make up:
My Kuya's wedding - foundation and all. I thought I looked pretty. Kudos to the make-up artists!

what I learn about myself:
What I have been through over the past 30 years has made me trust God even more. I am older, and wiser.. really!

Happy New Year!!! I hope you guys are having a blast right now! xxx

Destiny (What Is?)

What exactly is destiny?

I have always believed that no one can control destiny. You know, like you just do what you've always been doing, then something happens - that's destiny!

or is it???? 

I watched My Sassy Girl (American Version) last weekend and it got me into thinking. In that movie, the old man said that molding destiny itself is destiny. Is it? Do we always need to do something for something? Isn't it that if it's meant for you, it's meant for you?

Thoughts? Go comment! xxx

Here's hoping this is my destiny right here: ♥♥♥

 

10.15.2013 (Cebu Earthquake)

At around 8 AM yesterday a magnitude-7.1 earthquake hit my beloved city, Cebu. And it was really traumatic. I was at work, under my station. Apparently, it lasted a minute but it seemed like forever and in my mind I was like, "this will soon stop, this will soon stop" and when it didn't, I just surrendered and prayed. I honestly thought I was gonna die. But then it stopped. And then we all ran out of our builing, to Cartzone. I remember calling my friends' names to check if we're all together. And we were.

I was clasping my phone hard. I needed it to call my loved ones, to find out if they're ok. And they were, except my younger brother Kab. I couldn't reach him! You see, he also lives in the city and few minutes before the earthquake we were still messaging each other so naturally I was worried sick! It was one of the scariest moments of my life. I broke down in the taxi, the driver tried consoling me, which I really appreciate. But nothing could make me feel better. I went to his apartment, he's not there. I roamed around IT Park crying. It was hell. And then, someone called, "Nang!" It had to be my brother. And it was. And I cried again. Finally, and I know this might sound selfish but to hell with everything, my brother was safe and whole and it was all that mattered.

The whole afternoon I was with my super friends Douey Joy and Vanessa Rhea, with Yaggi, Van's pet. We were jumpy because of the aftershocks and also probably because we were watching Prison Break Season 2. But despite that, I was able to take pics of me and Yaggi. I am not into pets (or animals) and I haven't been this near to an animal before (but of course I don't hate them, I just don't like the smell) so this, right here is really a photo op. I thought, the world might end today, I need to do something I haven't done before. Plus, Yaggi just took a bath so there..

Right now, there's still aftershock every few minutes. They say it will last for about 3 days. I don't know. But I will pray, always, for my loved ones, and for my country. May God bless the Philippines..

Below are pics of my room. I haven't checked if my keyboard's ok. Kiver na!

I was exhausted, stressed, and hungry. I felt like I just came from war. So I ate a lot at dinner. We went to Yu-Yu-Tei at the Gallery. Food's ok, not amazing. 

I went home, talked to bf (for a much needed loving feeling), and prayed for safety.

Just like everybody else, I woke up every aftershock. Here's hoping today will be better. Take care you guys! xxx

*read about the earthquake - BE AWARE*
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/14/world/asia/philippines-earthquake/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews

Story Of My Hair

Hey guys! Did curling irons exist 5 years ago? I don't know, but I just bought one and it's amazing! Before, it would take 8 hours to curl my hair. Now, 15 mins and I'm all set! I don't even need to put on hairspray! TECHNOLOGY HAPPENED, thank goodness!

*you can click on pic for larger view*

I haven't forgotten you guys (of course not)! I don't know what to write these past few days. I don't have outfit pics. I have been busy with life. Plus, the boyfriend was here the whole week last week so you can just imagine me all giddy and happy! Hahaha!

Hopefully next week, my life will be in its normal order.
Hopefully, I'll have outfit pics.
Hopefully, I'll have idea puke.

And then you'll be be sick of me - I hope not!

PS: Below are pictures of my natural hair. I'd like to think it's like Carrie Bradshaw's but that'd be like shooting the moon! Hahaha! I've always had my hair rebonded/straightened eversince I could remember and the reason why I do is straight hair's easier to manage. Curly hair means wax, anti-frizz serum, leave-on conditioner, etc. - and that's way too hassle for lazy me. Ü

brace-face - spell AWKWARD!



with my girlfriends - my "roman era" look - was so pale!

Take care you guys! xxx

What I Wore Last Week (August 14 - August 19)

Hey guys! I have a question, if you like the guy who hurt your friend, what does that make you? Someone told me, "maja salvador". Hahahaha! It's funny but it's true and I understand her now. Tsk. Ü..

 

Here are my outfits last week:

top: Flea Market, pants: Bench, shoes: People R People
link: http://wiwt.com/user/XINALIA/76722



jumpshorts: AW Fashion, wedge: Flea Market, bag: Parisian
link: http://wiwt.com/user/XINALIA/76781/

dress: from THailand, bag: XOXO, shoes: People R People
link: http://wiwt.com/user/XINALIA/76781/

dress: Vesper, shoes: cheap Korean brand, bag: Nine West
link: http://wiwt.com/user/XINALIA/76622/

I SPILLED COFFEE ON MY WHITE TEE! Story of my life.. Ü
tee: Reebok (obviously!), jeans: Mossimo, slippers: Rusty Lopez, bag: Nine West, watch: Avon
link: http://wiwt.com/user/XINALIA/77000/

This was after our crazy disco on Satuday night. See my face all sweaty!
top: Topshop, leggings: Foever 21, shoes: Janilyn, bag: Parisian, rings: Aizylim
link: http://wiwt.com/user/XINALIA/76919/

 'Til next week! xxx

My 30th Birthday Pictures

I would like to share with you guys pics from my recent 30th birthday! I celebrated it a lot of times and the conclusion was last Saturday's disco where I danced like there's no tomorrow, my bones are still aching! Whew!

Thirty years on earth is something. I am excited for the future! I can't wait to be 40! Enjoy! xxx

AUGUST 10, 2013

my brother, Kab, treated me to lunch on my birthday! Thanks Kab!!!

This was at Crab King, a Singaporean style restaurant. I told the waiters that it's my birthday and voila, special treatment! Or maybe they're really just nice.. Ü.. Anyway, this is a huge, HUGE crab and it's delish but pricey.

On the night of my birthday, I treated myself to my first love: ROCK N ROLL!!! My friends Vanessa Rhea Labesig and Douey Joy Cagud went to the Tanduay T5 Party. It's in an open field and there was a lot of people. I came to see my favorites Wolfgang and Rico Blanco! I had a blast! Remember Woodstuck? Yup, it felt like it!

Rock N Roll means oily, make-up free face! hahahaha!

AUGUST 11, 2013

I went to see my family in Cagayan de Oro city the next day. This is my birthday cake! It's from Red Ribbon. This is huge and it's cheap at Php 650. We just bought flowerettes. Oh and btw, I was the one who put the candles that's why it's crooked. Decorating isn't my niche.

and the obligatory cake pose! hahahaha! my ate (elder sister)  had dinner catered! thanks te! This is the pic I uploaded on WIWT.

my cousin Hazel, my aunts Jean and Teresa, and my uncle Rey

my cousins dj and damdam - they've grown!!!

This moment right here is priceless. These are my siblings.. I don't know what to do without them..

AUGUST 12, 2013

and the queen of my heart, my mother! I had fun taking pics of her while we're in the hotel. She's the strongest person I know.

 

This is at Seda Hotel. There's triple red alert but it didn't stop us from having fun! My family is the best! Of course we miss our Papa, but I know he's just right there with us, having fun as well! Ü

 

August 17, 2013

And the disco at MO2! It was a bomb! I had to take my shoes off! Actually, I didn't really dance. I was jumping and jogging and shouting - all at the same time! hahahaha! Van gave me my tiara - it was so pretty! It suited douey more but it was mine so I wore it!

Again, THANK YOU!!! It was my best birthday, more than anything because I was with my family! My family rocks! And just like the cliche, I must have done someone right to deserve them.. Godpseed! xxx