Typical day for Vodka

As I went about my business today, I couldn't help but snap some pictures of Vodka. He's such a character with a personality which Matt and totally love about him, while Dennis sees him as just a cat. 

One of his many favorite areas of the apartment where he feels superior as he looks down (literally) on everyone. 

A shot from below.

Maybe he's too heavy and it looks like he can't carry himself too well, sitting like this.

Anyone would mistake him for a fur rug if it weren't for those yellow bright eyes.

Yup. He always takes over the couch.

Dennis caught him in the act and took this photo as a reminder of not allowing him on the bed or kissing him. He was just thirsty and wanted fresh water. Hahaha! Don't worry, the bowl was clean. When the water in his water bowl has not been changed (has to be changed twice a day), this is where he goes.

The mornings after...

After working for a total of 13 years (11 straight years with my recent ex-company), my mornings have completely changed. Now that I have plenty of time on my hands (especially for myself) and can do what I love, but couldn't while working, first thing on my list is to spend more time at the stables. I think only a horsey person will understand the joy & happiness of just being around horses, the smell of them and leather of the saddles, the sight of stables, bullring, hay, tack room....etc. Aside from the days I go riding, I am at the stables four times a week just spending time there. It's not just about riding a horse but learning to take care of them, proper way of handling and safety, understand their temperaments, learning from the grooms and the best teacher is experience by being hands on. Better horsemanship :o)

Learning to lunge with Romeo. This was a bit tough. Controlling the horse from the ground and have him trot and canter in circles wasn't that easy. For one thing, you don't have that much control unlike when you're on the horse. They can easily drag you if you're not careful. Another thing, at the end of the exercise I was pretty dizzy.

Alright. Time to go the other way.

Unlike with My Little Pony toys, you only need one brush for the mane. In reality, you need at least 4. Different parts of the horse requires different brushes at different stages. Brushing and cleaning one horse (includes cleaning their nostrils, ears, eyes and hooves) is a 30 min work out! This is the third horse I brushed that morning. 

From the corporate world to a stable girl. This is a dream and I'm lovin' every minute!

Time to slow down

A lot has happened in June. From working 11 years straight to coming to a complete halt. So many times I thought about doing something different but just wasn't brave enough to leave my comfort zone and saying goodbye to people I have grown very attached to after so many years. I am one of those fortunate people to love their job and the people they work with.

The day finally came when I had to bid my adieu. I am truly grateful for the wonderful people around me and it's times like these when you really know who you meant to, and actually cared. Although, not to harbor any ill feelings but can't help point out, I was disappointed with one or two people. Considering the help asked every now and then, was totally unrecognized when it would have been the best time to show their thank you. 

Mais, c'est la vie, n'est pas?

The friendly baristas of Starbucks in WCC.

...the last day...

The ladies who organized it

Their Mini-Me gift, which the yaya broke in less than an hour.

Goodbye for now, Corporate World. I'll try not to miss you too much :p

Tagaytay, again.

Normally, I'm fine with our unplanned overnight trips but this time, it was such a hassle. We left Manila  after lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon, till evening, looking for a place to stay. If budget wasn't a problem, we wouldn't have wasted so much time walking in and out of hotels or bed & breakfasts to find the most reasonably priced.

I got really cranky because I was hungry, and tired (after spending the entire morning playing badminton). After reaching Sonya's, I couldn't bear the thought of being stuck in traffic heading back to  town. So, we decided to eat dinner there and if there were rooms available, we would have stayed overnight instead. 

Eventually found a place, spacious, seemed decent and the price wasn't bad. It had a little patio overlooking the Taal volcano. Nice, right? However, while we were resting and watching TV, I started to feel itchy and discovered that the pillows, inside the pillow covers, were very dirty. That's a no no. That put me off big time. 

Too bad because I would have liked the place but I don't think they're very experienced and perhaps experimenting on the idea of a bed & breakfast but definitely not a hotel. These rooms were probably guest rooms which they converted. Very cozy. Through experience and feedback, it has a lot of potentials :)

Having breakfast here overlooking the Taal volcano was such a treat!

Some farmer decides to plant pineapples on our property without permission, like he had all the right in the world. Help! How do you deal with such people?

46 Years!

Celebrating my parent's 46th wedding anniversary.

Saying goodbye to Summer

With the  crazies :)

Our last hurrah before the end of summer. 

Photo credits: Marco Mendoza & Jennifer Jose

Coolness!

The Ladies and Mark

S-T-R-E-T-C-H 

Yup, with the crazies alright! 

I seriously don't know why we jumped in these shots when it only appears as if the pool is shallow. It's actually chest deep. Laugh trip!

Balancing...

...and off! I can still do a mean backflip :p (though not as graceful as before)

Happiness for my lil' man!