I love strolling in the mall and if only I have money to burn, I prefer shopping a lot more. I usually go to the children’s department first, look around for dresses and toys for Shaynna and add it on my wish list. I then go to the ladies’ section, browse over clothes and try on shoes. My last stop would be the home and office furniture section. I love dreaming putting on good furniture in my dream home. I have not visited any Ikea branch yet and I am pretty sure I would love it there.
Just a quick update. Last Tuesday, I bid sayonara to my home of almost 3 years. I am no longer in Japan. Sad but it’s a reality I have to face. However, what lies ahead of me is something better. I will post detailed updates soon. Thank you for dropping by.
I have mentioned a thousand times that I prefer winter over summer. Better yet, autumn! But there is one thing that I don’t like in cold temperature: static shock. I love wearing knitted clothes but wearing them means more static electricity for me. It constantly happens to me that I wish plastic knobs are used instead of the metal ones. But due to the recent changes that is happening, it seems that I won’t concern myself with static electricity anymore.
Let me give you a short recap. Valentine’s Day here in Japan is a lucky day for the guys. They receive chocolates from the ladies, some of which are just “obligatory” chocolates, some are expressions of love. “Obligatory” chocolates are just those generic chocolates and are usually given without special wrapper. Whereas expression-of-love-chocolates are the expensive or handmade ones. Usually, the guys give something back onWhite Day, March 15th. May it be obligatory ones, or the expression of the same romantic feelings to the girl who gave him chocolates.
On my first Valentine’s Day here, I distributed obligatory chocolates to both men and women teammates. In return, I received cookies during the White Day. Last year, I gave nothing, I received nothing. This year, I didn’t bother, but at my current office, the guys gave all of us ladies “obligatory” sweets. There are only six people in the office. Two are Japanese guys, so Kay and I only received these two packs of “obligatory” sweets:
I passed by a famous high-end department store here in Osaka and I couldn’t help but take a photo of this very interesting display…
I often watch TV Patrol news programme to know what is going on in the country. But as I have always anticipated, all I could hear are political and graft and corruption issues. There’s also the issue with a pre-need plan company. It has been going on for months and the blame has been passed from one person to the other. But there is not enough steps done to help out those who bought such plans from that company. This sometimes make me wonder if it is really safe to entrust you future to pre-need plan companies? But then we need to invest for our future. We need security. There are still a number of good insurance companies out there. All we have to do is to thoroughly compare term life insurance quotes and see if the company is really trustworthy.
The original band members were awesome and so was Arnel Pineda. As a Filipino, it warmed my heart to see the Japanese accepting him as the new lead singer, with open arms. I was even more surprised to see the Japanese getting up their seats and clapping and dancing to the music until the end of the concert. I thought that they would act as their usual reserved selves. An added bonus was this teenage boy (perhaps an American). He was seated right in front of us but even if I could only see his back, it was so evident that he was star-struck. He even stole a picture! A die-hard fan, indeed.
Anyway, watching that concert was a bonus for me. Early this day, I received a very good news and I’m just waiting for something before I write everything here. I’m going to embark on a new journey, soon. And let’s take it from the band Journey, don’t stop believing.
I visited the US Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website, and I was surprised to see that Filipinos who wish to apply for a tourist visa in the US don’t have to pay for anything! Yes, the nonimmigrant visa is free! So if you have plans to visit Las Vegas or get one of those Orlando vacations, then now is the best time to do it! Tourism has also slowed down due to recession so you could get very cheap accomodations everywhere. But then people are also wary of spending on unnecessary things, worse, people (like me) don’t have anything to spend.
I have no idea when this waiving of nonimmigrant visa fees was implemented, but the reason is: “reciprocity”. Taken from the US Bureau of Consular Affairs:
Nonimmigrant visa fees are based on “reciprocity,” (what another country charges a United States citizen for a similar-type of visa). The United States strives to eliminate visa issuance fees whenever possible; however, when a foreign government imposes such fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a “reciprocal” fee to nationals of that country for similar-type of visas.
Update: I have asked a friend who has applied for a US tourist visa. The visa is free, but the “processing fee” is not. So sorry for jumping into conclusion. The processing fee costs US$131.
I am now starting the process of detaching myself from Osaka. The first stop: the Yodogawa (??) or Yodo River. Here are some photos and please bear with the quality. I only used my phone’s camera and it is not that good. I have no idea why the first picture resulted to this…
Enough of being depressed over the bad news. After thinking things over, I have to admit, I have become too comfortable here in Osaka that I’ve been putting off my plans of getting a more stable job. Well, I guess almost everybody does not want to leave his comfort zone. I did exert half-baked efforts but now is the time to really get serious. I am fast approaching 30 and being the family’s breadwinner, I need to join a company that would help me with social security disability insurance, unemployment insurance, and all kinds of insurances out there. Above all, it is really great to be part of a company that would really make me feel fulfilled in this career path that I have chosen. Oopppsss…gotta stop now. I think I’m beginning to sound like I’m in an interview.
I’m not up for a good Friday quote so I did one fo the “blogthings” instead… what my initials say about me. The description below is really good but not even close to it…
You Are Influential and Ambitious |
 When You Are Comfortable:You are a glamorous, social person. You love being the center of attention and an object of adoration.People see you as charming and charismatic. You are naturally dazzling. You are ambitious, and find it easy to get ahead in life.When You Are At Your Best:You are a hard worker. You need security and stability in your life, even if that means putting in long hours.People see you as solid and dependable. You are always able to see the good in situations. Other find this comforting.When You Are in a Social Setting: You are a determined and responsible. You strive for success, and you know what it takes to get things done. People find you to be trustworthy and a good leader. You treat people well, and they benefit from your wisdom. |
What Do Your Initials Say About You?
Lots of shocking news has made me really stressed right now. The most appealing thing to do? Try the Hollywood Dream roller coaster ride at the Universal Studios Japan and scream at the top of my lungs. That would surely help me get rid a bit of my anxiety. But since I don’t have the time to do that, the next thing I want to do most right now is to sit on a big comfortable chair from Berkline in front of a huge screen, watching a romantic comedy while eating potato chips and icecream! Yes, for me, the most effective way to de-stress is to watch something funny and eat ice cream.
I want to take back my word about wanting to ride the Hollywood Dream. Just thinking of the prospect of riding it makes me shiver. But before I leave Japan, I should try it. Anyway, mango ice cream, anyone?
