Reader's Corner: I Got Your Number and Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella is my favorite author. I love her so much, I'm dedicating a future post about my adoration for her and her books. For now, here are my thoughts on some of her bestsellers I got for discounted prices days ago(Thank you National BooksStore Summer Sale! I'm coming back!). I finished both in 4 working days, and am pleased with myself. But really, who can put a Sophie Kinsella book down? Read on.

I Got Your Number

This is Sophie's latest book. The story revolves around a girl, Poppy, who "stole"(hers got stolen) a mobile phone she found in a trash bin, so she could keep track of her lost engagement ring(double whammy, I know). The thing is, the owner of the phone is a businessman, Sam, who wants the phone back. More so, he was annoyed because Poppy is meddling with his e-mails and calls. But of course, Poppy can't give it back yet since it's the number she gave away to those who could help her find the ring. They agreed in this awkward settlement, and as they continue with their lives, they exchange hilarious messages and were trapped in situations which made them know each other more. It's funny and not too cheesy, I kind of wish there are more romantic parts but that means it would be cheesy. I like the balance, and the pair complement each other. (There were footnotes in this book, with quirky anecdotes, but i find them confusing at first). Very light, enjoyable read. I've fallen for Sam Roxton.

Remember Me?

Remember Me?'s plot is something you would not want to happen to you. Lexi Smart woke up one day, from a car accident, with 3 years worth of life memories lost. Imagine her surprise knowing she already had a husband, a high flying career, lots of stuff, and ultra new, pumped up twenty-eight version of herself. The last memory she had was being twenty-five with a problematic life she hated. As she was trying to recollect, she discovered secrets about herself that may destroy her current dreamy lifestyle. This is an amusing way of sharing to readers the most important things in life, and clearly, it's not all wealth and power. I like the fact that it's a take off from Sophie Kinsella's usual complicated girl-girl meets boy in a complicated situation-complicated before, now okay-happily ever after narrative.

I conquered Corregidor!

I have always wanted to take a day tour to Corregidor since college, and after countless unchecked bucket lists and re-schedules, I finally made my way into the picturesque island last Sunday. My boyfriend and I availed of the Sun Cruise package which includes roundtrip ferry rides from Manila Bay to Corregidor and back, lunch, entrance fees and a tour guide.

It was a sunny morning when we arrived and we rode a tramvia to go around the place, along with a highly infotaining tour guide (Armand) and tourists.

It had been an educational trip with highlights including ruins of baracks and batteries, memorials, museums, a lighthouse, and tunnels. I have learned about the country's history during World War, more than what I have gained during my years in school.

Visiting Corregidor was an interesting experience. Aside from the photos and memories, I went back with a better understanding and appreciation of the past's events. Traveling really does wonders in terms of opening one's eyes to places, stories, culture and people. Now I can't wait for my next adventure.

If you're in it, I'm in it.

My apologies to start in a negative light, but I'm such in a sad mood at the moment, so yeah.

Several people, whose opinion I value, are kind of against this project of mine. I understand that they are worried if my physical state can handle the Pinatubo trekking, if I'm financially stable to sustain the travel expenses and my day-to-day existence(I'm not so sure too), if I can survive backpacking, if I can even do this. I was in tears taking everything in(or am I just that emotional?) because I felt that it was my dream they are rejecting. I have read countless blogs and reviews to further open myself to what I am diving into, and still continued with my goal.

It's a tough road, I know, but I'm fighting for it. All I need is a little support.

The past week had been a hurly-burly blurry occasion juggling work pressures and booking a Holy Week getaway. Both draining in their respective sensibilities, if I may add. I'm about to give up on the adventure planning side because I felt the universe is not with me - I encountered an unfortunate banking situation, I can't find a hotel in Pagudpud that will work with our budget, my sister might not be able to go with us, so and so.

And then one afternoon, my aunt called that she already found a place for us. Come next morning, my bank issue is settled and finally, my sister can go. We worked things out. Same case with the turn downs, it will get better.

Just now, things are clearer to me. I realized that with this journey I'm taking, I'll experience a lot of curveball to weaken me. With this, I have to be determined enough to go on, knowing by mind and heart what this project means to me.

This is my dream. It's worth it.. it will be.

What up, February?

The first half of February flew by in a blur due to the demands of work. Seminars and a big company event ate up most of my time, but I’m not complaining since these have been wonderful opportunities for my (*brace yourselves*) professional and personal growth. Pretty engaged with a master list of tasks, I’ve left little to no chance of posting an update here. It’s only now, remaining days of the month that I finally found the instant to fill in the highlights of the busy February that was.

1. Seminars, seminars and did I say, seminars?

I work for a training company specializing in courses for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). I do the organizing, sales & marketing, material preparation, logistics, reports and planning for these seminars and though it’s a bit overwhelming, this is the best job for me (yet). Meeting people from all walks of life and being appreciated by them is truly fulfilling.

On the other hand, we staged this big event, an awarding ceremony for top young Filipino marketers, early February.I met a lot of industry bigwigs there and was inspired by the bright awardees. Our egress ended close to midnight but we sure had fun.

2. Yumi’s Homecoming or The Night of Polka Dots

My bestfriend(slash)college classmate Yumi, who’s now Singapore-based, went home for a couple of days. Since her trip is short, we just had dinner at KFC Gateway, mall we frequent to during good old, university days. It’s been almost 2 years since we graduated. Time flies fast and we lead different lives now, but it was great to see them. Unintentionally, 3/4 of us were wearing polka dots. Talk about destiny. Haha.

3. Valentine's Day

We celebrated Valentine's Day this year at home. My stepsister cooked yummy salpicao while I bought drinks and ice cream, as contribution. It was a relaxed date, away from the stress and traffic Valentines bring.

4. One Laguna Sunday

I spent one Sunday in our Laguna home to attend my younger stepsister's Family Day at St. Scholastica's. We went to her school mid-morning, and my tummy got giddy over the delicious offerings at the fair. Pizzas, fish & fries(which I loved!), Cerealicious, dirty ice cream, buko shake and more. We had lunch (of my favorite, shrimps!) at home, rested and chatted for a bit before we returned to the school to watch the students' presentations. Early evening, we drove to Tagaytay to chill and boy, was it chilly + windy + cold there. We had some Starbucks before we decided to go home. Albeit short, it was a peaceful and work-free weekend.

5. Bustos Fiesta

Every last Sunday of February, my town in Bulacan celebrates fiesta. There's a carnival, fairs with all sorts of stuff to sell, novenas, processions and yep, food. Loads of it. When in Bulacan, I wake up early on Saturdays because it's Lola's trip to the market and I enjoy accompanying her. The people I see there are folks I've met since I was young and the conversations I overhear are hilarious. Lola got me pop rice and some rice cakes for breakfast. For lunch, we had crabs and shrimps(LOVE). Just when I thought it's over, we had Chicken Teriyaki for dinner. Blissful Saturday, it is. Come Sunday, it was the day of the fiesta. We had family members, relatives and friends over for lunch and need I say more? We're in food heaven.