Reader's Corner: The Lion's Lady by Julie Garwood

Julie Garwood's Castles is one of my favorite books of all time so I easily purchased this book on sale. It was a 1900s romatic novel, ala Barbara Cartland style, which I always enjoy.
I love Garwood's female leads because they are smart, beautiful, strong-willed, responsible - not entirely dependent on men to rescue them every time. Ideal ladies for me.
This romantic book had the right amount of sweetness and sensible story - always a good combination.

Reader's Corner: Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern

My first Cecelia Ahern novel, and what a surprise!

A charming and heartwarming tale of true friendship, love and fate. The lovely characters and their connection from childhood to old age brought me tears, almost every chapter.

After reading this, I gained more appreciation of my relationships and valued my time with

my loved ones. No, nobody died. The characters are flawed but their story, albeit a lot of down and waiting moments, is perfect. It took a long journey for them to realize they are made for each other but I guess, that made this more relevant because in life, you don't always get what you want but in time, and 

This book came at the right time: I was roaming around the mall, waiting for a supplier I'm about to meet. With an hour to spare, I dropped by Book Sale and the title caught my attention.

Sidetrip: Subic Roadtrip

My cousins and I went to a fun Subic roadtrip last September.
Left Bulacan around 3 in the morning to witness the sunrise, unfortunately, it was raining when we reached Zambales. Had breakfast(I cooked!) facing the bay and tried out the Canopy Ride at Subic Treetop Adventure. I learned that I can't do the free fall jump because of my scoliosis, and worse, as per the staff, I may not be allowed to skydive and bungee jump in the future(but I'm seeking second opinion!).
We continued the journey to Olongapo where we stayed at the beach, had a sumptuous feast of grilled pork, chicken, squid and some shrimps for lunch. Lazed on the shore in the breezy afternoon, before we had to go.
Traveled back to Bulacan, but had a quick stop at NLEX to enjoy some Razon's Halo-halo.
Celebrating a great day for us, albeit unfortunate scenarios encountered.
Until the next getaway, gang!

Sidetrip: American Idol 2012

Two Friday nights ago, I was asked to accompany my "favorite" cousin Patricia to see the American Idol 2012 Concert, the stars and show of which she is a fan of. I'm familiar of the show, especially the Filipina Jessica Sanchez and watched a few episodes but I hardly know them to deserve such pricey opportunity. I said yes anyhow because I'm to thrilled to spend an unforgettable night with one of my best friends, am actually more excited to be with her than to see the singers. I had no expectations and advised her beforehand that I might be a boring chaperon. And then the concert night came...
It was a crazy, fun night. The performers were talented and entertaining, I can't help but cheer for them and danced the night away. Wow, Colton Dixon is a revelation.. I'm a late bloomer on these things, right?
I really had a great time seeing them and more so, seeing how happy Patricia was. I'm grateful for another 'new' adventure. This existence is full of surprises most of the time. Thanks Tita and Tricia! Life is good.

Anyone can COOK!

My family and friends can attest to this - I don't cook. I never cook. The words Ayen and cooking cannot be together in a single sentence.
I have always been uninterested in cooking. I love good food and enjoy eating but to prepare the delectable masterpieces myself, "No, thank you!". I grew up in a family of great cooks - my mom and grandmothers - so it was surprising that I lack the skill and curiosity for it. I think cooking is very time and energy consuming when you can purchase delicious food for the same price of buying the ingredients. The closest thing I get to being in the kitchen is washing the dishes or when, ages ago, I was mom's little helper. I'm always annoyed when people question how I don't cook and how it would be when I get married, how will you feed your family, things like that. Well, my perspective has always been "I will not go to college, work hard to build my career and earn well just to end up cooking for someone else. If I want to cook, I will. For myself. Surely, my future spouse won't marry me based on a cooking show criteria, the same way I won't judge my future spouse if he doesn't sing as well as Jason Mraz. And I'll work so hard to afford a cook and to buy my favorite food, ok?". Hehehe. So yeah.

While making my bucket list for 2012, I included "Cook Something" just to try something new for myself. It was actually one of last things I worked on since, being me, it's unexciting. For encouragement, I listed down my favorite food, mostly from restaurants, so I will be motivated to try this new adventure. I asked for recipes and did my research, and for the months of August & September, I'm happy to announce that I, Ayen Santos, non-cook extraordinaire, finally gave cooking a try. For August, I prepared some of my lunch that I bring to the office. Stir fry cauliflower & broccoli and Ginisang Ampalaya. One weekend in Bulacan, I prepared breakfast for my folks - Tinapa Rice and Longganisang Bawang - which lolo and lola enjoyed. I made the same set for a Subic getaway with my cousins last weekend, they loved it too. In addition, I went to the supermarket, buy ingredients and cooked Korean Beef Bulgogi with side veggies weeks ago, I brought some for my officemates and friends and they were so surprised I did cook. Well, me too!

I am yet to fall in love with 'cooking' but I'm glad I surpassed another challenge.
I'm so proud of how much I've changed for the better because of this 2012 Project.
I did it for myself! Life is good!