Stacey Avenue's 1st Anniversary Special: a Blog Campaign for Free College Education

On December 30, 2009

Stacey Avenue turns 1 year old today and I’m ecstatic to celebrate it with all of you! Friends like Lainy and Queenie are even offering to sponsor prizes like EC credits and free ad spaces if I would decide to celebrate my blog anniversary by running a contest. I thought that was really sweet of them!

However, I thought of something else, something valuable not just for me but for kids who can’t afford to go to school. I would like to call on everyone to join a very noble cause and somehow get rewarded for doing so. Here it goes:

I’ll be creating a dedicated, super special, sturdy blog roll here at Stacey Avenue to recognize and link up your website URL if you’ll accomplish this:

• Blog your thoughts about the importance of education and how super awesome it would be if we could all join the biggest fun run event called “Isang Araw Lang: Takbo Para sa Libreng Kolehiyo” (Just One Day: Run For Free College Education) - a fun run/marathon event that will grant Free College Education (which means free tuition fees, free books, free uniforms, and free meals) to Filipino students who want to study but cannot afford to do so. This event is going to take place on January 31, 2010 at the SM Mall of Asia in the Philippines. (For more details, visit http://sports37.net/)

Please let me know when you've already published your work by commenting here or by sending me an email (there is a shortcut at the top navigation bar) and please don’t forget to tell me your name and your website’s URL! What if you don’t have a blog site and you wish to participate? You can make use of Facebook notes or other social networks’ text publishers to promote the event. Just send me a screenshot of your published write-up and then if you have a business website or a profile page that you want to promote, I’ll be glad to link that up as well.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Free premiere advertisement for your website!
  
• If you’re having a “writer’s block” and not sure what to write about next, here’s something to get your creative juices flowing. 
• Lastly, what better way to kick things off for 2010 than to feel good by doing something good!

This is a blog campaign to support a charity marathon event and not some sort of a contest so hopefully, you can write about this before 01.31.10. 

Our goal is to spread the word about how important it is to stay in school and support the aforementioned charity event. I would also totally appreciate it if you’ll hook up other people to join this cause. Also, please add me to your blog roll as well (if you haven’t already).

Together, we can build a nation of strong, educated youth. I strongly believe that someday, these kids who are going to benefit from this cause will look back and pay it forward! I pray that this will boost your morale and be inspired to do an act of kindness. To God be the glory!

My sound phobic Dalmatian

On December 28, 2009

My 3 yr. old Dalmatian’s name is Wade. He’s a handsome, loving, sweet, playful, loyal dog who happens to be a living oxymoron weighing more than a hundred pounds. When all the vets’ textbooks would say Dalmatians’ major problem is deafness, Wade on the other hand is sound phobic. He’s terrified at the sound of thunder, fireworks, and he would jump at sudden crash, boom, bang from God knows where. As the New Year’s Eve approaches, I’m getting more worried because he seems to be thrice scared than he was in the past.

Last week, the shopping mall a few blocks away from our home set up a 30-minute fireworks display and Wade was shaking, trembling, and salivating like he never did before. Of course all the vets I know are on vacation this week so I had to make use of the web to check what home remedies could help my poor little giant beast.

I was originally planning on giving him a shot of valium to knock him down but on second thought, who wants a scared dog that’s just too drugged to run away? As you can tell, it doesn’t sound right.

One food supplement called Melatonin is said to be helpful for dogs with sound phobia. Melatonin is a natural substance produced by our body that induces the feeling of calmness and drowsiness which transitions us to sleep. It’s available OTC which I’m going to try for my dog this coming Thursday and I hope it works if not for sleeping, at least for calming him down. If you can share some remedies you know for your sound phobic pets, I’d totally appreciate it... I might even let Wade lick your face as a sign of love and gratitude :)

Let me wring it here

On December 23, 2009

Yesterday was quite a mess but like a good trusty sponge, yours truly managed to absorb and hold it all up. But you know what’s next – we have to wring it somewhere! Let me share the suds while I squeeze away the ordeals that were.

To the woman who sat next to me wearing leather mini-skirt, fishnets, and Dr. Martens’ boots while waiting for the dentist: I appreciate that you asked if anyone was sitting next to me; but had I known that your perfume would give me the headache and nearly damage my health, I would have told a white lie and say ‘Yes’. How could a “perfume” be as nuclear waste-lasting as that you’re wearing? I know I don’t have the perfect olfactory system to judge but sweet potatoes, the odor made me really dizzy that I have to pop an Advil and see if it helps. Unfortunately, it didn’t.

To my friend who “accidentally” stepped on my all-time favorite black wayfarers: I wouldn’t mention your name because I am now doubting our friendship. Up to now, I’m still not sure if you did it in purpose either/or because of your love for me and your thing against wayfarers. In the past, whenever I wear them you tell me I look like one of the Blues Brothers and give me the giggles. The insulting giggles. You know by heart that I rarely wear those posh bug shades that you, Paris Hilton, and other skinny girls are fond of wearing. You know by heart how dear Rayban classic aviators and wayfarers are to me because I’m all about their androgynous flair. Alright, you said sorry and I accept it.

To my music player: Why of all the time in the world did you die on me when the office was as boring as a fat sleeping cat? All the good social network sites known to mankind are blocked and I didn’t have a laptop with me to support my regular time-wasting schedule. And dear me, why did you forget to recharge it at home when you know you aren’t allowed to do it in the office?!

There goes the top three things that made yesterday a major mess. On a lighter off-topic note, the domain “staceyavenue.com” is turning 1 year come December 30, 2009! Yey! Technically, this blogger blog turned 1 year last October 28, 2009 but because of my hectic schedule, I wasn’t able to celebrate it. But I did celebrate my 100th blog entry here: http://www.staceyavenue.com/2009/02/reaching-100-mark.html 

I’m still thinking about what to write for my domain name’s first anniversary so feel free to drop by at your own risk. I wish you all a good day.

Voice of reason

On December 22, 2009

I wish I didn’t know so I won’t have to bother dealing with it. Voice of reason speaks to me and I can’t win the argument. The fact that the universe conspired to make me aware of what it is and what it has become; there must be a reason and responsibility that accompanies it – to respond, to act.

Kabuki brush and four simple steps for a fresh-looking face

On December 22, 2009 

It must be a tool women have been using for ages but I never knew how amazing a kabuki brush is for applying face powder instead of a puff until recently, thanks to my friend Claudia. She is the best go-to person when it comes to beauty matters and I’ve been bribing her to make a beauty blog but she just doesn’t want to do it (because she's lazy).

Claudia knows how to make herself look naturally misty all day, and appear like she’s well-rested when in reality, she just had three hours of sleep. It’s great to have a friend who knows that kind of magic and shares it with you because it’s important to look kempt especially if you’re a working woman dealing with colleagues, business partners, clients, as well as stress everyday.

Last week, she gave me a pack of mineral face powder that comes with a thick kabuki brush applicator as a gift. I found out that kabuki brushes are made of animal fur, most commonly goat hair which sounds icky at first but dang; it’s absolutely soft and silky to touch! Jokingly, I asked Claudia if they only use Japanese goats because of the name “kabuki” which sounds really anime-ish to me. Regardless if they’re Japanese or not, I hope those kabuki brush makers don’t extort animals when collecting hair!

Here is Claudia’s trick for a sheer, natural, fresh-looking face all day:

1. Cleanse face and pat it dry with a soft, clean towel. 
2. Apply moisturizer (preferably with SPF) to the face. Aside from the benefits you get from a moisturizer and sunscreen, this serves as the bonding agent so the powder stays put. Some use concealer as the base if they need a fuller coverage; like if they have dark spots or blotches. 
3. Use the dry kabuki brush to collect an ample amount of powder, tap the excess pigments from the brush and gently apply to face in circular strokes to blend. 
4. Apply lip balm or sheer lip gloss for a final touch; re-apply as needed.

The result is natural flawless finish and it won’t take any more than three minutes to do. I’m a big fan of natural, low maintenance type of look, and I like this idea for its simplicity and effectiveness. Bottom line is you don’t need tons of makeup to survive the corporate jungle!

I hope this helps you and I wish you all a great day.

To where everything's a bargain

On December 21, 2009

This morning, I have nothing much to do so I went to a local thrift store to look around and see if anything tickles my fancy. Given that it's a Monday morning, there weren't that many people shopping which makes it even more convenient for me to loiter around.

The store isn't spic 'n span but it wasn't that bad either. It's a decent air conditioned mini mall with all kinds of really cheap finds. Without a specific aim in mind, I stop by from shelf to shelf, realizing they've got seriously good items. I couldn't believe that I got out of the shop with a bag full of stuff and here are just some of them:

 

 

Buy 1 take 1 leggings for P100.00, socks for only P9.00, tank tops for P39.00, powder brush for P15.00, and more! They even have bags, shoes, and tunic blouses at low, low price but I just picked out random useful things since I'm done shopping for outfits last week. 


Initially, I wouldn't expect too much quality from these items until I asked the store keeper why everything's so cheap. She said the store owner gets everything directly from overseas manufacturers, unbranded. Once the products are branded and distributed to the malls, that's when these are priced 10-100x more its original price! Wicked!

Not bad at all! I wish you all a great day with delightful budget-friendly finds!

Just One day: Run for free College Education

On December 19, 2009

Good news dear friends and marathon enthusiasts!
Online application for “Isang Araw Lang: Takbo para sa Libreng Kolehiyo” happening on January 17, 2010 is now available. First 50 online registrants will receive a special gift from Sports37 Productions!

Registration period will end on January 9, 2010. Full details can be found via this link: http://sports37.net/

Commiserating in a song

On December 18, 2009

When I feel strongly about something, I write. My blog entries are just a small portion of what's running through my mind. In school, I used to write for the literary section of our gazette because back then, I was really into writing poetry which turns out to be songs. I still write poetic messages, you know, the cheesy stuff. However, I never publish them here in my blog since I don't think they really sound that good. So this one is the first to make it here. This is for a girl who lost her way.

"Veranda"

Lyrics by Stacey Tee

I saw your picture taken in an old room with three other boys in the scene
In the veranda you were puffing smoke and drinking beer

I couldn’t tell what else it could be
You were smiling but you look so, so sad
I bet you got tired, so tired
But you know you weren’t the only one bearing the same pain

Why did you back down and turn around?

We all have monsters to fight

Why did you back down and turn around?
You know what this is about
We all have monsters to fight

I saw your picture in a garage concert with your camera, wearing tights

In the streets you’re puffing smoke and drinking beer

I didn’t recognize you but I know those eyes

Trying to be happy but it looked too, too bad
I bet you got tired, so tired
Yet I know you can pull yourself together and see the light

Why did you back down and turn around?
We all have monsters to fight
Why did you back down and turn around?
You know what this is about
We all have monsters to fight

And the world sucks you in, and it will reel you out

Like a sentimental song I’ve heard from before

And the pressure sinks in; you can’t find a way out

Along that path it’ll be heartbreak and more

I saw your picture taken a year ago with the geek kids who used to be your friends

No time for puffing smoke or drinking beer

Your hair was tied up and clean

Your face was at its brightest and your heart at its happiest
Don’t you wish to feel it ever again?

Letter to the devil

On November 17, 2009

To the devil:

I know you and how you’re using some people to try and send me bad vibes especially now that a special spiritual occasion is fast approaching.

You can pretend as much as you like; that you’re one of my sisters - but no matter how you fake it, I know better because my real sisters in faith are sensible, intelligent, and damn smart. And that’s so not like you. I just want to tell you that you’re a terrible actor and no matter how hard you try, you won’t win. :)

Thanks by the way, for giving me a chance to forgive and feel better about myself.

Your enemy,

Stacey

Live your life!

On December 15, 2009

Last Sunday was simply awesome. I didn’t attend my own company’s christmas party but I did my best to attend my former company’s masquerade because of a crazy, amazing, and pretty inspiring reason.

I have Del and a bunch of friends still working there which is why I was able to come as a guest. Initially, I had no plans to go since I find prepping for themed parties a tad bit tasking like, once I get to a mall at 10am to pick a party dress and I still couldn’t find the right outfit by noon, it would frustrate the living lights out of me. 

Unlike other women, I suck at shopping and themed parties require you to find the perfect dress. Technically, it's just the OC side of me requiring myself to find right one. And by "right one" I mean unique, adorable, functional outfit; one that you can match with other pieces to use again for other occasions. That's never easy!

Going back to why I'm writing this, I did make it a point to arrive at my best disposition that Sunday evening because of my two close friends Mars & Zyra. They’re both bubbly and really fun people. You know the type who's really cool, who loves to laugh, with a touch of shyness here and there? They’re perfectly like that; and that’s why no one would’ve guessed what they would be doing out of boredom...

with two of my other chummies Kel and Edward, they performed a dance number! They were totally amazing! They didn’t tell anyone about it prior to the party aside from Del and I. And that's why I was there... to cheer and support my buddies for really going for something no one would ever expect from them.

Zyra told me with her glowing face before their performance that evening, "I think this is it. I wanted the rush, the thrill of like, falling to a pit and I guess this is it!". I guess you got it, girl and I'm glad you did!

Of course, the crowd was really, really surprised at what they were seeing, I even saw jaws dropped in awe! They really went for it and like a confetti party popper, I can't help but burst in cheers.

Oftentimes, we find ourselves stuck in a routine, a cycle that keeps going on that makes us feel like we have no control over what’s happening to us. What Mars and Zyra did taught me something valuable. By going out of our comfort zone and do something so liberating without necessarily going overboard, we teach ourselves how to live the life we were given. It's not always our jobs, our studies, our families, our relationships, our schedule, or many other alibis we can think of that hinders us from living a happy life. Most of the time, it's just our own selves limiting our capabilities, saying "No" when our hearts are screaming "Yes". Often, we neglect that fact.

We left the party earlier and sang our hearts out at a videoke house, took lots of pictures, share good food, and celebrate life, sweet life.

Cheers and I wish you all a good day. God bless :)

Problems

On December 11, 2009

Whoever made up that “talking about it will make you feel better” isn't always right. Sometimes, you don’t have to talk (or even tweet) about what boggles you. Problems, no matter how big or small could just be life’s way of telling you how much you need time to cogitate – alone. 

My secret to not worrying about problems is accepting the fact that after surviving one, I’ll go out and get new ones anyway so why waste emotions???! Ahh… thank God for such a realization.

Facebook Friend Requests

On December 04, 2009

You get a friend request from some guy you don’t know. But since you have “mutual friends”, are you adding him or not?

It’s probably natural instinct among us that dictates how we don’t want to hurt other people’s feelings by rejecting their friend requests. This is why a lot of us plead guilty to adding people in Facebook even if we don’t really know them. The thought of accepting friend requests from your sister’s friend from wherever, or your best friend’s former classmate may seem innocent at first until you realize…

• Your homepage is flooded with updates from strangers.
• You feel obliged to join groups because you keep getting requests about it no matter how many times you’ve refused to join.
• You feel harassed by some (perverted) posts (sometimes even in your wall by some stranger) and you wonder why in the world it's there.
  
• You found out from someone that some people are judging you based on your jokes meant only for close friends and family who knows how harmless you are and that you’re just being silly.
• The whole thing no longer serves the purpose why you created an account in the first place.

An office mate once questioned me if I was mocking her for joining a group in Facebook called “No, I Don't Care If I Die At 12AM; I Refuse To Pass On Your Chain Letter!”. I realized later on that 70% of the chain mails in my junk folder were coming from her. Some things may be funny to you, but to people who don’t know you personally won’t always understand and will find it offensive.

Some people even get fired at work for silly things they post in Facebook which their bosses didn’t like.

Well, after that incident with the sensitive, chain-letter-lovin’ coworker, I prefer not to join any Facebook groups anymore. If small, petty things can be so divisive, there’s no wonder why the constant war in this hostile planet. Geez.

That is why starting today, I’ve decided to keep only a circle of people who really knows me and vice versa; which I think ordinary, non-celebrities like I, should try practicing for safety precaution.

If someone didn’t accept your friend request or if you get deleted from someone’s account, spare yourself and don’t take it personally. If I get rejected, it would be totally fine with me because I don’t live in fairy tales. I respect the fact that everyone’s entitled to their own rights. It’s all a matter of respecting others’ decision and privacy so there’s no need to over-analyze. Unless of course if the one who closed doors on you is your boyfriend or girlfriend, family, or closest friend, logically that’s when you should worry. Otherwise, keep it cool… and please, if time comes you see each other in person, don’t bring it up. There’s no need.

As always, it’s best to share personal information only to people you can trust and save yourself from more serious problems like identity theft. Hackers love getting inside their prey’s social network because it gains them access to more personal information and other seemingly innocent details. Therefore, set boundaries and perform housekeeping in your social network platform from time to time. 

Have a great day, everyone! God bless.

Stolen by Boyce Avenue

On December 03, 2009

Watching music videos on You Tube is becoming one of my guilty pleasures lately. I can't always count on MTV because they play their vids randomly and they do have a lot of tracks I don't like; so having the power over which ones to see is perfect.

After a rough day, I'm counting on some good music vids to make me feel better before saying my prayers and dozing off. And since I've been having this "last song syndrome" of a soundtrack from two chick flicks I saw over the weekend, (namely "Sydney White" and "Maid of Honor") I searched for "Stolen" by Dashboard Confessional on You Tube and this Boyce Avenue remake showed up. Of course, once again Boyce Avenue did not disappoint. As a matter of fact, they stole my heart with the voice and piano rendition.

See it for yourself:

Have a great day, everyone!