Luna's Secret Parchment # 2

I frequently visit a new store selling school supplies in our village. More than being accessible, they sell numerous interesting items any office buff or any student looking for cute school products would love.

Take for example this dolphin eraser:

Looks like I'm off to another world this week - with the acquisition of two new books and an unread book I purchased months ago from my jewelry profits - all next in line on my reading list this week. Special thank you to Louie-pyon for being sweet and generous, and buying the remarkable horror novel Haunted written by Chuk Palahniuk (one of my favorite authors) for me. You're the best! *hugsandkisses* I wab jooooo!

I just can't get enough of books, can I? It's like my mind is starving, craving for more books to read and travel to a place beyond the borders of reality on this earth. I love the experience of sharing someone's imagination. Maybe this is why I couldn't get myself to resist gravitating towards a bookstore.


Haunted (Chuk Palahniuk) - P405.00 at National Bookstore

Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger) - P175.00 at National Bookstore

Teacher Man (Frank McCourt) - P359.00 at Fully Booked

I'm almost done with my annual book inventory. My books are finally in order. Until I've completed all the books written by my fave authors, the quantity of books in my collection will remain private. What's important is how much I've internalized the contents of these books.

(Clue: Total consists of a 3-digit number. Once you count all the books I've read in the past, the books I have given away, the books borrowed from me in high school and were never returned, and the books my grandpa left, it becomes a 4-digit number.)

What Kind of Tarot Card Are You?

You Are Strength

You represent both fiery energy and steadfast will. You are innocent and naive - yet unafraid and undaunted. Perhaps you don't have the most powerful physical strength... But your mental powers make up for any amount of muscle. Your fortune: Lately, you have been a pillar of ethics and moral strength. And while things may be difficult, your faith in yourself will come through. You may need to conquer the animalistic nature of yourself or others, with gentle force. Although this may seem like the darkest hour for you, victory is near.

What Tarot Card Are You?

I'm innocent? *ubouboubo*

P&G's IAMS: Not What It Appears To Be

Although I eat meat (particularly chicken, cattle, and pig....I hate other kinds of meat so it's pretty easy for me to live on a 70% vegetable diet) and I personally don't like the radical people bent on changing my lifestyle without my permission, I have to admire a certain organization's efforts to reach out to these animals.

I was a frequent buyer of IAMS Milk Biscuits, the product stores usually sell for P50-P70, but even before I learned about the animal cruelty, which you could see here...I've been planning to change my dog's biscuit treats brand from IAMS to Hill's Science Diet Adult Biscuits.

So yeah, that means I'm joining the boycott, as a personal choice..

You could watch the video here.

I'm also planning to stop feeding Mario and Doggy the ALPO Gravy cuts, because it looks too unhealthy - nottomentiontheircompany'shasabiasagainstnativedogs - so I'm presently changing to Hill's Science Diet for Adults Beef Entree (for wet food) and Solid Gold (for dry food) or Hill's Science Diet for Adults (also for dry food). I buy a measly 1-1.5 kilo of kibbles per month (one for Doggy and one for Mario - so that makes 2 kilos...) because their diet's comprised of mostly home cooked food. Recently I've been adding RAW meat with their toppings, and the duo loves the recipe (especially Mario, you should watch him chow down his food).

Luna's Secret Parchment # 1

Let's make this blog more colorful shall we? The Luna's Secret Parchment Series will be composed of journal entries related to my preferences in Fashion, Hobbies, & Lifestyle and will be updated with new acquisition of products here in the Philippines. It's also my way of promoting my preferred products, both local and imported (especially LOCAL). Suppose I do own designer products, they will not be listed here and if ever, will remain anonymous.

It includes entries about great finds for pets, new accessories to my collections, recommendations, articles - so on, so forth - instead of plugging it in as an off-topic excerpt.

Wheeee!

I'd like to show off my dog's sparkly relatively new collar, a product of Smart Way. It's so gorgeous I couldn't help but have it for my babies.

Doggy and Mario's Walking Collars:

Here are a few of the party necklaces I designed for my canine babies:

People ask me why I spoil my dogs when they aren't even purebreeds. Even when I'm browsing through pet supplies, and it just so happens I'm admiring an expensive collar, the salespersons would offer to help and ask, "What is the breed of your dog?"

I'll answer. "Native."

Their facial reactions were always the consistent - surprise then apathy. They either leave me and tend to another customer, laugh in discomfort, offer "champ" purebreed dogs, ask why I wouldn't get a purebreed dog, wallow in silence, and the worst reaction that never fails to tick me off, they would tell me to buy a cheaper one and reason such items would be okay for mutts. I actually encountered such a person. Poor thing. Besides ending up as one of the many recipients of my I'm-gonna-murder-you-and-feed-you-to-my-hamster glare, I gave him a pice of my mind and with fake sweetness pushing through my teeth I uttered, "Well, mister. My dogs are as good as any purebreed. I love them, proud of them, and they're worthy of being treated like most of you.....(I almost inserted 'idiots' here but I stopped myself)....would treat your purebreeds."

The guy replied. "Well, it's different when your dog's a champ."

"Sorry, I don't base the value of my dog on mediocrity and insignificance." I began to walk away holding the bag of dog & hamster products, as well as swearing never to return to that shop again. "Purebreeds or mutts, it makes no difference to me."

They made a BIG mistake undermining my babies. I speak my mind, and I'm used to people not liking me because I'm different. Most of them run away with either their tails between their legs or scarred for life. I may not put as much effort when defending myself but when my loved ones are involved I go berserk and my enemy will surely get an unforgettable beating, and yes, take that from someone who makes her younger sister's bullies' cry. Speaking of which...

Our long-time nanny brought up an interesting story about my Dad. Mom's currently in the hospital because she's sick and we're kind of reminiscing about the past. I'm the one taking care of businesses in the house together with my Grandma, as well as Karl's school activities. I mentioned in my earlier posts that I've been physically abused by my father twice when I was as young as 12-years old. In both cases, I ended up getting hurt because I was defending someone else. When my father lifted his hand to hit my mother, I jumped in front of her and took the blow. He pulled my hair and the rest I couldn't remember anymore. The second time he hit me was in defense of my sister, who he tried to pull away. She was getting hurt. I yelled at him not to lay a finger on her, threatened him, told my sister to stay put, and he charged at me. If my nanny didn't threaten to call the police and my father hadn't walked away, it would have taken me only a few seconds to lift the VCR and throw it at him. I could feel the adrenaline....I was pretty strong kid back then so I knew I could do it. Besides, I've had practice by throwing furniture all over my room whenever I throw a fit because of our family problems. lolz) Even when I was in pre-school, I befriended and defended this boy from a group of bullies. My mother remembered it clearly because the teacher talked to my mom after she saw me scaring off the boys in the class. (No, I don't recall how I did it.) There were other instances too but bottomline is: defending oppressed creatures comes naturally to me. I get my strength from there, and this strength is currently growing into one massive ball of fire.

Unlike in western countries where people could care less whether a dog a mutt or a purebreed, discrimination of mixed breeds is a horrid, mental disease among Filipinos. They treat their purebreeds like royalty while mutts are left tied in front of the gate as watchdogs. Purebreeds are given homecooked, raw, or commercial food while mixed breeds are given leftovers or killed for their meat. The reasoning? The money is wasted on mongrels.

I hate it. these kinds of people will always have a special place in the darkest part of my heart.

Well, move over enculturated losers. Buying clothes for purebreeds might be a given trend but it's sooo old school! (This is a blow to all those biased purebreed owners out there.) Giving native dogs their own wardrobe is the best way to go and Mommy's here to prove it! :P

Designed By Pooch Couture.

I posted this image in Mario's blog.

A beautiful pair of native, bronze sandals with dark-colored circular embellishments from Kultura. Louie-pyon bought it for me a month ago and it's been one of my favorite mall foot wear ever since. I think it's around P500.00, a fair price to pay for local creativity.

My uncle is a licensed doctor in Pennsylvania (at least I think they live in Pennsylvania, unless they moved again, all I know is it's somewhere in the U.S...they used to live in Kentucky, then New Jersey, and then LA...), and they returned here in the Philippines for a two-week vacation. He's the husband of the younger sister of my mother and Ninang. My young cousins were crazy! Ang kukulit! Jared made a witty comeback to my Ninang's remarks when we drove through the squatter's area going outside of Cubao.

"Do you see those people, Jared? They eat there on the streets," Ninang said, "They live in small houses? They have to because they have little money. Do you see how small their houses are?"

Usually, we'd keep our mouths shut because if one of us, with the exception of Tito Arthur, tried to make a point she'll most likely turn it into a debate.

But not Jared. Although he kept playing his I-don't-rememeber-what-you-call-those-game-bling-blings-where-you-play-with-virtual-puppies thingee, he replied with little enthusiasm:

"It's better than dying."

All of us burst out laughing. I think my Ninang deserved that, treating these unknowing people like they were objects and making them look like we were on a tour. Geez.

Moving on, my aunt brought home loads of chocolates and it took two whole months for us to finish. Our refrigerator was full of sweets. Those two weeks they stayed here were productive and memorable. We had a feast almost everyday, dined out twice a week in restaurants serving Filipino dishes. I think I gained a few pounds considering how yummy the food were. Damn.

My aunt also brought home a surprising number of Ambercrombie & Fitch shirts, other branded skirts and pants, GAP Perfume, new silver-gray-red rubber shoes, and some others I couldn't remember anymore.

Louie-pyon also surprised me when he bought me a gorgeous, orange halter dress from Penshoppe, a black long-sleeved blouse in Ensembles, and a black body-fit shirt from Freeway. You don't wanna know how much all that cost together. He's such a sweet guy.

Yay, it's about time I change my wardrobe. ^_^; Just last week, from my jewelry earnings, I acquired a few more tops:

A sexy, fishnet black victorian tube from YRYS.

A lovely off-shoulder red top with ruffles. It's as hot as it looks from Details.



A pastel purple halter top from Details. It feels great against the skin.
DETAILS is a recommended store by Pink Magazine. Their print ads are displayed inside their store, that's how I knew. Hey, I may not be an avid reader of teen magazines because some of their cheesy articles, but I have to give them credit for being up-to-date with the latest fads & the occasional community-related articles, like featuring stories of shelter dogs for PAWS.

Anyway, I also bought a bunch of stuff for my room, which I'm in the process of fixing and redecorating, from Japan Home in Trinoma.

NEWSFLASH!

Freeway, Mango, and Details are having a sale at SM North Edsa The Block and Trinoma! The ones I got from details were all on sale. ^_~

Good News is Happy News!

I bought this really cute weighing scale for a fair price. I presently use it to determine how heavy my hamsters are.

For the past few months, I separated Champy from Sushi and Sashimi because she looked more obese than the other two. I wanted to give her a different diet and control her dosage of fatty products (like sunflower seeds and commercial seed mixes).

I'm happy to announce Champy has the same weight as Sushi and Sashimi at 50 grams! Woohoo! This calls for a celebration! :D

My family says Mario has this habit of talking to himself whenever I go out. My brother took it on himself to decipher what Mario was trying to say, and his investigation led to the discovery of something not all animal lovers would believe.


It seems he had been looking for me, wanting me to come home immediately, and resorting to speak out loud in the form of a mumble.

Wow.

The first time I heard this from my brother, my horrid temper was in full force.

I practically scared some spoiled chinese brats, who bossed the waiters around and even made the food we're eating their business. The worst part was they were sitting beside us while we ate in Jack's Loft (Pasta there is supeeeerb! And you should try their fishbowl iced tea! :D ).

Another Chinese family locked the doors of an FX when I tried to get in the middle seat. I asked if there were already four people sitting there, and the ugly old bastard nodded. Yet when I entered the back seat, only three of them were sitting there! The space was wide enough to accomodate one more person. How inconsiderate! What do they think that FX was? Their own private vehicle?? They even had the gall to lie to the driver when they were asked if there were four of them in there. After being questioned, the mother told her son to lock the other door. I sent them death glares, saying over and over inside my head I hope this family would get into an accident and die. The woman was mestiza, would look plain if it weren't for her artificial white skin, and the perfect description I could come up with is that she looked like the ugly, old, married-looking, man's mistress.

I think they felt my negative aura breathing down their napes because the parents turned to look at me. I continued to send them dirty looks. They looked away, pretending to ignore me. However, it was obvious they were very uncomfortable. Hell was behind them and I wouldn't think twice bringing it to them. I was having a bad day, and I've witnessed enough idiotic behavior in one day, and then I encounter this stupid family.


I felt sorry for the driver, who seemed to have decided to just let these rude passengers be. I stomped out of the FX, hissing, and gave the driver ten pesos.

The driver looked confused. "Why?" He was grinning.

Lifting my chin up snobbishly, I told the driver what's exactly on my mind.

"GOOD LUCK PO SA MGA BWISET NA YAN. (Goodluck with those idiot passengers, sir.)" I said, walking away. "Ayoko sumakay sa isang kotse kasama ang bastos na potang pamilya na yan. Kadiri. (I refuse to stay inside the same vehicle as those pathetic, incosiderate fucked up family. Disgusting.)

When I got home, my brother told me the news about Mario. "Ate! Ate! I know what Mario's saying!" he babbled.

"What?" I snapped, still wishing something bad would happen to the morons I encountered in the mall.

"He's calling you! He's saying Mommy!"

It was like a miracle. I forgot all about my anger; my fury subsided in a matter of seconds. So that's what he's been saying! I listened again, and sure enough, he kept on mumbling...

"Moommmymooomyyymoommmyyyyy...."

Awwwwww. ^_^



It's amazing how little effort it takes for my babies to make me happy.

Begin With A Dream

My Dream House

Someday I'd like to live in a 1000-2000 square meter house and lot. The main house doesn't have to be a mansion, but I'd like a design that's similar to our family house at present. The house wil be secured and burglar-proof. The whole lot will be surrounded by a really high fence (with broken bottles on top ohohoho!) I want a classy flora and fauna garden that would attract numerous species of wild birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and - God willing - fireflies! I'll call my garden Lucia (that's my grandmother's name). I will also have my own home library where I could put my book collection.

A new book to my collection by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett purchased in Trinoma, National Bookstore. (I'm currently making my annual book inventory.)

A BIG airconditioned, predator-proof, enclosed room will be given exclusively to my hamsters and it will also serve as a hamster welfare facility. (I'd like to raise awareness on hamster care someday.)

Giving Doggy Black a Hug

My beloved (at least five) dogs and a couple of spoiled cats could freely roam our house. All my dogs and cats will either be adopted or rescued. They will have their own mansion and playpen outdoors.

Mario Strolling at the Small Lounge
A small portion of my Grandma's Garden

My Dream Accomplishments

I like to dream big. Besides being an official industrial psychologist, be a speaker like Stephen Covey, do business on the sides as successful as Donald Trump's...and when I retire, besides being active in animal welfare (dogs and cats) & environmental causes...I want to put up my own hamster rescue facility. I'd also like to own a pet-friendly restaurant & hotel, like the one I saw in a certain cable channel, where owners and their animals could dine together. Guardians could order specialized gourmets for their beloved pooches, felines, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. The restaurant will be subdivided into different sections, assigned to each animal type.

Doggy Black's Exclusive Crown Necklace

Mario's Casual Wear

I also want to start a foundation for street kids...something that would give them good, quality education.

I would also like to write a book, non-fiction or fiction, preferably the former.



My Dream Career

Family comes first, and my future husband should be well-balanced. I want a committed, dedicated, and one-woman husband. I want a stable, well-paying, self-fulfilling job. Two children would be enough, NO MORE! I want to teach them how to value the small things so I won't be the type of parent who would compensate with high allowances. I want a daily family bonding session.

Some Interesting Skull Goth Pins


My Dream Life

I prefer to live my life one day at a time. I like to dream but I don't like depending too much on my imagination. My life, right now, is my dream life. I know things may not turn out the way I want to. I know I'm very ambitious. But all great things start with a dream, and it's just a matter of getting there. With hard work and prayer - God willing - I'm hoping my dreams will do come true. My life's going great so far. Even when I stumble, I don't have to be swayed by the negative because there's such a thing as failing forward and transforming my mistakes into strength(Go John Maxwell!).

Happy Canine Family

Unpleasant Birthday Turned Superb!

Both the worst and best moments in my life usually happen during my birthday. To think here I thought today's going to be a bad day.

Now, I couldn't ask for anything more desirable.

Thank you Louie-pyon, everyone, for making my birthday today really special! Thank you, thank you, thank you, I love you!

My morning was alloted to my animal friends, of course. I celebrated my birthday with Mario and Doggy celebrated by giving them bits of puto. They looked like they were enjoying it. I didn't even realize that I fell asleep on the wooden sofa. When I woke up to the sound of the phone ringing, Mario and Doggy were sprawled on the floor taking a snooze. Their ears perked with the slightest movement, their eyes moved across the lounge watching what I'll do next.

Louie and Istrolled in SM North Edsa. First stop was Fully Booked! Purchased some amazing finds in Fully Booked, particularly to avail the 40% annual discount exclusively for members.

I'm so happy and contented with the new books!

The budget allowed me to buy at most 15 fictional books but after giving it some thought, I decided to use the discount on the more expensive ones, specifically those that cost over a thousand pesos, that I've been eyeing on for a long time now. What can I say? Reading is my passion.

I could easily afford the usual P359.00 books (with 10% discount) on a weekly basis, but it'll take me a while to buy the others.

Here are the individual pictures of the new additions to my book collection:

1) An Inconvenient Truth By Al Gore

Costs P1198.00 at Companion to the Academy Award Winning - Best Documentary Feature. I loved the documentary! It's knowledgeable and helps me distinguish the people overshadowed by knowledge from people overshadowed by their absurd self-proclaimed intelligence. Here's a segment of what's written on the back cover:

Our climate crisis may at times appear to be happening slowly, but in fact it is happening very quickly --- and has become a true planetary emergency.

2) Getting Started in Forensic Psychology Practice By Eric G. Mart

How to Create a Forensic Specialty in Your Mental Health Practice. It costs P1,498.00, and I think it's worth it. This comprehensive resource includes information on: the difference between clinical and forensic practice, advantanges and disadvantages of forensic practice, preparing and planning for forensic practice, how to market, what lawyers look for in foresnic psychologists as exprety witnesses, performing evaluations, and testifying in court and depositions.

3) Stardust By Neil Gaiman

What happens when you make a promise to bring back a fallen star? I love Neil Gaiman's works, alongside David Sedaris, Mitch Albom, Chuk Palahniuk, and other talented authors.

I still lack DS's Barrel Fever and Naked. Plus the only book I lack made by Mitch Albom is The Five People I Meet In Heaven. I've read all three, but I want my own copy.

Carrying the fruits of my birthday, Louie-pyon and I proceeded to the main building. On our way there, he saw an acquaintance who we haven't seen in a long time, T'Wolf. Beside him was a familiar looking girl. I lingered. T'Wolf's girl companion and I locked gazes and I suddenly recognized her! It was Da, or Agnus Dei as she likes to be called, a friend from school! WHAT A SMALL WORLD! We screeched and hugged each other, and went our separate ways.

While Louie played his favorite arcade game, I killed time by shopping in Under The Sea. I bought hamster food from Delikate and a few grooming materials for the dogs.

I rarely wear make-up these days. Too much application could ruin the skin. Recently, I've been bathing my face with fresh milk as advised by my former gay supervisor in my practicum. so I used this, as recommended by the dermatologist:

It's a moisturizer and foundation in one, and it's fabulous!

Louie requested to take off the belt I purchased at YRYS in Trinoma a week ago. He said he couldn't wrap his arms around my waist properly because of it. Awww. usually, I prefer sticking to my fashion taste but I made an exception today.

We stopped by some shops and toured the main shopping area, and then we ate lunch at Kimono Ken, one of my favorite Japanese restaurants. It's not the first time we dined in Kimono Ken, it has become one ofour favorites. I don't know about everyone else's taste buds, but mine prefers this restaurant for everyday Japanese cuisine. Louie knows I don't like food hopping, or trying different dishes, unless I'm familiar with the recipe.

We also watched Transformers at Cinema 1!

It was awesome!!! I was literally jumping off my seat whenever an Autobot, and especially a Decepticon, makes an appearance. As all my friend know, I'm so into the 1980 cartoons. Those were the films I grew up with --- the stories partly responsible for giving me my wild imagination --- and they bring back good memories.

I remember when I was a little girl, my favorite Autobot was Optimus Prime (because he's level-headed, wise, and cool) and my favorite Decepticon was Megatron (because he's intelligent and is a great leader).

MEGATRON ROCKS! I like him better in the 1980s cartoon where he transforms into this gigantic gun, but oh well, I really don't mind what they did. I usually leaned towards the side of the Decepticons, and like everybody else in my class, I had a kiddie crush on Optimus Prime. But I remember telling my friends I wanted to be just like Megatron. "I'll tell Optimus Prime I love him, and will continue to love him even after I end his life!" That childhood memory never fails to crack me up. My preferences were quite...different...compared to other little girls my age. For example, in Jem and the Holograms (1980s equivalent of Totally Spies), my favorite were The Misfits (you could tell from the name they're the supposed villains).

I like the Decepticons because their battle tactics were more effective than the Autobots...plus their designs are way cooler. The only thing I dislike is Megatron's bad habit of retreating too early when he senses the Autobots were gaining advantage on their little dispute. Hehehehe.

There are some unforgettable moments in the movie. I could name ten favorites (the tenth one being my ultimate favorite part of the movie): 1) when the autobots arrived and everyone went into a frenzy; 2) when the decepticons assembled; 3) when the autobots parked in Sam's backyard (that was really funny); 4) when the autobots tried to hide from being seen by Sam's parents; 5) when Megatron tore an Autobot apart; 6) when megatron and Optimus Prime faced each other with Optimus saying, "It's just you and me, Megatron." and Megatron answered, "No, it's just ME!"; 7) when Megatron kicked a human sounding disgusted (hahaha); 8) when Megatron told Sam while he was about to fall of the ledge and bribed Sam if he gave him the cube, he'll make sam his pet (that was rich); 9) when Megatron reprimanded Starscream; and of course...10) when the anorexic socialite whined in the middle of chaos, "That jerk just stepped on my car!" and as it turned out....her car was a DECEPTICON, transforming right there, clawing into her face with all its fantastic advanced technology, ending her life, and contributing to world peace. (I clapped with joy in this part. I know, I could be morbid.)

Afterwards, Louie-pyon and I strolled some more and engaged in a wonderful conversation before parting ways. So here I am, typing this all up. Now, I'm going home. I'm beginning to love my birthday.