You can even do that during your lunch break!
I have never been a delinquent citizen. For the past years, I have always been on time in all kinds of payment and renewals of whatever is needed to be renewed.
Imagine my surprise when just this week, I found out while having lunch with friends that I had forgotten to renew my driver's license which expired last March of this year.
I was flabbergasted. Although I really don't drive regularly I mean not everyday, I think I drove our car just this June.
Imagine if I was apprehended at that time. That would be driving with an expired license. That's so irresponsible of me.
Anyway, as soon as I found out I checked with a friend because I heard LTO has office in SM North Edsa.
Good thing they still have it there when I checked their facebook account. It's in front of Our Home besides Crave Burger.
I went there at around a quarter before 12 noon. They do have lunch breaks.
First step is you have the Drug Test and Medical first.
And you can do it there because that's just beside the LTO.
So after filling out the forms and paying it, we were asked to return at 1PM for the next step. Well that's good because we really need to eat lunch first. We tried Crave Burger just besides their office.
After lunch, we went next door for the next step.
They are very efficient there. They have what they call 4 easy steps to get the Drug Test and Medical Test.
First you fill out the forms which is many. I mean like 8 long forms. Submit and pay for it. Mine is P400.
Second you wait for the biometrics and picture-taking which includes specimen collection which we did after lunch.
Third you do the medical.
Lastly, you wait for the result.
It took me about an hour of wait.
After that, you go to the next door which is the LTO office.
Another very efficient office. They are really fast in here.
Another 4 easy steps.
First you fill out another form and then you submit the Drug and Medical results including your expired license or soon-to-be expired license.
(Please take note that they only accept renewal of license less than 2 years. If more than 2 years, you have to go to their Main office. You also go to the Main for change of status.
Second your name will be called for the picture taking and signing.
Third you pay at the Cashier. Mine is P595 (Breakdown is License Fee: P350, Penalty for Late Registration: P75, Revisions of Record: P100 (I had my address changed)
Computer Fee: P57.65. Total is P592.63.
Lastly you wait for the receipt and your driver's license.
It took me 15 minutes to do it.
Job well done to LTO SM North.
I hope all government agencies are like them.
I wouldn't mind paying extra for a service as efficient as that.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
My Brazilian Waxing Experience
Today is my second waxing experience.
My first one was done at Lay Bare Scout Ybardolaza and I only have a hazy memory of it.
I had it in between lunch and I don't remember exactly what made me do it and what exactly happened.
I blame old age for easily forgetting things nowadays.
Anyway, today I had my second waxing experience. I am writing it down and now so that I won't forget again.
I had it done at Lay Bare SM Fairview.
In fairness, waxing is no longer taboo nowadays.
I was in the company of young people, old people and men while waiting for my turn.
And mind you, there's a long line waiting for their turn to get on the table and undergo pain therapy.
After a few minutes and after filling out the forms, a big-boned woman named Gie called me in.
She has to become my Brazilian waxer for the day.
I told her I'm not a virgin Brazilian babe anymore and this is my second time already.
She is kinda motherly so my nerves started to calm a bit.
As I've said, I have a hazy memory of what transpired the first time but I know it borders on pain.
Perhaps the loss of memory is for my mind to block off that painful experience I had.
Anyway, I peed and washed before the event.
Good thing their branch has their own CR or else it would be very difficult and messy to do it in a public toilet.
Knowing how public toilet looks like especially in SM malls, you would rather die than pee there.
After that, I had to strip down under and wrap myself in a towel.
When Gie entered the room I was already lying down and memorizing the scant accessory in the room.
I was also texting my husband that I'll be in a no-phone zone for a little while and I'll call him after I finished.
Gie made me feel comfortable by talking a little and asking me about myself.
Not too much though because that would be bordering on suspicious-looking-person-asking-for-information-so-that-they-can-rob-me.
She tried to make sure I'm a little comfy but not too much before she starts that first pull.
It was a knockout. I mean I had stars in my eyes. It was painful yes but it was tolerable
or I guess I had increased pain tolerance after my surgery and delivery but it was ok.
Surprisingly.
After every pull of my stubborn hair, Gie soothes it by tapping a little and letting me breathe for a sec.
She puts some baby powder and a little tap and there goes the pain away.
I had to stifle all my shouts and had to stop myself from saying all the expletives I had in mind lest I'll be branded iskandalosa.
Gie had done it all her life. I mean the waxing part and the waxing herself part.
You become used to it when you do it regularly. I just don't have the time that's why it took around 8 months to do the second one.
She told me that customers vary but in her experience, most have really high tolerance for pain.
Most of her clients don't even react when waxed. They just lie there and stare blankly.
That was amazing right? I can't do that but I won't make a scene altogether.
But to not have a reaction after every pull, that was impossible for me.
I can say those first few pulls are really painful. Those in the upper part also very painful.
The part near the rear is less painful but still painful.
Lay Bare uses cold sugar wax so I guess it is a little less painful than hot wax.
I can only guess because I haven't done hot waxing.
But it makes sense. Because in cold waxing you only have to deal with the pull of hair from your skin.
While in hot waxing, aside from the pull, you also have to deal with the heat.
Why do I do it? It's therapeutic, cathartic, liberating for me.
I have the clean feeling of being cleaned and brushed down under.
I have that sexy underneath my clothes feel.
And in fairness, re-growth is softer and finer and it takes time to grow back.
But mind you, it's not for everyone. Brave souls can try.
After waxing, there are some reddish marks on the spot but it went away after a while.
They also have some reminders to make sure you won't have any bad effects after waxing.
If the red skin bothers you for quite a long time, you can soothe the skin by putting cold compress.
Because your pores are open for the world to see, exercising must be avoided 24 hours after waxing
to avoid sweating too much which brings a lot of bacteria that may infect your open pores.
Super skinny tight clothing must also be avoided. Common sense dictates that this can cause irritation and ingrown hairs.
Hot baths or hot showers or sexual activity for just 10 hours after a Brazilian is not recommended as the open pores are prone to irritation by extreme temperature and bacterial infection. But I guess you can try.
Just let me know how it goes.
They also discourage waxing when you have your period or attempting to sunbathe in the sun for at least 48 hours after waxing.
For caffeine addicts, limit your intake on the day of your waxing appointment if you want to keep your wits intact or to prevent dragging all kinds of saints into your waxing session. Caffeine inspires the nervous system and makes it more painful for you.
Some also take anti-histamine to prevent bumps and irritations. Or Advil to save you from calling the dead.
All in all, it was worth the pain and sweat. I will gladly do it again.
What can I say, I must be some brave soul.
My first one was done at Lay Bare Scout Ybardolaza and I only have a hazy memory of it.
I had it in between lunch and I don't remember exactly what made me do it and what exactly happened.
I blame old age for easily forgetting things nowadays.
Anyway, today I had my second waxing experience. I am writing it down and now so that I won't forget again.
I had it done at Lay Bare SM Fairview.
In fairness, waxing is no longer taboo nowadays.
I was in the company of young people, old people and men while waiting for my turn.
And mind you, there's a long line waiting for their turn to get on the table and undergo pain therapy.
After a few minutes and after filling out the forms, a big-boned woman named Gie called me in.
She has to become my Brazilian waxer for the day.
I told her I'm not a virgin Brazilian babe anymore and this is my second time already.
She is kinda motherly so my nerves started to calm a bit.
As I've said, I have a hazy memory of what transpired the first time but I know it borders on pain.
Perhaps the loss of memory is for my mind to block off that painful experience I had.
Anyway, I peed and washed before the event.
Good thing their branch has their own CR or else it would be very difficult and messy to do it in a public toilet.
Knowing how public toilet looks like especially in SM malls, you would rather die than pee there.
After that, I had to strip down under and wrap myself in a towel.
When Gie entered the room I was already lying down and memorizing the scant accessory in the room.
I was also texting my husband that I'll be in a no-phone zone for a little while and I'll call him after I finished.
Gie made me feel comfortable by talking a little and asking me about myself.
Not too much though because that would be bordering on suspicious-looking-person-asking-for-information-so-that-they-can-rob-me.
She tried to make sure I'm a little comfy but not too much before she starts that first pull.
It was a knockout. I mean I had stars in my eyes. It was painful yes but it was tolerable
or I guess I had increased pain tolerance after my surgery and delivery but it was ok.
Surprisingly.
After every pull of my stubborn hair, Gie soothes it by tapping a little and letting me breathe for a sec.
She puts some baby powder and a little tap and there goes the pain away.
I had to stifle all my shouts and had to stop myself from saying all the expletives I had in mind lest I'll be branded iskandalosa.
Gie had done it all her life. I mean the waxing part and the waxing herself part.
You become used to it when you do it regularly. I just don't have the time that's why it took around 8 months to do the second one.
She told me that customers vary but in her experience, most have really high tolerance for pain.
Most of her clients don't even react when waxed. They just lie there and stare blankly.
That was amazing right? I can't do that but I won't make a scene altogether.
But to not have a reaction after every pull, that was impossible for me.
I can say those first few pulls are really painful. Those in the upper part also very painful.
The part near the rear is less painful but still painful.
Lay Bare uses cold sugar wax so I guess it is a little less painful than hot wax.
I can only guess because I haven't done hot waxing.
But it makes sense. Because in cold waxing you only have to deal with the pull of hair from your skin.
While in hot waxing, aside from the pull, you also have to deal with the heat.
Why do I do it? It's therapeutic, cathartic, liberating for me.
I have the clean feeling of being cleaned and brushed down under.
I have that sexy underneath my clothes feel.
And in fairness, re-growth is softer and finer and it takes time to grow back.
But mind you, it's not for everyone. Brave souls can try.
After waxing, there are some reddish marks on the spot but it went away after a while.
They also have some reminders to make sure you won't have any bad effects after waxing.
If the red skin bothers you for quite a long time, you can soothe the skin by putting cold compress.
Because your pores are open for the world to see, exercising must be avoided 24 hours after waxing
to avoid sweating too much which brings a lot of bacteria that may infect your open pores.
Super skinny tight clothing must also be avoided. Common sense dictates that this can cause irritation and ingrown hairs.
Hot baths or hot showers or sexual activity for just 10 hours after a Brazilian is not recommended as the open pores are prone to irritation by extreme temperature and bacterial infection. But I guess you can try.
Just let me know how it goes.
They also discourage waxing when you have your period or attempting to sunbathe in the sun for at least 48 hours after waxing.
For caffeine addicts, limit your intake on the day of your waxing appointment if you want to keep your wits intact or to prevent dragging all kinds of saints into your waxing session. Caffeine inspires the nervous system and makes it more painful for you.
Some also take anti-histamine to prevent bumps and irritations. Or Advil to save you from calling the dead.
All in all, it was worth the pain and sweat. I will gladly do it again.
What can I say, I must be some brave soul.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
To Love is Not to Possess
This is one of my favorite poems about marriage.
Marriage is really hard work. You work together to make it last.
You stay together because you love each other not for any other reason.
It takes time to get adjusted to your partner but with constant trial and error,
you learn to know each other and get to see the best and the worst of each other.
To Love is Not to Possess
By James Kavanaugh
To love is not to possess,
To own or imprison,
Nor to lose one's self in another.
Love is to join and separate,
To walk alone and together,
To find a laughing freedom
That lonely isolation does not permit.
It is finally to be able
To be who we really are
No longer clinging in childish dependency
Nor docilely living separate lives in silence,
It is to be perfectly one's self
And perfectly joined in permanent commitment
To another--and to one's inner self.
Love only endures when it moves like waves,
Receding and returning gently or passionately,
Or moving lovingly like the tide
In the moon's own predictable harmony,
Because finally, despite a child's scars
Or an adult's deepest wounds,
They are openly free to be
Who they really are--and always secretly were,
In the very core of their being
Where true and lasting love can alone abide.
Marriage is really hard work. You work together to make it last.
You stay together because you love each other not for any other reason.
It takes time to get adjusted to your partner but with constant trial and error,
you learn to know each other and get to see the best and the worst of each other.
To Love is Not to Possess
By James Kavanaugh
To love is not to possess,
To own or imprison,
Nor to lose one's self in another.
Love is to join and separate,
To walk alone and together,
To find a laughing freedom
That lonely isolation does not permit.
It is finally to be able
To be who we really are
No longer clinging in childish dependency
Nor docilely living separate lives in silence,
It is to be perfectly one's self
And perfectly joined in permanent commitment
To another--and to one's inner self.
Love only endures when it moves like waves,
Receding and returning gently or passionately,
Or moving lovingly like the tide
In the moon's own predictable harmony,
Because finally, despite a child's scars
Or an adult's deepest wounds,
They are openly free to be
Who they really are--and always secretly were,
In the very core of their being
Where true and lasting love can alone abide.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Before I Start My Day...
This is my prayer:
Dear Lord,
I thank you for this day. I thank you for being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because you are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and you keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and everyday to clear my mind so that I can hear from you.
Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.
And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, you listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I am help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't you intimately. I pray for those that don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.
I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family members. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance or situation greater than God. Every battle is in your hands for you to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees then and every eye that confesses them willingly.
This is my prayer.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Lord I love you and I need you, come into my heart please.
Dear Lord,
I thank you for this day. I thank you for being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because you are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and you keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and everyday to clear my mind so that I can hear from you.
Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.
And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, you listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I am help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't you intimately. I pray for those that don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.
I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family members. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance or situation greater than God. Every battle is in your hands for you to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees then and every eye that confesses them willingly.
This is my prayer.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Lord I love you and I need you, come into my heart please.
The Thing I Do at the End of Each Day
After my busy day at work, after all the meetings, after the voluminous emails and the comments and after the production stuff, all I want to do at the end of each day is to go home to my family and get that restful night for another day ahead.
However, before going to dreamland, I always end the day with a prayer. I do it while my baby is already sleeping right next to us. I pray 1 Apostles’ Creed, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and 1 Glory Be. I lift up all my worries, fears, doubts to Papa Jesus. I lift up my work, my relationships, my life to Him. I lift up my baby and my hubby to Papa Jesus. Sometime I close my eyes and sometimes I kneel but most of the time I just lie down and thank God for all the happiness, good health, and good day He has given us. Sometimes I tell him stories, things I have done or should have done or accomplished today. Sometimes I tell him people I met, or people I have helped, or people who irritated me or people whom I have annoyed in some ways. Sometimes I tell him things that went right and even things that went wrong. I tell Papa Jesus to give me the courage to face tomorrow and to make it better than today. I ask Him to bless my baby, my hubby, my family and friends every single day. And I ask Him that despite my failures as his daughter, I hope He will never leave me ever.
However, before going to dreamland, I always end the day with a prayer. I do it while my baby is already sleeping right next to us. I pray 1 Apostles’ Creed, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and 1 Glory Be. I lift up all my worries, fears, doubts to Papa Jesus. I lift up my work, my relationships, my life to Him. I lift up my baby and my hubby to Papa Jesus. Sometime I close my eyes and sometimes I kneel but most of the time I just lie down and thank God for all the happiness, good health, and good day He has given us. Sometimes I tell him stories, things I have done or should have done or accomplished today. Sometimes I tell him people I met, or people I have helped, or people who irritated me or people whom I have annoyed in some ways. Sometimes I tell him things that went right and even things that went wrong. I tell Papa Jesus to give me the courage to face tomorrow and to make it better than today. I ask Him to bless my baby, my hubby, my family and friends every single day. And I ask Him that despite my failures as his daughter, I hope He will never leave me ever.
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