Blah Day

Today is a blah day... don't know what;s bugging me... don't know what I should be thinking... it could be work related (since we are closing down our department effective tomorrow!)... but don't worry... I still got a job... it could be the stress of being socially active... as for now, I need to just want this feeling to go away...

I need some quiet time... maybe all I need is an ice cream now and quiet time in church...

Open 24 Hours

I have been reviewing my calendar for the past few months, mostly its work stuff that I document. I realized that I have not written down most of my other happenings that it took place, e.g. Dinner with friends, movie nights at home while vegging out... You know, more important stuff.

I say this because life is not your 9 to 5 work, its a 24-hour on going cycle that will hopefully with God's presence bring you closer to that ultimate goal. Sometimes we stress too much about work after work hours that it consumes you and eventually makes you sick.

I am happy that I would get the chance to go on a retreat next weekend and be able to set time for myself. We all need these kind of retreats once in a while, be it an hour of coffee time with yourself or a weekend in the woods.

Btw, if you are interested on this coming retreat, be sure to sign up fast. It's just $50! It is more expensive to stay home with this price! Visit www.bigprojects.org/bh for a glimps of what is to come.




Jonathan L. Ong
sent via mobile device

Sunday Around NY

Mare and I decided to have sunday to ourselves. After all, we have been pulled in all directions for the past few weeks.



After church in Queens, we headed to Manhattan for a street fair below Houston Street. Before then, we have already decided that we were going to enjoy ourselves, and since Mare is paying, we tasted food at the fair to our tummy's content. Chicken gyro, Italian sausage, chocolate covered marshmallows and fruit cups. After traversing the entire fair we decided to take the 6 train to Brooklyn for some shopping.



The shopping plan was thrown out the window when I saw the N Train connection. We then decided to make it a Coney Island afternoon. The boardwalk was packed as we made it towards the aquarium. It was small but had quite a few nice exhibits.



It was a long day. However, I had to make sure we ended our sunday with a nice dinner. Because exactly 7:30pm that day last year, we first introduced ourselves to each other at the retreat. We ended the night with a toast and with hopes and prayers for a more fun and exciting year ahead of us.

Jonathan L. Ong

sent via mobile device

Pool League

I recently became one of Parkside's Finest Pool League Team member.

Christina, who is in Mare's Tuesday night team, created a Monday division group for Parkside Lounge. This is the first time that Parkside is hosting its second team for the league.

We all know that I am not even close to a good pool player, but the team is very encouraging and have been coaching me along the way. From the basics of the game to the APA rules.

Right now, its baby steps for me. From learning to rack the balls properly, winning a lag and marking your pocket. Next step is to win atleast a round!

Jonathan L. Ong
sent via mobile device

Adventures Around the World

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement, from the two-week vacation in the Philippines, to the Las Vegas trip and everything in between. While waiting for pool night, I get a time for myself.

Since May, weekends have been held hostage by a barrage of "must attend" and "need to be there" events. The great San Francisco trip kicked off the series of fun and tiring weekends. Thanks to Arman and Alnie for being such gracious hosts. Really enjoyed the 8 mile bike across the bridge, I'll do it in a heart beat!

The following weekend saw a 10 hour drive to Ohio for Mare's cousin's wedding. It was a fun experience. I was able to attend a Byzantine Catholic Church service (which I found out later that I can't receive communion however, due to affiliation with the Shevatz (Mare's mom side), I was ok'ed). The drive was long but a fun one.

Since I made plans to go to Manila, I had to squeeze in the hike that I wanted to go to the following week. Mare and I went to the Katerskills Mountain for a day trip hike that included an exploration of the Howe Caverns. It was a nice relaxing activity, not to strenuous. And for the price that we paid for, it was a steal.

Two weeks in the Philippines... from Tagatay to Iloilo to Cebu back to Iloilo then to Davao then a day in Manila before coming back to crazy NY. It was fun being with family. The resorts were beautiful, the food was amazing but the best part of the trip was when we get stuck in traffic be stuck in a van with each other. Oh and before I forget, the fun time we had in the middle of typhoon Frank... 4 big adults, stuck in a small cramped hotel room with two twin beds. Do the math.

And of course, since the Philippine trip was something that I didn't plan in advance, I was not able to space out the next trip. The Las Vegas trip was scheduled back in March so there was no turning back. After 6 days back in NY, I found myself flying to another time zone this time with the Duca Siblings and Basil.

The 5 of us (Me, Mare, Angel, Petey and Basil [Ang's BF]) piled in a mini van and headed to our adventure. First stop was the Gallego household. It was the most relaxing pit stop ever. Tita Langging, Tito Pabby and Rock were very gracious hosts. Thanks for the room, the food and the guided tour! The Las Vegas Trip and Phil June 2008 trip deserves another entry.

Now that I am able to bring this all out, entries for the other events should be able to make it online soon.