Tagged! Twice As Nice

I'm taking the time to post my answers (re: 2 tags from ZJ.)
These are bits of info about me and nothing too cerebral.

PART 1 - Tag 1: 8 Facts About Me

Uno - I've always wanted to be a doctor. Even as a little girl, I've been fascinated with anything related to medicine. I've dreamt of being a surgeon (Way before ER/Grey's Anatomy/medical TV dramas) or a pedia or a trauma medic. Sadly, when I entered college...I took up AB English instead. Yep, with much annoyance (my mom insisted that I obey her) and even when I reasoned out that I can apply for a scholarship after pre-med. I tried to bargain for Mechanical Engineering but, to no avail. Her reason? It's not good to have 3.0's as grades in Mech Eng. So I got stuck in a very easy major. Hehe, easy-peasy and with triple scholarships in college. It was fun but not too mentally challenging. And to follow through with my Hippocratic dream, I took First Aid exercises, volunteered as a firefighter, had Rescue trainings, studied Caregiver course and read anything about this field. I am able to dispense trivia about practical tips and health ideas, but always ending it with "it's still best to consult your doctor".

Dos - I can cook. I can bake. It's all self-taught. As long as you're able to read a cookbook, follow instructions, never afraid to tweak seasonings or ingredients around, and have tons of willing tasters. What started me off was the real need for good breakfast everyday. I feel sad when there's no breakfast food on the table. I don't ask for fancy or gourmet, but a girl can only wonder aloud why it's always: eggs/hotdog/dried fish/fried rice/bread/the-viand-that-tasted-
amazing-for-dinner-still-ended-up-as-rehashed-breakfast, etc. So, when I got my oven, I went on a baking and cooking frenzy. With the tools and tricks of the trade and a lot of guts, nothing stood in my way. Yep, I am happy to say that I can cook and I can bake. I even earn some cash along the way.

Tres - I recycle, re-use and refuse. That's the simplest thing I can do to help in protecting Mother Nature. At home, there is garbage segregation. Old clothes are packed and turned into hand-me-downs. Turn off the lights when not in use. Just buy what's needed. Carpool. Use public transport. My small deeds of kindness for the environment.

Quatro - I am a certified single. Yep, it's a happy state-of-being. No one to prevent you from pursuing your wanderlust. No one to check on your whereabouts. Yet there are days when I feel sad being by my lonesome, wondering if I'm meant to be alone forever (oh no!!!), hating everybody else's coupledom (argh, get a room!!!), and not getting any romantic kiss/hug when I desperately need one or both. Hey, I don't need Mr. Right, just Mr. Right Now. Any takers?

Cinco - My idea of a perfect day is: overcast skies, no rain, no sun, clouds hovering, cool breeze. Team that up with bottomless iced tea, clear ocean waters and great company. No work. No worries. Heaven. Bliss.

Seis - In terms of work, I aim to deliver the goods, the best way possible. Planning. Organizing. Details. Contingencies. Handling setback. Options. Whatever it takes to do the job right. I've come to believe that doing anything right every "1st" time has its rewards. Nothing is wasted. It's being a pro. It's taking responsibility. It's a reflection of who a person is, what he/she is capable or not capable of. Deadlines just too much pressure, anyway.

Siete - I've had my share of the unexplained and the supernatural. Sometimes I get visions, hear voices, see what's on the next frame sort-of-thing. Some call it a gift. I call it my backup blessing. It can be scary. But the feeling that kindred spirits and guides are there - all these are worth it.

Ocho - Eight is my favorite number. My first name has eight letters. Eight stands for infinity.

PART 2 - Tag 2: The Face Behind The Blog

Ahem...This is SAM.
I really love my nickname. In the military, SAM stands for Surface-to-Air Missile. It's a label for a hotdog endorsed by Sam Milby (Is that a coincidence or what?). A masculine nickname for a 100% femme. I am a happy Single and I just don't get it when some people make a big deal out of my civil status. Can anyone blame me for holding out for the One? I am sure it's worth the wait, hehe. I enjoy hanging out with family and friends. Books, movies, food, coffee, vodka, travel, sunset, ice cream, breads and music are some of my interests. I hope to be able to swim with dolphins, have my own 3P (pastry-pasta-picapica) business, and really volunteer for VSO someday. The words multitasking, serendipity, aurora borealis, peanut butter and flavanoids make me smile. My work experiences range from trimedia, customer outsourcing, tutorials, education and construction. Not really a techie but I try to learn the basics of hitech. I like makeup (mostly mascara and lip gloss), dressing up sometimes, foot spa, manicure and peds, hairstyles, body lotion, body powder (Johnson's Baby Powder is still tops for me), sneakers, sandals, flipflops, jeans, shirts, body sprays and other girly stuff. Not to be vain but to look and feel good. I cherish my friends (near or far). If I'd be given the chance to interview 3 people, I'd choose: Oprah Winfrey, Pope Benedict and Lea Salonga. I share the same birthday with Albert Einstein (sadly, I'm not a genius) and the late Rico Yan (whom I was able to interview during my radio stint at ABS-CBN Naga, spent time with when he graced the opening of Greenwich-Naga, and be lucky enough to get a kiss from this really gracious person. Oh yes, Rico Yan kissed my neck - he missed my cheek by approximately 5 inches.) I'll always think of him as my angel.

As a water sign, I'm forever changing. Going with the flow. Deep. Silent. Turbulent at times.
As an Ox, I'm steadfast, dependable and hardworking.
I am SAM - Maorag na taga-Bikol. Kayumanging Kaligatan. Proudly Pinay.

NOTE: Pictured above: Me and my two sweet brothers-in-law, Jay (left) and Al (right).