Hi, Candy girls!

 I guess by now you know that I'm saying goodbye to Candy and I'm starting a new chapter in my life. It was a very hard decision to make (so hard to leave my girls!!!), but I feel that it's time for me to go back to something that has been calling out to me for so long! I'm going to go back to education. I used to be a teacher — in fact, I was Angel's teacher in high school! Haha! And I loved it — and I guess I really can't stay away. 

So for the past two and a half weeks, I was in the States training for my new job. I'm going to be the director of Tutoring Club, a US franchise that my tito is bringing in. It's a super cool concept because we're not just going to help with your homework, we bring your skills up to the level they should be! We'll do an assessment test to find out what the gaps are in your math and comprehension skills, then our computer program creates a lesson tailored just for you! I was able to see how quickly the students progressed in the states – and how they go from being behind in school to being grade levels ahead! Quite awesome. I'm going to put myself through the math program hehe!

Here I am in front of the Tutoring Club center in Las Vegas. 

That's my classmate Jeff and Kim, our trainer. They were so much fun to hang out with! I'm going to miss them

Guess where I am here? In Korea! At the palace of the king! Before going to the states, I dropped by Korea and blended in with the locals! haha! It was FREEZING! 

Ever the ham, I posed as a palace guard complete with spear and helmet!

In my tito's farm in California — isn't it gorgeous! It took my breath away! I felt like I was in a movie!

On my tito's boat called the Kasadya — which means "so much fun" in Ilonggo Of course the Americans do not know how to pronounce this properly! Haha!

With Jen (she wrote the Hard Candy article on nursing, Dec 2006) — one of my best friends who flew all the way to San Fran from LA just to spend one day with me Love you, girl! Here we are in Union Square in the city of San Francisco — freezing our noses off! 

Yes, I went shopping in H&M! The line to the fitting rooms was soooo long! But we braved it! 

My (not so) little sister was also there on vacation and we met up for lunch and I lent her two dresses that I had just bought (from Wet Seal) the previous weekend. She needed a dress for a party she was attending and she had no time to shop!

Though I was homesick a lot, it was such a fun trip! And I'm sure that this next journey of mine is going to be as fun too! But I am going to miss all of you Candy girls and boys so much. It's so hard to say goodbye — so I won't. I'm going to say thank you to all of you. I will forever and ever be a Candy girl. Because that is not something that you outgrow. I love you all!

Love Heaps (and bounds!),

Ines 

Posted in Candy | 18 Comments »

Hi, Candy girls!

I'm back Well, just for today. I visited the Candy girls—and I shopped with Mimi for a pair of jeans because I'll need them for my trip. I'm going to the States tomorrow and I realized that I have no good, sensible jeans to wear! And can you believe it—we stepped into Karimadon, headed straight for the jeans, I pulled a pair out, asked for my size and it was perfect! That has never happened before! Maybe the denim gods know that I am in a hurry and I need a perfect pair ASAP.

But aside from that, the highlight of my day was really spending it here at the Candy office. These gals are the best friends ever! 

Love you all!

Ines 

Posted in Candy | 5 Comments »

Dearest Candy girls,

I'm going on a long trip — I desperately need a break. I just wanted to let you know just in case you'll wonder why I'm not posting. I'm so excited! Traveling has really been something that I feel I need to be doing more of — but at the same time, I love being productive. haha! But for now, I think it's about time I spoil myself.

How do you spoil yourselves, Candy girls? 

Let me know! Even if I can't post, I'll still be checking the site as often as I can!

Mwah! Love you all!

Ines 

Posted in Candy | 6 Comments »

Hey, Candy girls!

The problem with going to school and working at the same time is that things happen in school that I am only aware of at the last minute!  Last Saturday, my teacher told me that I have to submit all my papers (that's three major papers with loads to read in order to write them!) by March 2. That wouldn't be a problem if I didn't think that I had till April or May to submit these papers! So now I'm totally freaking out! How on earth do I fast track everything on top of work plus another heavy research class that I am also taking? I need your advice, Candy girls! Don't scrimp on your wisdom. 

In dire straits,

Ines 

Posted in Candy | 11 Comments »

Dearest Candy girls,

What do I do when I'm in need of a little happiness? Eat, of course! But not overeat — or I'll never hear the end of it from my family! (My lola just told me that I was looking a bit chunky. After sulking for a while, I decided not to let it get me down and to just watch what I eat.)

But today, I started my week with good food and good friends — the way a week should always start! Mimi, Koko, Becky, and I headed to Omakase on Libis and had these yummy eats! If you gals are in the mood for fusion Japanese food and are willing to spend a bit (not too steep, we spent around 300 a head) then head over there.

  Spicy Tuna Salad

This is my favorite! Uni tempura — soooo good but not for the faint-hearted. haha!

Mimi and Koko

Becky and me — I was trying to look away but just ended up laughing. Oh well! Check out that spread! Mmmmm good! Can't wait to go back!

What's your comfort trip?

love, Ines 

Posted in Candy | 4 Comments »