I Found Nemo!

Would you believe I found Nemo?!?!!! And I haven't even seen the film yet! HAHAHA!Ü Seriously!

My friend Assunta has been prodding me for the longest time to try scuba diving, and finally, one Sunday last April, her prodding emerged victorious! Armed with nothing but a brave heart and a clear mindset, my friends and I hied to Anilao, Batangas hoping to Find Nemo...meet the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...and see Sebastian and Flounder dance to the tune of Under The Sea.Ü

Rex, Eunice, and I were to have our intro dive at Pier Uno Resort in Anilao, Batangas, while the rest (those who already had their certification) took a boat and went scuba diving at a different location than us. Since we were just going for an intro dive, the three of us had to wait for our turn to dive with the dive master. But before heading out to the beach, we had to have a some sort of lecture with Albert, a Malaysian national, who was to be our dive master for the day.

He first taught us the basics, such as:

• He'll be staying at our left side the whole time and that he'll be doing all the work which basically boils down to one thing: pulling us around so we don't even have to swim. All we really had to do was to remember to breath through the regulator and enjoy the sights under the sea.


• The hand gestures to remember when under water because obviously, we can't speak underwater, and all conversations should be done via hand gestures. The most important ones are:
  (1) OK - touch the tip of the thumb to that of the forefinger, with the rest of the fingers spread wide
  (2) STOP - do the thing that Diana Ross does when she sings "Stop In The Name of Love" Ü
  (3) GOING UP - like the thumbs up sign with the knuckles of your hand facing outward
  (4) GOING DOWN - opposite of 'going up,' with your knuckles facing you
  (5) GOING LEFT - similar to (3), only point to the left
  (6) GOING RIGHT - similar to (3), only point to the right
  (7) SLOW DOWN - similar to the FIRST hand movement one does when dancing "Pearly Shells"...but with only one hand (the one with palms facing down)
  (8) NOT OK - like a 'so-so' sign; palm open, facing down with fingers spread wide, then rotate your wrist a little less than halfway to the left then to the right repeatedly


• What SCUBA actually means (it's Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus)


• A lecture on the compressed air inside the tank (and how it got in there)


• And a lot more that I can no longer remember.Ü

We were given a choice to go one-by-one or a maximum of two in one dive (which means the other will go solo). The pros of the former is that he can take our pictures and videos underwater, while with the latter, he won't be able to do as such. Guess what we chose? Of course we opted to go solo and have pictures and videos to remember this experience by!Ü

The intro dive is supposed to last for only half an hour. But my-oh-my, mine lasted for almost an hour! Why, you may ask? Because I had a hard time relaxing and breathing underwater. I actually find it weird seeing as I've snorkled a lot of times before so you'd think I've mastered breathing in and out of an apparatus. But golly wow, NO! The dive master had to take me back to the shore 3 TIMES just so I can regroup and try to relax a little! Alas, when I suggested that the mask I was wearing be tightened, only then was I able to relax a bit and complete my intro dive (finally!). I guess the reason why I wasn't able to relax the first few times was because of the feeling that water might enter my nose because (I felt like) the mask wasn't tight enough (FYI: the mask protects & covers not just the eyes but the nose as well). After adjusting the mask, I was finally able to start and finish my intro dive (Thank you, my lucky stars!Ü).

One thing I'll remember about this experience though is this: SUPER BIGAT NG TANK! Such that I had a hard time walking the distance from where I was seated (at the resort) to the beach. I was afraid I'd fall backwards and bump my head into something hard...then blood will start squirting out of my head...then in no time, a pool of blood would've poured out on the floor...teka, mejo morbid na 'to. Basta, I was just scared that I might fall and bump my head, then I won't be the same Candy you once knew who sings and dances even when there's no music in the background. HAHA!Ü

Kidding aside, I'm not sure if I will be scuba diving anytime soon. I enjoyed the experience but I've seen more and nicer fishes when I snorkled at a different place in Anilao before. And I didn't have to pay P3,300 for that! I just had to pay for the boat ride back and forth to where we were staying, and I assure you, the fee won't reach P3,300 per person. However, I am not at all considering the experience not worthit. At least now I can say that I've tried scuba diving and it was a fun experience. I'll think twice though if I would go ahead with the certification like my friends did. But with the video that our dive master showed us when he went diving at Palau, you'll definitely be awed and would want to get a certification...just so you'll experience diving with the reef sharks, the manta rays, giant turtles (or are those tortoises?), and different schools of fishes. And THAT, you won't see by just snorkeling...although in the video, one girl there was skin diving (she was just wearing her swimsuit and a mask-snorkel set), which sounds fun just as long as there are no jellyfishes around. WINK!Ü

Bye for now! 'Til next month's blog!

For pictures and videos, check these links:
Pictures
Videos

Thanks to the following sites for helping me out in this month's blog:
http://scuba.about.com/od/divemedicine/a/handsignals.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_7452_communicate-underwater-scuba.html

Marrying Age

This is just sooooo funny to pass up!Ü Got this from Mian, by the way.Ü

TAKE THiS QUiZ TO FiND OUT WHAT YOUR MARRYING AGE iS:

[ ] I know how to make a pot of coffee.
[X] I keep track of dates using a calendar.
[X] I own more than one credit card.
[ ] I know how to change the oil in my dads car.
[X] i can wash my clothes
[X] I vote every election.
[X] I can cook for myself.
[ ] I think politics is exciting.
[ ] I balance my checkbook.
[ ] My parents have better things to say than my friends.

Total: 5

[X] I show up for school/college/work every day early.
[X] I always carry a pen in my pocket/purse.
[X] I've never gotten a detention.
[ ] I have never smoked a cigarette.
[X] I have never gotten completely trashed.
[X] I have forgotten my own birthday at least once.
[X] I like to take walks by myself.
[X] I've watched talk shows.
[X] I know what 'credibility' means without looking it up.
[X] I drink coffee at least once a week.

Total: 9

[X] I know how to do the dishes
[X] I can count to 10 in another language.
[X] When I say I'm going to do something I do it
[X] My parents trust me.
[ ] I can mow the lawn.
[X] I can make adults laugh without being stupid.
[X] I remember to water the plants.
[X] I study when I have to.
[X] I pay attention at school/college.
[X] I remember to feed my pets.

Total: 9

[X] can spell 'experience' without looking it up
[ ] I work out on a regular basis.
[X] I clean up my own mess.
[ ] The people at Starbuck's know me by name.
[ ] My favorite kind of food is take out.
[ ] I have gained weight since middle/high school.
[ ] The first thing I do when I wake up is get caffeine.
[ ] I can't go to the store without getting something I don't need.
[ ] I understand political jokes the first time they are said.
[X] I can type quickly.

Total: 3

[X] I have realized that the weather forecast changes every hour.
[ ] My only friends are from my place of employment.
[ ] I have been to a tupperware party
[X] I have realized that no one will take you seriously unless you are over the age of 25 and have a job.
[ ] I have more bills than I can pay.
[ ] Most of my friends are older than I am.
[X] I can say no to staying out all night.
[X] I use the internet every day.
[ ] My wardrobe hasn't changed in a while.
[X] I can read a book and actually finish it.

Total: 5

Add up all the numbers and repost this as: MY MARRYING AGE IS --- 31

Though I think that it should be the other way around...rather than adding it up, it makes sense if you just subtract it from the total number of questions (which is 50), in which case, I'm way over MY suppossedly marrying age of 19 (huwat?!?!!!). HAHAHA!Ü Now that I think about it, I guess the adding up all the numbers makes better sense...Ü

So...what's YOUR marrying age? HAHAHA!Ü

Bite Me!

I dreamt two nights ago that I was bitten by a black dog, and that I was crying and scared, which is not surprising since I'm generally afraid of dogs in the first place.

I searched the internet for an interpretation of my dream and here's what I found:

1 From http://dreammoods.com

To dream that a dog bites your on the leg, suggests that you have lost your ability to balance aspects of your life. You may be hesitant in approaching a new situation or have no desire to move forward with your goals.

-Could this mean that i'm working too much? I don't think so. My Saturdays are pretty much work-free, although I do stay until around 6 to 7pm at the office (I start work at 8am), which is more than the 8-hour work requirement and more than what is expected for a genpay employee like me. With the 2nd statement...I think this is true.

2 From http://www.sleeps.com

A dream of dogs is usually a fairly good omen. A dog barking happily shows that you will have a pleasing social life. A friendly, happy dog shows that you have lots of good friends. A dog barking and snarling fiercely at you shows you have some unfriendly friends, and also, if the dream dog is big and powerful, as well as friendly, shows that you have a very powerful protector.

-Hmmm...this made me think. I don't think I have unfriendly friends...coz if they're unfriendly, then I don't consider them as friends.


3 From http://petrix.com/dreams/

To dream about a dog that fondles you indicates great gain and constant friends. To hear the barking of dogs foretells news of a depressing nature. Difficulties are more likely to follow.

-OK, this one's a bit pessimistic. I can think of one situation that can make the news of a depressing nature true. I don't like the sound of difficulties are more likely to follow.


4 From http://www.djmcadam.com/dreams.htm

Dog - calm times ahead.

-The dog in my dream was barking continuously and bit me. I don't think this applies.


5 From http://predictions.astrology.com/dd/

Dogs can be great friends or frightening adversaries. In dreams, the friendly dog may be a representation of a trustworthy relationship or intuitive affirmation of it. The wild dog may represent a nagging, ongoing struggle with a seemingly irresolvable conflict. (Of course, either case may just be a replay of a life situation starring a real dog that you know, either friend or foe.)

Do you want someone who is unfairly persecuting you to "call off the dogs"? -OK, I don't understand this statement.

Is there a relationship in your life where the loyalty is at question or is especially pronounced? -None that I can think of, no.

-I wonder what that irresolvable conflict is...could it be a quarter-life crisis that's coming my way?


6 http://www.spiritquill.com/dreams.html

ANIMALS** Wild animals denote troubles or fears, even misfortune. Domestic animals, especially pets, usually mean good fortune. Their demeaner is significant. A fierce animal is a warning. A calm one indicates happy times. Animals often represent the primal side of our makeup and the dreamer's relationship with the animal tells how much control they have over that part of themselves (Oh...so this just means that I have no control over whatever IT is). The most common animals in our dreams are:

....DOGS* #1 dreamed animal! Traditional symbol of the Masculine; courage and loyalty. A friendly dog denotes coming domestic happiness. A vicious dog warns you of financial or health concerns. A howling dog warns of separation from loved ones.

-I just received my credit card statement and it's (a lot) more than the usual amount that i'm used to paying every month. I just had a blood chemistry test (is that how you call it?) done this morning (my first time ever) and the results came out OK (everything was within limit). So I guess my dream could be a warning that I will be paying quite a bit more than the usual for my credit card bill. That's OK. I can live with that.

7 From http://www.anael.org/english/dreams/meaningofdream1.htm

Dog, wolf dog that attacks : Karma or punishment that are going to be paid.
Dog, a friendly one : Sincere friendship.
Dog, attacking: a betrayal of a friend. If the dog is big, is a close friend. If It bites, the traitor will hurt.

-Oh my! Karma or Punishment...I wonder what I did that has to be paid? Or...expect a friend to betray me (Naku, sino kaya yun?). The dog was medium-sized...so the friend might not be that close to me...It bit me so that just means he or she will hurt.


8 From http://www.rom101.com/glossary/index.php

Dreaming of a dog can mean that you´re seeking companionship (HAHAHA!), affection, or loyalty. If the dog bites, it might indicate a feeling of disloyalty (Hmmm...). To hear dogs barking suggests a message or a warning from your unconscious (Now, what is my uncounscious mind trying to tell me?).

9 From http://www.brilliantdreams.com

Attack
To dream that you attack someone, indicates that your ill-mood and temper may cause harm to another. You are releasing some pent-up frustration and anger. You feel that you have been wronged. Such feelings may be easier and safer for you to express in your dream. To dream that you are being attacked by someone, signifies questions on your character and the need for you to defend yourself. You are feeling stressed, vulnerable and helpless. You may also be faced with difficult changed in your waking life. To dream that you are being attacked by an animal, is a warning to be careful with those around you. Take notice on who you know in your waking like that shares and exhibits the same qualities of the animal that attacked you in your dream. To dream that you kill an attacking animal, signifies that your life will be saved by a stranger.

Bark
To hear barking in your dream, represents your tendency of barking orders at people instead of asking or talking kindly (Yikes!). It may also indicate that you are annoying others, grumpiness, or fussiness (Naku, wag naman sana ako annoying to others). To see a happily barking dog in your dream, symbolizes pleasures and much social activity. If the dog is barking ferociously, then it represents your habit of unnecessary barking at people and the situations around you (Yikes! again). It could also mean unfriendly companions (Strike 2 na 'to).

Dog
To see a dog in your dream, indicate a skill that you have ignored or forgotten, but needs to be activated (My engineering skills perhaps? Haha!). Alternatively, dogs may symbolize intuition, loyalty, generosity, protection, and fidelity. Your own values and intentions will enable you to go forward in the world and succeed. If the dog is vicious and/or growling, then it signifies some inner conflict within you (Quarter-life crisis, is that you?). It may indicate betrayal and untrustworthiness. If the dog is dead or dying, then it indicates a loss of a good friend. Alternatively, it represents a deterioration of your instincts. To see a happily barking dog in your dream, symbolizes pleasures and much social activity. If the dog is barking ferociously, then it represents your habit of making demands on people and controlling situations around you (Strike 2!). It could also mean unfriendly companions (Strike 3!). To dream that you are buying a dog, indicates your tendency to buy your friends or buy compliments/favours. Alternatively, it suggests a need for you to find companionship. To dream that you are dressing up your dog, signifies your attempts to cover up your own character flaws and habits. Also consider the notions associated with the word dog, such as loyalty ("man's best friend") and to be "treated like a dog".

Well, I guess that's more than enough. From what i've gathered, I must:

• Be careful of those around me.
• Try and identify that inner conflict within me and resolve it.
• Try to decipher what my unconscious mind is telling me.
• Stop barking at people.

OK then. That's nice to know. Maybe my mind is telling me to take a breather and try to analyze the things going on within and around me.

Or it could also be telling me to just simply, buy a dog (i've always wanted to have a black dachshund, but am afraid of the responsibility that comes with taking care of a dog).

So...what do you think? Share to me your thoughts.Ü