I was about to sleep when the thought of meat pies popped in my head (yes, i dream about food.) Then I remembered Melbourne...
~~~
Hidden in the alleyways of Melbourne is this quaint store called Dinkum Pies. A pinoy can liken it to the local Turo-Turo; You simply point at what you want and they give it to you.
My parents and I got lost walking around the city and passed by this alley filled with local establishments. Needless to say, Dinkum wasn't the most savory of them.
It looked old... run-down. In some way it looked dirty and dubious. In fact, my parents and I just ignored it thinking it was no good. But fate had another plan. My dad insisted on trying out the local pies. It was 'innately' Melbourne. Hungry as we were, we went to the nearest pie store we knew-- Dinkum Pies.
As we got in line we looked around at all the little knick- knacks they had inside. They had a lot of vintage stuff which looked more "old" than they did "vintage". The place looked unorganized but lo and behold, a pinay was present behind the counter. My mom immediately started a conversation.
"Masarap ba dito?" asked my mom.
"Ay, opo! Eto po yung paborito ng mga Australyano!"
My dad was too hungry to listen while I ADD'd by looking at what people ordered. Then I saw it. A sign.
Literally. It was a sign that was posted on the glass wall of Dinkum Pies. On a white bond paper, they printed the words "THE AGE Best pie in Melbourne 2010".


~~~
My parents and I ended up eating at one of Melbourne's best local pie place. Something you won't see shared in tourist brochures. We ended up going there every chance we we're in the city. It was real, warm, comfort food during winter in Australia.
That place was really something. There was something about the whole experience of eating your meal as a pie accompanied by this cleverly packaged tomato sauce. It was my Dayrit's away from home. My comfort- food-guilty-pleasure-childhood-memory-kind-of- fun in Australia. And I do miss it terribly.
http://jdereport.com.au/john-elliott%E2%80%99s-melbourne-fair-dinkum-aussie-pies/
http://lanewaymagazine.com.au/best-pie-melbourne/

- Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like it's your last.

I remember being in my teens and being teased as the white lady. My neighbors would tell me I "glowed in the dark". Wearing make-up really wasn't my thing. My face would get oily but nothing a simple wash can't cure.

Then I turned 28.

For some reason after I got back from my trip, I started breaking out. After a pimple dies down, another one pops out! Noticed that the scars don't heal as fast too and my so- called "freckles" are more obvious.
Nowadays, my morning routine involves using a cream to correct the spots, putting on powder and LOTS of concealer.

Concealer. I never used to hide anything. Now I can't live without it. :(

The worse thing about it is being an Account Director for a popular beauty product. At one meeting, forgetting to put on my ever dependable make-up and adequate amount of concealer, we talked about how age spots/sun spots/pimple marks become more obvious as you get older. They don't easily go away as you age. I covered my face immediately. I had them. I had them all. My client (who also happens to be my blockmate) told me, "hay naku Shali, bawal ang pangit sa account na to!" Jokingly, of course. (Half-meant most probably)

So there I was, challenged (and ugly). How do I correct this problem of mine?

It was simple, really. I market my brand as effective in addressing these problem, so why not put my money where my mouth is right? Which is why I'm finally taking the 7 day challenge.

Day 1 starts tomorrow.

Here's to aging gracefully.

- Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like it's your last.

I finally said 'enough'. Apparently for my zodiac that's really the end of the line. It feels real this time too. What's more interesting though is that I can't find the quicksand anymore. I guess it's been such a long time that i've been in one I forgot I was already in it.

It doesn't feel like i'm in one though. The feeling isn't as crushing. It doesn't seem difficult to get back up from this one. Maybe banana boy is rubbing off on me. I suddenly don't mind.

- Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like it's your last.