BY: Liz Brody

In fiction, men turn themselves inside out for love—from F. Scott Fitzgerald's Jay Gatsby reinventing his life to get Daisy back, to even a bad boy like Chuck Bass angling for Blair after three seasons of 'Gossip Girl'.

But in real life, isn't it the women who most acutely feel the whiplash of relationship turmoil? We lose sleep over fights (he snores). We anguish at his failure to remember an anniversary. We watch 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf' to remind ourselves that, "There but for the grace of God," and cook up revenge plans should he dare to dump us (at least I do.)

So I was interested to see a new study, published this month in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, which suggests that guys are a lot more sensitive than we might think. Analysing the mental health of 1,611 unmarried subjects between ages 18 and 23, researchers found that, while women predictably get more depressed after a breakup, men outdo us in riding the highs and suffering the lows of the romantic roller coaster.

Really?

Lead researcher, Robin Simon, PhD, a sociology professor at Wake Forest University, was surprised, too. With older couples, she says, it's known that both sexes share the stress when love life gets rocky. But younger guys are different: They seem to have particularly thin skins. 

"These boys are more sensitive to relationships," she says. "Tension and conflict are more hurtful to them than to women. And their mental health is more buttressed when things go well." Meanwhile, even though we trump them in terms of breakup misery, "men do care."

No copywrite intention... Credit remains to whoever created the article nor the website where I found this.

We haven't started yet of the drinking when I received an sms from her friend. She was asking about the HK/Macau trip. It wasn't bothered me until, she told me what happend to ****'s mom. I immediately replied asking for any news. And so, I sms Tita (****'s mom), to confirm her status. It was sad to know that she would undergo an operation this saturday...I hope it turned well for her to get back on her choirs. I also sms "her (****)". I was thinking that maybe, she was busy... I waited, hoping my phone will beep a tone but didn't get any reply. 

At that very moment my thoughts were floating in the air. My conscience also struck me. I wanted to call but was doubtful that she would answer. Middle of the session I was eager to get back home coz I want to sleep and cry (iyakin)... But no one wants to buy my excuse. so what I did was to pass a my drink to another colleague without him knowing... It was 11:15pm when they decided to have a karaoke at Music 21 in jupiter st.Makati. I thought I can run off. but they hold my other phone for me not to ran.

There I acted as if I was already drunk... and yes, they bought it. having myself excuse from the 2 litro's of BADTRIP as what Central BBQ grill called it and 3 barrels of Draft beer... Time is so slow that I felt like sleepy watching the pointer on my watch as it turns 1:00am.  Haay... I made an excuse again that my mom already sms me to go home (mama's boy... hahaha). Guess what? as I expected they didn't buy it.  My mind is totally blunt and thinking of so many things...

Finally got home around between 3:00-3:30am. I sms **** again, but still no luck... so I decided to hit the bed and sleep. 

Woke at 8:15am, I was in a rush cause I know  I'll be late for work. I arrived in the office 9:30am just in time. As usual, updating my pipeline's, emails etc. It was 3pm when my boss from thailand skype me asking me to give him an update on my cases. I told myself, PUTEK! I was planning to go out early so I could go home early to get some sleep.  So I convinced him that to reschedule our meeting tomorrow morning.... haay.. So there, I go out of the office nearly 4pm, ran on the parking and I couldn't get Lucy out cause there were other cars blocking the way out. Good thing the parking guy has the key. 

Fast forwarding the story arrived at a client to pay a visit and went home straight. Arrived early at 5:45pm, and here I'am eating luckyme pansit canton for my dinner. hehehe...

Well I planned to call her tonight maybe around 7:30 -8:00pm. If she won't answer my call, guess what? I'll still try the next hour. and if still no answer. I'll call again and again every 30mins. and if she still don't answer before 12midnight, I'd say goodbye forever and change my numbers... 

I had to prepare myself for any result it may cause... wish me LUCK!

For the past months I've been so bothered how to accommodate the expenses on this adventure, and now my dilemmas had been solved. I was, Thank God… but events happen in our lives uncontrollably.

So I guess there's no room for me to tag along as they have already planned things without me... eh? Besides there's no reason why should I... I don't want to push myself to person’s who doesn't want my companion. Who am I to dictate, right?

I already filed my Vacation Leave weeks before and was thinking of having a reservation at Buri Spa and Resort, stay for at least an overnight or so in a Garden Villa, ALONE! Without my family, leaving Lucy, LUA, My cellular in the comfort of my house, wherein the room has no television or other fancy electronics. A quiet and peaceful ambiance, away from the crowded, and stressful Manila. A place where I can reflect, release all the burdens and pains in my heart and cry out loud. A place I hope to find myself. 

Honestly, I was hoping few months ago before the "uncontrollable event" happened, that If in case we will not push through with HK-Macau, I'll just bring her to this place to compensate the travel.

It was disappointing to know that HK/Macau won't happen as planned. Rather total revision of the plan is needed. 

I visualize what would people at Buri Spa and Resort would think of me traveling alone, but this time I'll raise my guts and never mind what people had to say. I had my own purpose why I'm doing this...

I have to go now, almost 6pm. Time to logout. Will be having a drinking session at Central for a despedida of our colleague from other division... ‘til my next utterwords...

In life, there are not many who had found a perfect partner and I may say that I'am one of those person who continue to seek my way in finding the person who would truly  love me and no other, a person I will sleep beside every night.  To a person who will bear a child that I will call my son or daughter. To a person I will call my wife and in the end watching our portrait of  "You and I" growing old together until we die.

I envy couples who had found themselves in front of the alter, exchanging vows, securing themeselves of they will be together forever.

Happiness rests within us. If we wish to be happy, we need to take full responsibility for our emotional response to all events in our life. No other person has the power to make us happy or unhappy. We, alone, can choose to be happy, or unhappy.

# 1 NEW ZEALAND



Made up of two main islands and a number of smaller islands, New Zealand is one of the world's least crowded countries. As well as the feeling of space and escapism from hectic everyday life, this country offers magnificent mountains, luscious lakes, clear rivers, geysers, volcanoes, glaciers, and exotic rainforests.Peaceful, quiet. - A perfect place to live-in.

# 2 ITALY

 

Italy is a country that is as diverse as it is captivating. Occupying a peninsular nearly 3,000km long, its attractions range from cosmopolitan cities to beautiful landscapes, from cultural havens to historic hotspots. If you ever dreamed of living in the middle of a vineyard or surrounded by sunflowers, your dreams could become a reality in Italy, not forgetting the gorgeous food on offer.

# 3 AUSTRALIA

Whether you dream of exploring tropical rainforests or arid outbacks, beautiful beaches or cosmopolitan cities, you can be sure that Australia will provide. Great nightlife, tasty food and plenty to keep you busy, it's no wonder that Australia comes in at number 3.

# 4 PORTUGAL

Portugal is home to some 10 million inhabitants. Travel to the north of the country and you'll discover a well-kept secret of rural landscapes and a traditional way of life.

# 5 DUBAI

Located in between Abu Dhabi and the rest of the Emirates, Dubai is now a top destination to live. Originally a small town of Bedouin people, it is now home to the Burj Al Arab hotel, thought to be the worlds only 7 star hotel. Many celebrities have already taken the opportunity to own a piece of this stylish city by buying a house on one of the many man-made islands that will soon be spanning its coastline.

# 6 SPAIN



Every region of Spain has its own traditions, and each is worth exploring over successive trips. Relax over a glass of the local cider in Asturias, eat paella in Valencia, or watch flamenco dancing in Andalucia. We can see why it is such a great place to live.

# 7 SOUTH AFRICA



South Africa is a vast country with landscapes that vary from the steep cliffs of the Drakensberg Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean, with the added bonus of some of the best wildlife viewing on the planet. Although everyone speaks English, this is a truly multicultural nation with eleven official languages and as many vibrant cultures.

# 8 UNITED KINGDOM



In case you don't know this already, the United Kingdom is full of sights and attractions, from the bright lights of the big cities like London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast, to quieter spots on the beautifully-secluded islands offshore. The Isle of Skye and the Isle of Man are just two examples of places to escape to for unspoilt countryside and enviable coastlines.

# 9 USA, FLORIDA

America's "sunshine state" is not only for its great weather and superb beaches but for the non-stop entertainment and magic of the world's largest entertainment complex: The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Away from the fun parks and beaches, there is another, quieter, side to the state. To the north you'll find green forests and lovely countryside.

# 10 SINGAPORE



The island of Singapore is located at the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula in south- east Asia, and it's also made up of 59 tiny islands that lie just off its southern coast. Singapore city is a wonderful fusion of culture, history, architecture, art, with the contrast of old and new all rolled into one.

We head back to her hotel so she could fix her self and get ready for dinner. On the other, I went back to the office to catch up with my emails... YahoOOoo! Finally, I have 200 pcs fresh calling cards on my table, ready to be dispense anytime. I knew this cards will not last. hahaha... 

Tomorrow we'll have a run through the product and I'll get the chance to have my own presentation... see whether I want to handle the case or not (it's my boss decision not mine) and if I don't like it... We'll just let the new staff (on process of hiring someone) handle it and see results.

I have to hit the bed now because its been calling me since I arrived. I think no one will ever call me or send and sms, cause since this morning I kept on looking on my cellular and no sms or calls arrived except from those of my colleagues.

Night everyone cause its not a good night nor good day for me.  Just sleep well... don't forget to pray...

1. A man decides to buy a nice horse. He pays $60 for it, and he is very content with the strong animal. After a year, the value of the horse has increased to $70 and he decides to sell the horse. But already a few days later he regrets his decision to sell the beautiful horse, and he buys it again. Unfortunately he has to pay $80 to get it back, so he loses $10. After another year of owning the horse, he finally decides to sell the horse for $90. What is the overall profit the man makes?

2. A bus run at 100 km/hr top speed. It can carry a maximum of 6 persons. If speed of bus decreases in fixed proportion with increase in number of person, find speed when three person are traveling in bus.

3. A man wanted to enter an exclusive club but did not know the password that was required. He waited by the door and listened. A club member knocked on the door and the doorman said, "twelve." The member replied, "six" and was let in. A second member came to the door and the doorman said, "six." The member replied, "three" and was let in. The man thought he had heard enough and walked up to the door. The doorman said, "ten" and the man replied, "five". But he was not let in. What should have he said?

4. There are 20 pieces of bread to divide among 20 people. A man eats 3 pieces, woman eats 2 pieces and a child eats half piece of bread. Tell the correct combination of men, women and children so that they are 20 people in total and everyone gets the bread. Note that a man cannot eat less than 3 or more than 3. A woman cannot eat less than 2 or more than 2 and the child cannot eat less than half or more than half piece of the bread. You have to tell there are how may are men, women and children in those 20 people.

5. A cube of side 4cm is painted with 3 colors red, blue and green in such a way that opposite sides are painted in the same color. This cube is now cut into 64 cubes of equal size.

1. How many have at least two sides painted in different colors.
2. How many cubes have only one side painted.
3. How many cubes have no side painted.
4. How many have exactly one side not painted.

6. How many squares are there on a normal chesboard?

7. Three people picked 65 apples altogether. At the first tree they each picked the same number of apples. At the second tree they each picked 3 times as many as they picked at the first tree. When they finished at the third tree, the group had 5 times as many apples as they had when they started at that tree. At the fourth tree the group picked just 5 apples. How many apples did each person pick at the first tree?

8. 4 criminals are caught and are to be punished. The Judge allows them to be freed if they can solve a puzzle. If they do not, they will be hung. They agreed. The 4 criminals are lined up on some steps (shown in picture). They are all facing in the same direction. A wall seperates the fourth man from the other three.

To Summarise

• Man 1 can see men 2 and 3.
• Man 2 can see man 3.
• Man 3 can see none of the others.
• Man 4 can see none of the others.

The criminals are wearing hats. They are told that there are two white hats and two black hats. The men initially don't know what colour hat they are wearing. They are told to shout out the colour of the hat that they are wearing as soon as they know for certain what colour it is.

• They are not allowed to turn round or move.
• They are not allowed to talk to each other.
• They are not allowed to take their hats off.

Now the question is "Who is the first person to shout out and why?"

9. At a party, everyone shook hands with everybody else. There were 66 handshakes. How many people were at the party?

10. You have to measure exactly 4 liters of water, but you only have a 3-liter bottle and a 5-liter bottle. How do you do it?