The 12 Days of Christmas

On the TWELFTH DAY of Christmas, my true love sent to me:

12 months of loving and caring
11 reasons to hug and to kiss
10 sweet ways to say "I Love You"
9 out-of-town vacation getaways
8 cuddly, fluffy pillows
7 Havaiannas for each day of the week
6 hard bound, adult edition Harry Potter books
5 Dishwalla CDs
4 Bath And Body Works Body Spray
3 Lord Of The Rings Limited Edition DVDs
2 His and Hers watches
And a shiny, spiffy Apple iBook

Merry Christmas everybody! To those who have found and is spending this Christmas with their true love, keep on loving, respecting and inspiring your beloved. For those who have yet to find their true love [like me!], learn to love yourself so that when your true love comes along, he/she will know that he/she has found his/her most wonderful gift in you! =)


[Posted December 18] I know I'm supposed to update this special project of mine everyday, but I'm invoking, yet again, the age-old justification of being busy and I hope that will excuse me! So, anyway, here's the list (pictures to follow) and hopefully I can start updating this daily!

The Rules:
Starting December 13 and lasting until Christmas Eve, I'll be posting my own version of the 12 days of Christmas.

Every day, and just like in the song, there will be different gifts that my true love gave to me - assuming that my true love does exist and has tons and tons of money hahaha... Anyway, it would probably showcase the materialistic me, but it's not like I'm really expecting these gifts! It's just a fun exercise and sort of parody of a Christmas song that I love singing [because I still can't memorize the other gifts other than the 5 gold rings and below!]. I hope my true love, whoever he turns out to be, will not be scared off because of this list hehehe!!!

I haven't really finalized the gifts, so if you have suggestions, feel free to speak up. If you have your own version of the 12 Days of Christmas, I'd be glad to hear about it!

Christmas Eve Gifts

My eldest brother gave me these CDs:



Outside Looking In: The Best of the Gin Blossoms

U218 Singles





A piece of trivia: "Outside Looking In", a line from the song "Til I Hear It From You", was one of the title I contemplated having for my blog. Ain't it nice? =)



There's no point in this entry except to say that I'm happy with my gifts!

My Top 5 Christmas Movies

1. Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost In New York - Macaulay Caulkin was such a cute, naughty kid in this movie. It's mostly slapstick humor but you can't help but still laugh - and cry a little as little Kevin learn vital life lessons from the most unlikely people.
2. Die Hard and Die Hard 2 - it's bloody, it's action packed. I never really cared for the 3rd film and I'm not sure I'm thrilled with the latest sequel, but Bruce Willis is so attractive here as the macho but funny protagonist. Oh, and Alan Rickman was just as attractive as the macho but funny antagonist in the first film.
3. Edward Scissorhands - two words: Johnny Depp. Also, the scene where Winona Ryder danced as it started snowing for the first time in their town. Love it.
4. While You Were Sleeping - a must see movie for the hopeless romantics.
5. The Lord of The Rings Trilogy [The Fellowship Of The Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of The King] - not exactly Christmas movies, but I love marathon watching these movies.

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows

Yep, that's the title of the 7th and last (waah!) book of my most loved book series in the world.

And I'm pissed with myself for not knowing this piece of information sooner. Because I had been busy, busy, busy.

Wala na ba kong life?!

Okay, before this becomes a full-blown rant post yet again, I'll go back to Harry Potter.

What is the Deathly Hallows?! I have no freakin' idea. Is that a Horcrux? A place? How long am I going to wait to find out?

It was pointed out at Mugglenet that the title was released on the winter solstice. During the memorable fight between the DA and the Death Eaters at the Department of Mysteries in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", two prophecies were shattered and we get to hear the part about "...at the solstice will come a new..." and "...and none will come after". At the winter solstice, the title of the new book was revealed, but after this book, no more will be released. Sigh. Don't you just love J.K. Rowling?

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...

Finally finished wrapping Christmas gifts and my back is killing me!

I'm posting a picture so that I could have a few moments to appreciate my effort, because the kids sure won't take time!

Seriously, I love shopping for gifts and I love wrapping gifts. It is my dearest ambition to have my own gift shop. But that's not to say that the job is not tiring, because it is! Super! But I love doing these things, and knowing that is enough reward after a tiring day.

This Christmas season has been exceptionally toxic for me. I hate to say it, but I'd be glad when the season is over because I can at least get some rest. But I'm still looking forward to Christmas. Two more days to go people!

Advance Christmas Greeting

I’d like to be the sort of friend that you had been to me.
I’d like to be the help that you’ve been always glad to be.

I’d like to mean as much to you each minute of the day,
As you have meant, my dearest friend, to me along the way.

I’d like to do the big things and the splendid things for you,
To brush the gray from out of your skies and leave them only blue.

I’d like to say the kindly things that I so often heard,
And feel that I could rouse your soul the way that mine you’ve stirred.

I’d like to give you back the joy that you have given me
So that sunshine on your horizon is all that you will see.

I’d like to make you rich as I, who travel on,
Undaunted in the darkest hours, with you to lean upon.

I’m wishing at this Christmas time that I could but repay
A portion of the gladness that you’ve strewn along my way.

And could I have one wish this year, this only would it be
I’d like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me.

-author unknown

The Love Life Curse May Have Been Broken But...

Do you have those days when you don’t feel like making an effort to dress up or to look nice? I sure do have those days when I just wear the first clothes I laid my hands on, stuff my hair in a pony and go out without even putting powder on my face. Feels sort of liberating, isn’t it?

But... I just have to ask: why do these days have to coincide with my accidentally meeting my crushes?! Why do I have to see my apple of the eyes when I know I don't look nice, when I feel so panget, panget, panget?! Ugh! It makes me wonder if the world is conspiring to doom me to a pathetic love life.

World, it’s like this: I am not asking for him to be my boyfriend or anything. I’m not even really searching for one! The only break from fate I’m asking is to please, pretty please make us meet when I am about halfway decent-looking for him to at least find me sort of interesting – enough for him to leave his current GF. (Hey, you know I was just joking on my last comment, right?) (World: see, there is a reason why fate is playing with you.)

Well, other than the fact that I had not groomed myself well last Monday (and the fact that I had confirmed that he does have a GF), I’m glad that I was to able to carry a decent and long conversation with my crush (codename BM). He did initiate the conversation, though, because stupid me is still so stupid as to pretend not to see him and waited for him to call me instead! Since this is the third time that he initiated the contact when we accidentally meet (I swear, our meetings' are purely coincidental. The few times that I, uh, stalked him I was unsuccessful), I guess it would be okay for me to talk to him first the next time around, right?

But first I have to make it a habit to look nice and pretty.

Who's Been Naughty This Christmas?

I am.

I drove my car alone. Without a license. Twice. Both times I had to pass through EDSA.

I filched a Spanish sardines from our company’s basket give-away to clients (in collusion with my officemate).

I was snappish and impatient with an officemate of mine today who was on 'sick' leave for two days because: 1) she was supposed to handle the distribution of the Christmas give-aways and I had to do it for her for two days on top of my [already monstrous] regular load; 2) her list was not in order so I had to make revisions and decide who gets what; 3) when she came in today, she still has no clue how to go about the distribution of the gifts and I had to give her instructions; 4) she complains loudly that she's still not feeling well; 5) she tried to play the 'martyr' card by insisting on going to work tomorrow, a Saturday; and 6) she keeps on asking pointless questions. I probably sound like a whiny bitch but I'm just so damn irritated with her that I can't muster an ounce of sympathy since she's getting some sort of cold treatment from my other officemates.

But overall, I have been pretty good and nice this year. So I hope Santa won’t take these against me.

Friday's Feast 123

Appetizer
What is one of your Christmas traditions?

A lot, actually. Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena, pamamasko even if I’m the one now who’s giving the gift. Also, something I had commented to a friend – that Christmas is a time for friends’ reunion. So I can say that I really love the Christmas season, even if this year has been the busiest so far for me, even if it’s freakin’ hot here in the Philippines!


Soup
Who is the easiest person on your list to buy presents for?

I had an easier time buying gifts for my Dad and my 4 brothers. Most of the time, it’s just shirts that they wanted. Honestly, I am better at buying men’s clothing than women’s clothing!


Salad
What is your favorite Christmas scent?

Mostly Christmas foods, like bibingka and hot chocolate. Although I haven’t smelled it yet for this year, the air has a certain scent in the evening and at dawn during Christmas season, which I think has something to do with the weather.


Main Course
If you could give a fellow blogger a Christmas gift, who would it be and what would you give them?

I’ll give it to anyone who reads my blog – patience to read my irrelevant and petty ramblings! I guess most of the people I know who blogs has problems updating their sites on a regular basis, so I wish that they would have more time, more drive and more inspiration to continue sharing their thoughts and a part of their lives.


Dessert
What's something on your Christmas wish list this year that you need (not just want)?

Oh gosh. I suddenly realized that among the materials things I wished for, there is nothing that I really need, just things that I want to have. Well, I wished for my family and friends’ peace of mind, wisdom, good health and happiness, but I guess it’s not really something that I need or something that’s within my capacity to give. Oh right, I need for my true love to find me! That qualifies as a major NEED! =P

Top 5 On Friday - Week 103

Top 5 musical things you are looking forward to in the new year.

1. New album from Stonefree – I really love this band, and I love their debut album and I love hearing them sing live (and I love the vocalist! Hahaha!), so I'm pretty much excited about their sophomore album.
2. The Beatles’ Love album – okay, I know it was released this year, but right now I don’t have the budget yet to buy this album (unless someone else volunteers to buy this for me!). But it’s a must buy for me next year.
3. iPod related – this isn’t exactly a priority for me, but it would be nice to get a new iPod with bigger capacity and an iTrip that will allow me to play my iPod in the car.
4. The OPM rock scene - The OPM rock scene has been alive and kicking for the past few years. I wish more bands would make it to the mainstream, especially the real talented ones.
5. The comeback album of Britney Spears. Hahaha. Just kidding. Oh wait - American Idol! It's cheesy, it's corny, but it's one of my guilty pleasures and I'm so looking forward to its new season!

emo mode

I am a bad person.

That’s all you need to know. I am not a saint. I am not the victim. I am the villain in this story.

Shit happens. And in my case, that shit is everywhere. The hideous sight, the retching stench, it’s suffocating me. I tried to clean it up, to cover it with beautiful pictures and flowery scents but the shit's still there. I can’t run away.

And this is happening because I’ve been bad. Because I was selfish, because I’ve been a narrow, judgmental bitch who think she knows everything. But I don’t. Because I have these thousand questions in my head but had been too afraid to ask them. Because I chose to believe in my truths. Because I chose to wallow in my blissful ignorance.

But when the truth began to unravel, I took cover. Because the truth is like a thousand knives stabbing at me. I wish it had killed me instead, but the cruelest irony is that it left me alive, hurting me but still letting me breathe. The pain is unbearable; it’s nothing I’ve ever felt in my life. And I tried to protect myself, but most of all I tried to protect the one I loved.

But I didn’t. And there’s no excuse. I was damaged, but I’ve hurt another, too. And knowing that truth, having that shadow chasing you everyday is the greatest punishment. The harshest punishment.

I am a bad person. You’ve been warned. Now stay away from me.


(I hate it that I have to make this disclaimer, but I guess one is warranted or this post might be interpreted the wrong way, so: this isn't about me. It's just something I wrote down months ago. I can't remember the exact inspiration for this, but I wanted to write something about how in life, there are no clear heroes and villains. And that's how far I would go in explaining!)

Rumble At the Garden!

Don't you just love it when basketball games get this intense and dirty?



Nah, I'm just kidding. True, I love it when basketball players get emotional and physical - it gives a different drama to an already intense, high-contact sports. But there's nothing to love about this brawl at the Madison Square Garden between the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets. It was an unfortunate incident, very unsportsmanlike and should not be tolerated.

(Oh, okay, I admit I did enjoy watching the sequence of events, especially Carmelo Anthony making that cheap shot and making a break for it at the center of the court. I guess I like how guys settle their differences through physical and violent means. I like how very confrontational men are hahaha...)

I just find it weird that Isiah Thomas, the Knicks' coach, seemed to justify the flagrant foul committed by Mardy Collins against J.R. Smith (which triggered the free-for-all) by saying that the Nuggets starters shouldn't be at court anymore with more than a minute to go since the Nuggets are already leading by 19 points. I can understand how frustrated and humiliated the embattled Knicks must have been to be whipped at their own homecourt by a team that's also struggling in their games. But fans expect these athletes to conduct themselves more professionally, or what else separates them from the guy playing in the streets other than their hefty salaries?

Maybe being a professional, highly paid basketball player carries with it a lot of stress to win the game that to be on the losing end can get so frustrating. But still, basketball should be about having fun on the court. And most of all - basketball should be about respect - respect for the fans, respect for the players, and respect for the game.

I [still] love this game.

Gripe And Gush

Paksyet I forgot to watch the season finale of The Amazing Race yesterday!!!

How could I forget?! How the hell could I forget?! How the freakin' effin' hell could I forget?!

Could be because I am getting old. Nooooooooooo...

The Models (and Addicts) won. For a great season, the winners are kinda blah. Well, better them than the Bamas.

Can't wait for the All Stars Edition in February 2007!!!

***

Would I be considered too big a fan if I watch Reymond Sajor's first not so major solo concert at the Dish? No? Just plain crazy? Yeah, I wholeheartedly agree.

For Melissa

I guess I've always known that Melle was living on borrowed time. But knowing doesn't make the surprise and sadness any lesser when I heard the news that she passed away.

Melissa, or Melle as we fondly call her, was my high school classmate. We weren't particularly close, but our class had been together for 4 years (and managed to keep in touch even after all these years) that it felt like all of us are friends for life. She was one of our classmates who looked so "dalaga" when we were freshmen. She was our Vice President then and her loud voice was so suited in keeping the class in order (I can still hear her shouting "Classmates QUIETTT!!!). She usually took part in our class' favorite intermission number for school activities; i.e. dancing. She was one of our cheerleaders in 4th year. She is so prangka and mataray (she can raise her eyebrows to high heavens) but she's also sweet and very loyal to her friends. When we were in college, she gamely taught us how to conjugate French verbs. In our last reunion, she enthusiastically danced PBB's signature "Pinoy Ako" dance and told us jokingly that she would audition for the next PBB.

I suppose I am not the right person to speak up about Melissa, other than the Melissa I've known as a classmate. I wasn't there for the most part of her adult life. Certainly, I wasn't even there to see how she was when she was discharged from the hospital after her long confinement - and I chose so for purely selfish reasons. I couldn't bear to see this person - someone who's strong-willed and full of life - look diminished, for that is what her sickness has done to her. But only physically, for her resolve - and her family's and loved ones' patience and devotion - never wavered. Truly, something to be admired.

Now, more than ever, I realized how short life is. It's not entirely a depressing realization, but maybe a stark reminder that life is a precious gift, a gift we shouldn't squander. It seems that for Melissa to die at such a young age was a cruel fate. I know, it seemed that way to me. But knowing how she had triumphed over her many trials and struggles, knowing the depth of love showered to her by her family, her daughter, her boyfriend and her friends until the very last days of her life - yes, she might have lived a short life, but such an inspiring, love-filled life!

This isn't just a time to grieve for the lost of a beloved friend, but also a time to celebrate her life and the different ways she had touched ours. I'm sure Melle would have wanted it that way.


PS
a few hours before I received the news, ketz even called me and mock-demand why I haven't updated my blog. I guess this isn't the update she's looking for, or the kind of entry I relish writing...

Friday's Feast 121

Appetizer
Which language would you like to learn and why?

French or any of the Romance language. But I also would want to learn all the languages in the world, not really to master it but to know the basics so that I can communicate with the locals if ever I get to visit their countries - or just in case I join The Amazing Race hahaha...


Soup
What's the funniest thing you've heard or read so far this week?

One of my officemate, who is already married, suddenly blurted out to my other officemate, also married: "Uy, nag-sex ako kagabi! Ansarap!" ("Hey, I had sex last night! It was great!) (I guess the proper translation is "delicious" but, well...). My other officemate answered: "Talaga! Antagal na din nung huli mo ah!" (Really! It has been too long since you last had some!).

So the tactless and clueless me couldn't help but ask: "Talaga bang ganyan ang pinaguusapan niyo dito?!" (Is that what you really talked about here?!"). Which prompted a hearty round of laughter from them and a comment about me having a dirty mind.

Well, it turns out that sex stands for Sinangag (Fried Rice) EXpress. How should I know they're talking about that?! It's the first time I've heard of it! As it turn out, ah, SEX was quite popular and delicious.

And yes, this is funny even if the joke's on me.


Salad
Which movie was so bad you couldn't watch the whole thing?

I really can't pinpoint a particularly movie that I hadn't watched in its entirety because it's bad. I usually managed to hang on until the end credits and just laugh about the experience afterwards.


Main Course
If there was a holiday in your honor that didn't use your actual name, what would the day be called?

The International Day of Procrastination - because we all need a special, guilt-free day to just bum around and be unproductive.


Dessert
Name one movie which is coming out soon that you would like to see.

Wow. It's like you've read my mind. I was actually planning to post my Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2007. Anyway, here's my top 3: Harry Potter And The Order of The Phoenix [what else?!]; Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End; and Wolverine.

For the short term (meaning for the rest of 2006), I want to see An Inconvenient Truth and Eragon. Also, Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (or something like that) for the Metro Manila Film Festival. (oh shut up. jologs na kung jologs!)

Top 5 On Friday - Week 101

There are 2 topics for this week as Dec 8 has special significance for any Beatles fan.
Top 5 CDs you'd like to find in your Christmas stocking this year.
and/or
Top 5 songs written by or performed by John Lennon.

I'm going to do both. For the first topic, I'm breaking it into international and local CDs.

International:
The Killers - Sam's Town
The Beatles - Love
John Mayer - Continuum
Depeche Mode - Best of Depeche Mode, Vol. 1
Happy Feet OST

Local/OPM:
Stonefree - their second yet-to-be-released album
Narda - Discotillion
Cog - Conflagration
The Dawn - Tulad Ng Dati
Sugarfree - Talaarawan

For the second topic, here's my Top 5:
Imagine
Run For Your Life [best stalker song!]
Twist And Shout
Ticket To Ride
Come Together

Man, I wasn't even born when John Lennon met his tragic end. But truly, his music and legacy still lives on. I didn't have to live during their decade to know how talented he and the rest of the Beatles were.

Ask Me!

1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview Me".
2. I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your journal with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

I left a comment to my friends' blogs, so if you receive one, it means I want to be interviewed by you! So ask away, friends! And if you want to get your own set of questions from me, just leave a comment on this post. =)

I guess I really couldn't take it anymore. I am not privy to the Subic rape case because I hadn't followed its development religiously. But I am surprised - and appalled - by the contempt that most people had shown towards the victim, "Nicole", now that the ruling had been carried out. Basically, most people were of the opinion that she is a whore who got herself seriously drunk, ergo, she "brought it upon herself".

Rape is rape, even if it's a sex worker who cried foul, even if a girl is in a provocative dress and acts in a certain way and seems to be "asking for it". It isn't all about violating a woman's hymen and chastity, it is an act of a bully against the weak. When a girl, or even a guy, says "no", you don't have the right to force yourself into her or him. Don't give me that crap about "no sometimes means yes". And just because a girl acts like a slut and goes to town dead drunk doesn't make her fair game and "deserves to be treated that way". Fuck. Nobody deserves to be raped, puta man o birhen, and to say that a person deserves it is downright mean and unjustifiable.

Bye BQs

Sad that the Beauty Queens got eliminated from The Amazing Race. Not just because they were competent racers and my favorite team this season, but more so because they could have been the first ever All Female team to make it in the Final Three – and deservedly so. Instead, that distinction went to the ‘Bamas, who, in my opinion, are not exactly the strongest and most intelligent All Female team in TAR history (they had benefited largely from the Cho brother’s stupid strategy of being nice. Nice isn’t bad, but you don’t have to give away whatever advantage you hold. It's a race dammit!). Also, they’re ungracious and unappreciative of the different places they’ve been to. Not only are they constantly whining about the other teams (the Beauty Queens in particular), but the other (was that Karlyn? the one with the permanent bitchface on) was even nasty to her own teammate!

I’m glad I was able to watch this episode after missing the last two. Tomato throwing? Awesome! Kimberly was losing her control and Rob still continued to throw back tomatoes at the locals instead of looking for the clue! It could have been annoying but I was just laughing. And I laughed so hard as I imagined if it were Colin and Christie or Jonathan and Victoria doing this task! Oh man, I hope Colin and Christie were included in the All Stars. They might be obnoxious, but they’re damn fine racers. And I would love to see another classic meltdown from Colin!

I do hope either the Models or Rob and Kimberly win this race. But the spoilers on the order of elimination had so far been accurate, so… (I guess you can probably read between the lines who is the eventual winner according to spoilers!)

Beybi You Can Drive My Car!

Yahoo! My baby’s plate is finally freakin’ available! It took a while to get the plate because I requested to have a plate ending in 8, not knowing that ending 8 plates are in demand, especially among Chinoys who believe that 8 is a lucky number. Well, I’m neither a Chinoy nor do I believe in lucky numbers, but I chose 8 for the simple reason that it is my fave number. So even if my dealer suggested getting another plate, my stubborn self insisted on my heart’s desire. Now I got it and it was worth the wait. =)

And yes, the arrival of my plate couldn’t come at a better time as I received yesterday my first traffic warning from an honorable police officer hahaha… It was one of those weird incident that we got accosted after more than a month of driving without a plate, and it happened very near our place! I mean, my car’s been practically everywhere, from Manila to Quezon City to Pasay to Makati to Mandaluyong. Heck, my baby’s been to Candelaria, Quezon! (yep, my heart broke a little that my car had traveled that far. Pero hindi ko naman binili ang kotse para igarahe lang di ba?). But I guess luck was a bit on our side because it wasn’t me who’s driving the car – me the one without a license! Imagine how much trouble that would cost us.

It was also one of those rare instances that I felt shutting up my mouth would be to our advantage, since I had a dozen or so retort I'm inching to say to the police and his lecture. And I never said anything to him that sounded mataray! Well, I guess in the process, I also almost sold my younger brother (who was driving the car) down the river. The police asked who the owner of the car was and I said that it was me and then he asked me what my relation is to the driver and I said that he’s my brother. Then the police said: “eh pano yan, yung kapatid mo ang titiketan ko?” and with the merest hint of hesitation I said: “Ok.”. So how’s that for sisterly love?

As it turned out, we escaped with just a first warning scribbled at the back of the C/R, since the police didn’t have any traffic violation tickets with him (and how fishy is that?!). And no, I didn’t bribe the police with money or anything. I was willing though, to tell you the truth. I was just waiting for them to broach it, which they didn’t. So, props to these distinguished members of the police force from leading me away from my first act of bribery hehehe… Although, come to think of it, we don’t really have a traffic violation, do we? My car was duly registered with the LTO and I have the O/R C/R to prove it. It just so happens that the plate is not yet available, and whose fault is that? (The Chinese’ fault, of course, for hoarding the ending 8 plates. Hahaha. Just kidding.)

***

I realized why I never really warmed up to the idea of me driving my brothers around. They’re the worst kind of backseat driver! Last Saturday night, my younger brother (the one who almost got a traffic violation ticket) and I decided to drive around in the Baywalk area (which was such a bad idea, by the way, as the traffic situation there was horrendous on that particular day) to, uh, improve my driving skills. Well, it was my multitasking skills that I had called upon to salvage me, as I found myself driving (which in itself involves multitasking) and having a shouting match with my brother. I mean, I think I could have driven better if he wasn’t shouting his criticisms and making me more nervous than necessary. Among other things, he had issues with me hogging the lanes (oy, nawawala ka na naman sa linya! san ka ba talaga?!) and my distance on the passenger side (masyado kang maluwag dito!). The first one, I grudgingly admit, is a valid observation, while the second one I had to protest. In the first place, he volunteered to check on the right side as I can’t see clearly the right side mirror (mag-drive ka na lang, ako na bahala dito). And that one instance I almost crashed into a center island was because I got rattled by his loud, panicky voice (OY! SAN KA PUPUNTA?!!!). I didn’t really have to mind the center island because the road is divided into four lanes and the two lanes were separated by an island but all the lanes are going in the same direction and I was following this car because he told me to stay in one lane and the car was on the third lane and it should have been that lane we take because we’re going in this freakin’ direction! If my explanation is too long (and kinda magulo. but believe me, my excuse is valid), well, imagine me saying those words (in Tagalog, or course) to my younger brother while I was driving. So, yeah, I don’t think there’ll be much coaching happening between us. And I think the feeling is mutual.

I still like driving, but if I have a choice, I would rather be in the passenger seat. I like looking out of the window at the sceneries, at the other motor vehicles around me, and I like observing my surroundings, and not in the way that a defensive driver is expected to do, for my and my passengers’ safety, as well as that of other motorists and pedestrians.

Oh, and the best part about driving your own car? You get to sing out loud, to your heart’s content. Try doing that when you’re commuting!

One Starbucks Planner For Jela!

Yahoo! I finally got my own Starbucks Planner! Big thanks to everyone, friends and strangers alike, who, ehem, helped me complete the required number of stickers!

This is my first entry on my planner slash diary slash sulatan ng aking mga ka-eklatan:

Now that I have a new planner, it's time to look back to the old one that I've never really used as much as I want to, probably because I thought it was too pretty to be the sounding board of my stupid and fickle ramblings. But as I look at it now, I realized, "sayang". Some things are meant to be used, after all (but not to be abused), even if these are "too pretty", otherwise, these will remain that way: pretty but emply. Who cares anyway if it's your own crap that you write?

So my very first resolution: I'm gonna use this planner, down to the very last page of this memo pad, as much as I can. No more writing down of my ramdom ramblings in scraps of paper or in my cell phone's drafts.

This is MY planner - and these are MY thoughts, MY fears, MY desires, MY happiness, MY frustrations. This is the start of another chapter in my life! =p

Lost

I'm at that point again when I got so much to share, when I got a lot of ideas in my head, but I can't find the words to say these things.

It's not just about my mind being a jungle of incoherent thoughts, but the meaning of my own ideas being lost to me.

So Little Time, So Much To Do

I'd rather spend my days with you
So little time, so much to do
I'd like to spend one day with you

Some of the things I really want to do, but can't find the time or energy or drive to do so...

1. Practice driving
2. Read
3. Sleep
4. Start my Christmas shopping
5. Update the songs on my iPod
6. Update my Friendster, Multiply and LastFM account
7. Ice skate
8. Watch NBA and PBA (Mavs is on a 10 game winning streak and I haven't seen a single game?!)
9. Watch The Amazing Race (damn! I missed the last 2 episodes! and, yep, I'm totally excited about the All-Stars Edition!)
10. Download 'Heroes'
11. Marathon DVD
12. Back up my files
13. Change the layout of this blog
14. Upload the pictures on my digicam
15. Write a damn novel! (I had joined NaNoWrimo in the hopes of creating my first ever novel in one month. But it's the last day of the month tomorrow and not a single word nor idea had crossed my mind.)
16. Renovate my room
17. Review for the Certification Program
18. Transfer my things from my old workstation to my new work area.
19. Keep in touch with my friends
20. Go to Baguio (damn it! postponed na lang palagi!)

don't you forget about me
when you're a celebrity
I know you're busy,
but we all need somebody before too long.

Public Service Announcement

Does anyone know where I can buy/find the following?

1. Cardboard case for blank CDs. CD R King's selling only the plastic ones. If there are no cardboard case available, can you give suggestion on alternative CD case?
2. In relation to #1, is there a software that you can use for labelling of CDs?
3. Corkboard. Okay, I know I had been asking this for the longest time, and I always get National Bookstore as the answer, but I haven't seen any corkboards there! Well, there is, but they're too big. I'm just looking for a small corkboard, about the size of a folder, something that I can put in my workstation.
4. A shop that specializes in T shirt airbrushing. Not those that sell/accept orders in bulks a la corporate/election give-aways, but the nice, personalized shirts.

I Am Not A Workaholic

I know that I complain a lot, especially about work. But oftentimes, even during busy busy days, I feel content and happy because I was productive that day. It's not really about being too attached to your work, but more of having that sense of accomplishment. It's about knowing that you aren't just being idle and useless, it's about knowing that you were able to share something within you by giving your best in whatever you do.

Cheers to the job that gives a P100,000++ bonus. Hahaha. I kid. =) (But only about the bonus. Everything else, I am being serious. Swear.)

Friday's Feast 119

Appetizer
Have you ever changed a flat tire by yourself?

Not yet, but now that I have my own car I'm sort of looking forward to it! Come to think of it, I'm quite keen to learn more about cars!


Soup
Do you have an "innie" or an "outie" belly button?

Innie.


Salad
Name a new paint color and describe it.

I'm going to call this new color as the happy color. It's the kind of color that gives a different hue to the things around you, like you're seeing everything for the first time and in a very good way.


Main Course
What is your favorite holiday tradition?

For Christmas, we Filipinos have a tradition called Simbang Gabi. I haven't really been observing this tradition religiously for the past few years, but it brings back a lot of good memories especially during my teen years when I go to church with my friends. After the Mass, we eat bibingka or puto bumbong and then just walk on the way home.

Dessert
If you were a cookie, what kind of cookie would you be, and why?

Well, I'll be the tough cookie because I've often been called one. Probably because I'm quite stubborn and driven. But I'm also that kind of tough cookie that is only tough on the outer layer but is very soft and sweet on the inside because I'm also quite sensitive and vulnerable. Ehem, right?

Top 5 On Friday - Week 99

Top 5 long songs (songs over 5 minutes)

The problem is that I don’t have access to my iTunes playlist right now so I’m not entirely sure how long these songs are. But I’m going by gut-feel and list songs I like that I feel qualifies as long:

• Wish You Were Here/Pink Floyd - so, so you think you can tell, heaven from hell?

• Master of Puppets/Metallica - master of puppets I'm pulling your strings, twisting your minds and smashing your dreams...

• Short Stories With Tragic Endings/From Autumn To Ashes - did you ever look, did you ever see that one person, and the subtle way that they do these things and it hurts so much?

• Jesus of Suburbia/Green Day - but there's nothing wrong with me, this is how I'm supposed to be, in a Land of Make Believe, that don't believe in me...

• Crush/Dave Matthews Band - could tomorrow be so wondrous as you there sleeping? let's go drive 'til morning comes, and watch the sunrise and fill our souls up, drink some wine 'til we get drunk...

So I realize that, except for the last song, the songs my list are kind of on the not-a-happy-song territory!

Random Blah Blah

• Tomorrow is the big day for every employee in our company. I just want you to know that I did everything in my power to ensure that everyone will get what we've all been waiting for. So please lang, huwag ako ang sisihin if something goes wrong. Gusto ko ding sumuweldo no.

• Someone tried to hack one of my internet account. Although I have complete faith in the strength of my previous passwords, I am forced to change passwords for all the accounts I maintained in the world wide web. Better safe than sorry. But now I have trouble recalling which password I assigned to this and that account. Aaaaaaah!!! Bad trip!!!

• I never expected that I would enjoy the movie "Happy Feet" as much as did when I watched it yesterday. Honestly, I was more excited with the trailer of "Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix". Okay, I know that the trailer has been made available in the web since last week, but I do want my first preview to be through the big screen. Ang arte! The trailer was awesome and very bitin, the trailer for "Eragon" was also interesting (although I'm not a big fan of the book, I'm excited about the film. I think the story would translate better if it is made into a movie), but dude! "Happy Feet" rocks! I wouldn't want to spoil the story to you but all I have to say is, I heart Robin Williams! I heart Ramon! You get that jojos? =p

Take Me Back Tuesday - Week 98

A little bit of an interactive meme.

Turn on the radio.

What are the first three songs that they play?

Name the artists.

Name three albums by one or all of the artists.

Hey! It's been a long while since I did this meme! Okay, I'll cheat a bit since I don't have a radio here, so I'll be using the shuffle feature of my iPod. But to make things a bit interesting, I'll put 5 instead of 3 and include my fave lyrics of the song.

Sick Cycle Carousel - Lifehouse (No Name Face)

i tried to earn my way, i tried to change this mind, you better believe that i tried to beat this...

Cats In The Cradle - Ugly Kid Joe (America's Least Wanted)

when you comin' home? son, I don't know when...

when you comin' home, son? I don't know when...

if you know the song and noticed the placement of the word 'son', you'll understand the difference between the two.

Vindicated - Dashboard Confessional (Spider-Man 2 OST)

so turn up the corners of your lips, part them and feel my finger tips, trace the moment for forever...

No More Rhyme - Debbie Gibson (Electric Youth)

you can find your place but never fit in, and only when you left do you know where you've been...

Fly - Jars of Clay (The Eleventh Hour) (well, I'm sure you're tired of seeing this song come up in my lists! i just love this song!)

shed your heart and your breath and your pain and fly...

Make Way For My Mighty Blog!!!

Permit me to be a bit mayabang today as I found out that Manuel Quezon III mentioned MY blog in HIS blog!!!

(Just so you know why this is a big deal for me - Manuel Quezon III happens to be one of my fave columnists at Inquirer.)

Okay, I know it’s just a passing reference to my blog entry about the Pacquiao-Morales Grand Finale, specifically, how I got impatient over the long commercial breaks, but it’s flattering to be singled out from amongst hundreds of other blogs that have similar entries (of course I’m not discounting the possibility that my blog was just randomly selected out of the blogs that turned up from his search list).

Now that I’ve gained a bit of ehem, audience, I should probably stop posting nonsense in my blog (i.e. my various obsessions and addictions). Hahaha. Like I can help myself.

You Can't Make Me Look At These and Expect Me To Be Articulate Afterwards!

Ohmyfreakingoshohmyohmyicantbelieveimseeingthisicantwaitforthemovielike eeeeee!!!

Okay, I'm sorry. I must master my emotions (right, Professor Snape?).

And here's a picture of Sirius! Sniff. Padfoot. Sniff.


So who wants to Dungbomb Dolores Umbridge?


You would think I have shown already how obscenely excited I am about the film but really, I can't get enough! I'm blabbing and I'm looking extremely stupid in my own blog but I don't care! I heart HP. Really.

And I'm still contemplating that kiss...

(pics courtesy of Mugglenet - the best HP site in the universe!)

Para Sa 'Yo Ang Laban Na 'To (Eek...)

Congrats to Manny Pacquiao for conquering Eric Morales in the third round of the last chapter of their epic trilogy. I must admit that I lost some of the awe I have for Pacquiao due to recent events in his life (i.e. his ‘budding’ singing career and political aspirations) but his boxing prowess cannot be denied and for this, I salute him.

The fight was too short but freakin’ action-packed! It hurts to see Morales lose that way. And he’s such a hot Latino! Also - Rey Misterio? Awesome in his coat and mask!

Because I got impatient over the loooong commercial breaks, I turned to the Internet and search for websites that featured blow by blow account of the fight. I got excited when I stumbled upon this site that is actually streaming a video of the fight! But my joy was short-lived as our PC hanged up on me! After restarting, I tried reconnecting to the site but it seem other people had discovered the site and I can no longer access the live streaming. But dammit I want to know what’s happening as it happens and I don’t want to wait for the goddamn super delayed telecast! The solution was to be content with the blow-by-blow account at a certain boxing on-line forum and the posters there did not disappoint. They were very religious in giving updates. But the usual skeptic in me couldn’t resist double checking what they had posted, especially when they posted that Morales went down on Round 2 (Round 2 pa lang?). I had to ask whether he was really knocked down or it was just a slip. Well, we all know how the fight turned out, don't we?

Still, reading and seeing the action for yourself are never the same thing, so I still tuned in to the telecast even if I already know the results. But it's not easy blocking out some of the garbage comments the commentators are making, like: "As Morales seats there contemplating what do with his life..." (paraphrase). Excuse me, but when did commentators become prolific and dramatic mind readers?

But for me, the best quote of the day is from a poster in the forum:

“Manny Pacquiao is the Tasmanian devil. And his English is getting better, too.”

Right on, dude.

Pre-Christmas Mush

Somebody kill me now.

I have been listening and relistening to 'Pasko Na Sinta Ko'. Paksyet di pwede to ha!

Ralph Fiennes Is A Creepy, Hottie Voldie

I am losing my marbles already!

Can't wait for July 2007. I'll watch this on IMAX. Who's with me?

I just want to say Happy, Happy Birthday to my mom!

I know that me and my brothers sometimes act like ungrateful, insensitive creatures, and that we are not very outwardly expressive when it comes to feelings and stuffs (except when we have 'toyo' and that's when we are excessively expressive), but I want you to know that we are grateful for everything you've done for us, for guiding us, for your sacrifices, for your love. You did great, 'my.

...Together In Electric Dreams...

I only knew you for a while
I never saw your smile
'til it was time to go
Time to go away (time to go away)
Sometimes it's hard to recognise
Love comes as a surprise
And it's too late
It's just too late to stay
Too late to stay

We'll always be together
However far it seems
(love never ends)
We'll always be together
Together in electric dreams

Because the friendship that you gave
Has taught me to be brave
No matter where I go
I'll never find a better prize
(find a better prize)
Though you're miles and miles away
I see you every day I don't have to try
I just close my eyes, I close my eyes

We'll always be together
However far it seems
(love never ends)
We'll always be together
Together in electric dreams

We'll Always Be Together...

If a prophecy about my love life exists, the oracle would probably tell me that my fate is to meet the guy of my dreams and have a very special connection with - but I’m doomed to never be with him.

Why did I say this? Because, dude, that’s what’s been going on!

A three-day convention in Cebu, loads and loads of cute, handsome, appealing guys that I am having sensory overload, and the guy that’s been on my head until now is the one I probably would never meet again in my life! I mean, I could have crush on any of the guys there who is a trader, since we work in the same industry and he most likely lives in the National Capital Region and the chance of us meeting again is very promising indeed, right? Instead, I only have my eyes on the vocalist/guitarist of a Cebu-based local band and how the heck can I meet him again?! (hmm… vocalist/guitarist. Sounds familiar…)

(And before you accuse me of going on a business trip only to go boy-watching, I did listen to the lecture of Secretary Andaya about the national budget and deficit. Or something like that...)

So let's call this guy Batman since he wore a batman shirt and batman mask when they performed, which he removed later on (the mask, not the shirt). For the benefit of those who know him and who could create a miracle of hooking us up together (ha! asa pa ko!), he plays for the band called NextStage and ohmygodheisohsocutie I can't believe I'm still thinking about him! Mind you, they're not a rock band but if a guy can make me sing "My Humps" (actually, just the line "she's got me spending...". He's got a way of singing like it's the sexiest line in the world) repeatedly that my officemate wants to smack me dahil nahawaan ko siya ng LSS ko, then Batman's really something, right?

I didn't notice him at first because he was just playing guitars and doing back-up vocals for their female lead, but when he started singing, I was hooked. I wondered out loud if he's cute without his shirt, I mean mask on. But I was not disappointed since he took off his mask later and revealed how cute he is. I took pictures of him, but the pictures I got doesnt' even do him justice because I'm such a lousy drunk, I mean photographer. My officemate nudged me to say that Batman was looking at me, too! Probably wondering who is the psycho taking pictures. I even had a short video of him, which should have been longer if not for my officemate directing my digicam to the keyboardist.

I know my gushing over him sounds eerily familiar to my gushing over these two other vocalists, but I can't help it! Maybe I'm destined to marry a band vocalist. He can just sing to me whenever we have nasty fights hahaha... syet, I'm losing my marbles.

And I swear, I just can't freakin' take my mind off him! I can still picture him, strumming his guitars while singing - from pop to reggae to New Wave to R&B. And he even sang "Build Me Up Buttercup"! How can I not fall for him? But, why oh why do we have to be far apart from each other? In my drunken, I mean smitten stage, I contemplated introducing myself to him. You know, like I'm willing to forgo a bit lot of kahihiyan just for Batman's real name. And it's not like we're ever going to meet again, right? Ri-ight.

But you know me, I chickened out at the last minute. So now I only have my memories of him singing those songs that are not in my iPod, like their last song which goes "hey baby (uh ah!) I wanna know (I wanna know) if you'll be my girl...". I'll be your girl, Batman, forever and ever. We'll always be together in electric dreams.

Nutter, thy name is Jela.

Heto Na Ang Totoong Mixed Tapes Challenge

I’ll be in Cebu until Sunday and while I’m gone, I want to request help from you. I had decided on my theme for my mixed tapes and I’m posting it today with a plea for your suggestions and contributions. Suggestions included in my final compilation will be given due props (and perhaps a copy of the CD?), so please, pretty please, give me nice suggestions.


Unrequited Love
– no explanations necessary. But I wanted an eclectic mix – meaning, different songs that cover a lot of genres (pop, rock, jazz, country, RnB, etc.) and eras (current hits to oldies).


You Had Me At Hello
– songs with killer opening lines. Please include the opening lines of the song! Examples:

The Reason (Hoobastank) I'm not a perfect person, there's many things I wish I didn't do...

Last Kiss (Pearl Jam) Oh where, oh where can my baby be? The Lord took her away from me...

Come Around (Rhett Miller) I'm dressed all in blue and I'm remembering you, and the dress that you wore when you broke my heart...

So there. Not that hard, you see. I know I only have about 4 readers hahaha… pero I’m counting on you and your suggestions! You’ll get dried mangoes when I get back!

All I Want For Christmas Are...

I have made my list; I have checked it twice;
I have been both naughty and nice!
Santa Claus please make me
One happy girl this Christmas!

(Okay, it sucks.)

1 and half months to go and it’s Christmas! But you have to admit the weather’s not cooperating – it’s a freakin’ hot Christmas here! Hello El Niño, are you celebrating with us? So anyway, hot Christmas notwithstanding, here’s my early Christmas wish list (subject to change without prior written notice):

Playstation Portable. (something I had been wanting for a looong time…) (Sige na nga, pwede na ang Gameboy Advance. Does GB have RPG?)

A name for my new baby… I mean car. Must be a guy’s name, excepting Josh, Anthony and David, which are reserved for my future babies.

Stuffed toys/pillows for my new baby – I mean car – preferably Tasmanian Devil, Harry Potter-related pillows, or the tiger stuffed toys in Blue Magic.

iKaraoke (oh yeah!)

Books (what else?):

Lisey’s Story and/or The Cell – Stephen King

The Third Secret – Steve Berry

High Fidelity and/or Fever Pitch – Nick Hornby

The Fourth Bear – Jasper Fforde

Maximum Ride: School’s Out Forever – James Patterson

Artemis Fowl and The Lost Colony – Eoin Colfer

Einstein’s Dreams – Alan Lightman

Heavier Than Heaven – Charles Cross

CDs:

Narda – Discotillion

The Killers – Sam’s Town

Gnarls Barkley – St. Elsewhere

John Mayer – Continuum

Cog - Conflagration

Hooded sweater/jacket. I already have a red, a navy blue, a UST jacket (which is not hooded), and 2 beige-colored jackets. Any color will do, preferably the jersey type, and as long as it's not La Salle green. (no, I'm not reverting to my wear-the-opponents-jacket-every-time-UST-loses scheme on the next UAAP season. Kaya nga wag colored green di ba? I just find myself developing a new addiction.)

Manchester United soccer jersey for ladies.

Dibidis:

Dawson’s Creek Seasons 1-4

House Seasons 1-2

Lost Season 1-2

Supernatural Season 1

Code Name: Shaider

Maskman

Karate Kid 1-3

Ninja Kids (the one with JC Bonnin, Herbert Bautista, etc.)

Meteor Garden 1 and 2 (pero yung tagalized)

This Is Spinal Tap

New cologne. Currently using Body Shop's Spirit of Moonflower but I’m kinda sawa na. No idea which scent I want, as long as it’s not too flowery.

A new wallet. (inclusive of money hahaha!)

Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer and/or hand wash.

For my family and friends - peace of mind, wisdom, good health and happiness.

World peace.

The future father of my babies.

For true love to find me… yihi…

Commitment-Phobic Much?

Thursday morning and I had this really weird and hilarious dream. (Thursday morning meaning, I woke up around 5am, decided to sleep for another 45 minutes or so and dreamt the dream.)


In my dream, I was strolling in Greenbelt with my cousin and we saw this old crush of mine - na itatago natin sa pangalang JR (pretend na lang kayo na pseudonym yun!).

Quick story: JR is a childhood friend that I liked but, for some reason, I can’t imagine being in a relationship with him. It so happen that he liked me, too, but distance and his inconsistency prevented us from going beyond the ligawan stage. (plus my reservations) (plus the fact that when he courted me during the time when I really liked him, I’m still not allowed to have a BF) (plus, when he came back when I’m of age, I’m already with someone else. shame, isn’t it?) And then, after we had reestablished communication recently, he disappeared again from my life.

So aaaanyway, back to the dream:

When we saw him, I got really tensed and told my cousin that we should move and hide from him. My cousin called him instead! So he joined us and surprised me by apologizing for being gone for so long (true to life?!). But here’s the funny part: he told me that he’s truly sorry, but I shouldn't worry because he hasn’t forgotten what he promised me a few months ago, when he gave me a promise ring (WTF?!). (This only happened in the dream ha, just so we're clear.) So, next month he’s going to give me what he had promised: a commitment ring. I repeat: A. Commitment. Ring. Did I say that my dream was totally weird?

(And what the hell is a commitment ring? Is that different from an engagement ring? And why the hell do I even have a promise ring? Parang artista di ba?)

So my dream self panicked (with my cousin inexplicably disappearing from this dream scene) and said that there’s no need for him to fulfill his promise. But he insisted and that’s when I ran away! The next scene I found my dream self talking to the legal counsel of one of my client banks (no kidding) and asking for her opinion if commitment rings are enforceable in court (the hell?!). She told me that it is not, but before I can even breathe a sigh of relief, I saw JR searching for me! So I told the legal counsel that we should hide. While hiding, I saw that JR had his celfone out and I blurted out, “naku hindi ko na-silent ang fone ko!” (side comment ni Jen nung kinuwento ko: “silent lang talaga ha! Di pa in-off!) I think JR heard what I said because he went straight to where we are hiding. The weird thing is that he only saw the legal counsel and proceeded to argue with her, saying that she can’t trick him and that he knew his rights. My dream self, on the other hand, is still wandering outside looking for a place to hide and trying to call my friends to help me…

And that’s when I woke up wondering why in hell am I having these dreams…

Which prompted Ketz to say, after my narrative: “Alam mo takot ka kasi sa commitment eh!”

Who, me? Afraid of commitment? That’s not true!

Or is that what my subconscious was trying to tell me? Watda???!!

It Is Better To Light Just One Little Candle Than To Stumble In The Dark...

Off-topic post. Hope you can light a candle, too.



The innocent victims of Internet child abuse cannot speak for themselves.

But you can.

With your support, we can eradicate this evil trade.

We do not need your money.

We need you to light a candle of support.

We're aiming to light One Million Candles by December 31, 2006.

This petition will be used to put pressure on governments, politicians, financial institutions, payment organisations, Internet service providers, technology companies and law enforcement agencies who have the power to work together to eradicate the commercial viability of online child abuse.

They have the power to work together. You have the power to get them to take action.

Please light your candle at lightamillioncandles.com .

Together, we can destroy the commercial viability of Internet child abuse sites that are destroying the lives of innocent children.

Hurry, I'm falling, I'm falling...

"When she was with him, time stood still. Every cliché she'd ever heard about love made complete sense."

The LRT Connection

After my seminar last Saturday, I decided to take the LRT-MRT route on the way home. As usual, both are a teeming mass of humanity. The first LRT couch that arrived was already full so I decided to wait for the next train.

It was a fateful decision. As I stood there waiting, I saw this fireworks display from afar (I think it was at Mall of Asia). And for that short time, I felt content to be just standing there, gazing at the distant lights...

Then, "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" came up on iPod and waah! Senti to death!!! Kidding! It didn't actually ruined the moment, but, well, it's not exactly the type of song that's appropriate for my mood!

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that, even in the midst of chaos and madness, I can still be at peace - happy and content to just be there.

Driving Lessons - Orientation

Last Sunday I officially started my driving lesson via an orientation class held at A1 Driving School – SM North Edsa branch. As usual, I got confused again as to directions that I ended up circling the main building before finding their office. How’s that for a preview of my navigation skills?

I was getting some paranoid thoughts on my way there. I had to ask myself how I would feel if there won’t be other students there and I might end up having a one-one orientation with the instructor. To my surprise and intense relief, I got there and saw a lot of attendees. At least I won’t be alone in my ignorance!

Again, I was surprised when the instructor started discussing the basics on how to drive a car. I expected that it would just be a briefing of the rules and regulations of the school. And it confirmed my fear that I am expected to immediately drive (crash?) the car on my first day of actual driving. Scary! Being eager to learn and do well, I took some notes. And I think I’m the only one who took down notes like I have an exam the following day. I asked the first question because I can’t help myself – I wanna know! My question? In manual transmission, why can’t you stay in one gear? Why do you have to shift gears regularly? Not a bad question, but as I would be driving an automatic, irrelevant. Still, nice to know, right? So after that, the other students asked their questions, too, while I was left to ponder in silence whether automatic is really the better option than manual. Both seemed complicated enough for me.

They said that driving a car is just like riding bump cars (sans the objective of bumping into other cars) and is relatively easy enough. Well, they forgot to tell me that apart from the gas pedal, brake pedal and steering wheel, I also had to deal with the use of the handbrake, when to apply half brake or full brake, when to put the car in neutral, how to turn right or left, what is an odometer and a tachometer, and about a million things I never really thought about when driving bump cars. Not to mention the various damages I might deal to the car if I don’t do some things properly. I sense a big bill coming up on my first maintenance inspection.

The instructor was very good at explaining stuffs; my ignorance level dropped a few points. He also got a good sense of humor – it took off some nervousness I felt. He kept on telling us to not panic during driving lessons and to develop self confidence. Easy for him to say…

Well, I think I’m good. I’m psyching myself up for my first actual driving. The instructor said that I’m insured, the driving instructor is insured and the car is insured, so, no worries. How cool is that? Any lady friends who want to volunteer to chaperone me? But you better have complete confidence in me since chaperones aren’t insured.

Oh, baby it's a wild world, I'll always remember you like a child girl...

Movie. Book. Chatmate. Booze. Drugs. Anything. I need anything just to take my mind off what happened.

I'm overanalyzing things again and I hate it when I do that. It just complicates matter even more.

Life got a one sick sense of humor. Just when you're starting to feel comfortable, when you had your guard down - bam! - it would deal you a harsh blow. All of a sudden, the balance you tried so hard to maintain had been tipped, leaving you dizzy, dazed and confused.

I just need to forget what happened, that's all. Or maybe get some answers. I'm not asking for the moon here, I just need to understand why fate had to be such a cruel bitch.

Anyone, anyboby, please, I need to be brought back to my senses.

... you know I've seen a lot of what the world can do / and it's breaking my heart in two / cause I never want to see you sad, girl / don't be a bad girl / but if you wanna leave, take good care / hope you make a lot of nice friends out there / just remember there's a lot of bad and beware / oh, baby, it's a wild world / it's hard to get by just upon a smile...

Paige Fox For President!

Gusto Kong Matutong Mag-Drive!

This Sunday, I will start doing something I had never plan to do in my lifetime, ever: I will learn how to drive.

Of course, I’ve always wanted to own a car (my dream car was a Rav4 and recently, a Mazda 3. But even my dreams won’t let me have these). But I’ve never seen the need to actually have the skill to drive because I the way I figured it, I have 4 brothers I can rely on to chauffeur me around (and if I’ll ever have a BF/husband, he’ll be the one to drive for me. Best reason to have a BF hehehe!!!) Also, I don’t think I’ll be a welcome contribution to the road as I’m too quick-tempered and too tulala to be left on my own devices on the driver’s seat.

So, one of my plans for the year was to buy a car. Initially, I’m okay with just a second-hand unit. Well, I suffer the worst of luck when it comes to scouring for the perfect second-hand car, not to mention that my being an ignoramus when it comes to cars (mags? Anong mags?) had me doubting whether I was really getting a good deal or not. So after 4 prospects, 2 heartbreaks (because 2 of these prospects I really, really liked) and lots of stress, I decided to just get a brand new car – but not after my dad promised to share with the cost (read: the distribution is not 50-50. Guess who got the bad end of the deal).

So now I have car (which will be released to me on Tuesday) but – no driver yet. I can’t really expect anything from my 2 older brothers as the eldest has a family of his own and is living far from us and the other is in Singapore. And I sure can’t get love from the 2 younger brothers who I sometimes have to bribe just to do something for me (and who wouldn’t even drop me off to Starbucks in their scooter). Which leaves me with no choice but to learn how to drive. (And here I would like to emphasize that I have 4 brothers and I am the only girl, the unica hija… yeah, screw that pampered princess dream. It would never ever happen in this lifetime.)

The excitement over a new car is slowly and deliberately being killed by my anxiety over my driving lessons. Driving is a skill, and I’m afraid to find out that I don’t have it and – Oh my God! How totally embarrassing would that be?! This Sunday would just be lecture – it’s the actual driving with an instructor that I’m not exactly looking forward to. Imagine 10 hours worth of driving lessons with a stranger. Yeah, poor instructor. Imagine being stuck in the road with a moron.

I hope this fear is just the same as the ones I felt in the past when I experience something for the first time: that the actual experience is less scary than when you were anticipating for it.

Wish me luck on my driving lessons. And pray for my instructor and the pedestrians and motorists I would encounter down the road, for their sanity and safety, respectively.

Friday's Feast 117

My answers may be short but I enjoyed this!

Appetizer
Create a new candle scent.

For ladies who want to attract the man of her dreams, I suggest pizza-scented candles. The best pheromone there is.


Soup
Name one way you show affection to others.

I like to pinch people's arms and legs to show my affection. Sometimes I even bite on the shoulders. People would rather have me not shower them any affection.


Salad
What is your favorite writing instrument?

When I’m just doodling or writing down some of my thoughts, any ball-point pen will do as long as it doesn’t blot. When I write special messages, I use jell-ink pens, preferably in blue or purple/violet.


Main Course
If you were given $25 to spend anywhere online, from which site would you buy?

Amazon baby! I’ll buy those Foxtrot treasuries! Unfortunately, $25 is not enough for shipping costs alone.


Dessert
Are you dressing up for Halloween? If so, what are you going to be?

I’m contemplating on wearing themed headbands for my nephew’s trick or treat. Depending on my mood (and guts), I might just go for it.

Whenever I Call You...

He called me 'Je'! He called me 'Je'! Awww…

I would like to point out that this ‘he’ is not the same as the one I almost fell in love with. This ‘he’ is an old, old crush of mine. Not that I’m developing feelings for him again, it’s just that we haven’t really talked to each other the way we used to. Well, actually, we’re still not yet the same as before, but to hear him call me 'Je' again was like saying that we are okay, even after all these years. And it was a nice highlight after a very stressful day.

You might think I have this weird fixation with what people call me (because I had quite a lot of entries on this subject), and yeah, I guess I have. Maybe it’s just the memory I associate these with that made some of my nicknames special or that the sound of my name coming out from someone’s lips isn’t always the same if it comes from someone else. Jela coming from a stranger sound so presumptuous (like, hello? Close tayo?). Maybe it's just making a big deal out of it, but for me, what you call me and how you say it says a lot about us (naks!).

I know I’m not really making my point clear here, so don’t mind me and my stupid thing with my names. I’m just happy to be called ‘Je’! =p

Ryan Cayabyab Is My Philippine Idol

Why do I have this feeling that this will be Ryan Cayabyab's first and last season as the judge for Philippine Idol?

That's my fearless forecast for this season and I'm sticking with it after watching tonight's show.

No, Ryan Cayabyab did not become a wannabe Simon Cowell. On the contrary, he did the very thing that I had always wanted the Idol judges to do: help the finalists become better singers by giving honest, constructive criticisms. He actually told Ken upfront that he brought about the ouster of Drae and Raymond [although the same can be said of Jan, Miguel and Jeli].

I think Mr. C had prepared his comments for tonight in advance as he was not really commenting on the performances but just gave general but helpful, expert comments. I can actually feel his frustrations at the way the show is shaping up, which is the battle for who has the most resources.

Me thinks that while Mr. C knows that this is more of a popularity contest than a real search for the best, he never expected that the votes will be skewed to those who are, uh, more moneyed. Well, you can't prevent the finalists' friends and relatives to vote like mad for them [I know I would have done the same], but the problem is that the show doesn't really have a lot of viewers at this time and the casual viewers, even if they can discern who is the best among the finalists, are not even bothering to vote. It didn't help that it is too expensive to vote.

But how can you turn in more viewers if a mediocre singer will be crowned as the very first Philippine Idol? Oh, the horror.

Wency Cornejo was also very honest with his comments. Pilita Corales is totally useless as a judge as she knew next to nothing about rock [if you could really call tonight's theme as rock]. I would have accepted her ignorance of the genre, if she didn't come off as too condescending with her comments.

Please, for the sake of all things good, please listen to what Mr. Ryan Cayabyab said tonight and vote for the worthy finalist.

And in other news, the sight of Reymond in the audience is making me go squeee! I'm officially in love with this guy. [even if he's a bit too soft...hehehe...]

This Is A Story Of A Girl...

“You have a horrible sense of time, did you know that?”

“Sige na, kid. This won’t take long, I promise.”

“Why couldn’t you have told me about this earlier? At school? At the jeep? While we’re eating lugaw?! How important is your kwento ba that it can’t wait until tomorrow?! Koi, madaling araw na kaya? I have a graded recitation tomorrow. If Nanay sees me on the phone…”

“Will you shut up first so that I can finish my story?”

Sigh. I’m not entirely sure I want to hear this story. “Fine. Fire away.”

“Kid, I can always count on you to be honest with me, right?”

Grunt.

“Okay. Do you think Julia really likes me?”

“Julia? Who the hell is Julia?” As if I don’t already know who Julia is.

“Apple. Do you think Apple really likes me?”

“Oh, so now you’re on real first name basis already? Does she call you Francis now? Don’t worry, you’ll always be Kiko to me.”

“Will you stop with your side comments? I’m serious, kid. I don’t know what to do about this. I haven't thought of anything but her. I haven’t felt this way since…”

What in heaven’s name is that?! “Haven’t felt this way since…? Who are you kidding? You never had a girlfriend before!”

“No, kid. You see, back in high school…”

“Wait a minute! You mean to tell me you had a girlfriend back then and you never told me?! When did this happen?!!

“Ssh, kid, let me…”

“Don’t shush me! Wait, I know. I bet it was in second year when we had that nasty fight and you spent a lot of time with Carole…”

“No! Carole’s not my type, she’s…”

“Yeah right. Okay, it was in third year when you hang out with Mike’s group. They had really corrupted you…”

“Hey! I distinctly remember you swooning over Mike’s ‘mysterious eyes’…”

Did he have to remind me of that?! “That was before he two timed Michelle with Melai…”

“Whatever Michelle told you back then is not true…”

“Fine. So tell me about that precious anonymous girlfriend of yours in high school who’s so significant you couldn’t even tell your best friend who she is…”

“Baby…”

“Don’t call me that!”

“I have the better right to call you baby than your moron boyfriend Christian…”

"For the last time he is not my boyfriend!”

“And why do you let him call you “baby”?!”

“None of your business.”

"Oy! So now you're not my business?!”

Shit. “Well, it feels good to be called something special…”

“I call you ‘kid’. Isn’t that special enough?”

My God. Why can’t we ever have a normal conversation? “You know what? I want to go to sleep now. I don’t want to discuss anymore anything about Ju-li-a or that first girlfriend of yours…”

“Hey kid! You’re the one who started this!”

The nerve! “I started this?! You’re the one who called me in the first place!”

“Fine, I give up!”

“Fine.”

“Why do you have to be so stubborn?!”

“Why did you keep secrets from me?”

“I’m truly sorry I ever had this conversation with you. Go prepare for your recitation. Don’t stay up too late. Night, kid.”

How dare he hang up on me! I’ll never ever speak to him again. I’ll have him banned from this house. I hope he got injured on his game tomorrow. I hope Apple dump him big time. What did he ever see on that girl?! Stupid people!

to be continued…

(my attempt at writing a short story after a long time. wholly unedited version of this fictional conversation going through my mind. I’m not exactly sure where I want this story to go or if I can really follow through. I don’t even have a name yet for my protagonist! hope you like it. =p)

Top Five On A Friday - Week 94

Top Five Worst Songs by Your Favorite Artist(s)


Wow, this is kind of hard. Sometimes I think that the worst songs of my fave artists are pretty okay compared to the best of the artists I loathe. Hahaha. Kidding.

Bitiw (Sponge Cola) – just as I said before, I think this song is very much appropriate for use as theme song for fantaserye. I’m not entirely wrong, am I? Now it’s the theme song of this show in Channel 2.

Taralets (Imago) – it’s catchy and very LSS-sy, yes, but it’s, I don’t know, too commercial? Aia’s haunting voice is severely underutilized here.

If Tomorrow Never Comes (Elliott Yamin) – I’m not sure if this qualifies, but this is my least favorite performance from my favorite American Idol finalist.

...


I really can’t think of any other songs right now that will qualify as the worst songs by my fave artist. I’ll just enumerate the least played songs in my iPod from my favorite artists.

Langit (Stonefree)
Find Your Way Back Home (Dishwalla)
Allison Road (Gin Blossoms)
The Unforgiven II (Metallica)
Come As You Are (Nirvana)

Friday's Feast 116

Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?


I’m okay with just water to go with anything, as long as it’s ice cold. For sodas, I prefer Sprite or Mountain Dew. For my caffeine fix, it’s Caramel Frappucino from Starbucks.




Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.


At work:

Lots and lots of papers, for whatever I’m doing at the moment or documents for filing

Lots and lots of post its and notepads – and when I say lots and lots, I mean this:

My iPod – major stress reliever!




Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?


9. Isn’t that an honest indicator of how honest I am?!




Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?


Shakespeare fanatics and devotees would hate me for this, but I find Stratford-upon-Avon as being too long winded. Let’s just change it to The-Town-Where-The-Greatest-Writer-Lived. Still wordy? How bout Shakespeare-Lived-Here? Okay, Stratford-upon-Avon will do.




Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?


Sources of stress: WORK, horrendous traffic situations, mall-wide sales, enrollment at driving school, my brother’s love life and my mom’s reaction to it.


Stress buster: music, malling, talking to friends, staring at the wall for a long time, blogging about what stresses me.

I love myself, I want you to love me...

Life's lesson #8,221
Some songs, no matter how much you love them, no matter how witty or catchy the lyrics are, are not meant to be sung out loud, like:

I don't want anybody else, when I think about you, I touch myself...

In other news, I found myself humming along to the tune of "Simply Jessie" (I love you, honey...). This development is totally unacceptable.

Mushy Schushy

I’ve been told I have good taste in music, even by casual readers. Friends and readers, I thank you for that compliment. You don’t know how much that pleases me. *blushes*

Anyway, I’m about to put that reputation in line. I won’t apologize for this, but I have this song on my iPod for quite sometime but it only came up on shuffle this morning. You can say that it was quite a pleasant surprise for me to hear this song again.

I hope to hear this song one day in the future when my knight has finally found me. cheesy, cheesy…



We're the king and queen of hearts
Hold me when the music starts
All my dreams come true
When I dance with you.

Promise me you're mine tonight
I've been waitin' lyin' tonight
While the lights are right
I'll never let you go.

Did I dream that we danced forever?
In a wish that we made together
On a night that I prayed would never end
You know it's not my imagination
Or a part of the orchestration
Love was here at the culmination
I'm the king and you're the queen of hearts.

Time will pass and tears will fall
But someday we'll both recall
Moments made of this
Golden memories.

Did I dream that we danced forever?
In a wish that we made together
On a night that I prayed would never end
You know it's not my imagination
Or a part of the orchestration
Love was here at the culmination
I'm the king and you're the queen
In a once and future dream
Where the dances never seem to stop.

Okay, you may stop gagging now.

I’d Rather Have Bad Times With Reymond Than Good Times With Someone Else (i.e. Jan or Miguel)

Just when I decided to throw my support on him, Reymond Sajor was eliminated last night from Philippine Idol.

Damn it, people! Are we looking for the worst singer here?!

He was the best during Metropop Week. I personally think “Be My Lady” is a very cheesy song, but I didn’t care when he started singing it. The same I could say when he sang “I’d Rather”. This one I was able to watch live at Megamall and I tell you, from his first line alone (“I thought some time alone was all we ever needed…”), shocks! I got hooked! He captured the emotion of the song perfectly and he sings cleanly, without those annoying affectations, and he sings in tune (are the other contestants paying attention to what I am saying here? Sing. In. Tune.). I was also pleasantly surprise to see that he was kinda cute in person hehehe… Crushie crushie!!!

I kind of expected Reymond's elimination, after Drae got the boot last week. There are times when you want to be proven wrong, only in this case, I never got what I want. But even if I had expected it, I still can’t help but feel sad. Yeah, yeah, invested much.

Drae is out. Reymond is out. And the search for the very first Philippine Idol continues. Watch me not care.

(they say that next week’s theme is Pinoy Rock. WTF?)

Is This The End Of The World As We Know It?

Yesterday’s game between Ginebra and Red Bull and I found myself cheering for Red Bull. Not just for Cyrus Baguio but for the whole Red Bull team. Did the world just turned upside down?

Is this the end of my love affair with the Ginebra franchise?

I had been a loyal Ginebra fan and I never imagined that my falling out with my PBA team (if and when it comes to that) would be as… unexciting as this. I’ve always imagined that I will only stop supporting Ginebra when they do something really, really bad to get me angry with them. Not like this, when I find myself just cheering for the opposing team.

Well, truth to tell, I sort of predicted that my days of my being a Ginebra fan are numbered. It started with Jong Uichico’s appointment as Head Coach, because no other coach in the PBA pisses me off more than Jong Uichico (I hate Tim Cone, but at least I respect his talents as a coach. He just had the unfortunate job of coaching Alaska). I don’t like his coaching style, and I see no reason for them to replace Siot Tanquincen. For me, Uichico represent everything that is un-Ginebra; to wit, his utter lack of charisma.

In my paranoid world, Uichico uses deceipt, manipulation and black mail to encroach the Ginebra coaching job. Because there’s just no way he qualifies for the job better than Siot.

Disclaimer: the above statement is purely for exaggeration purposes only. In case the Legal team of San Miguel Corporation stumble upon this blog, let it be known that my opinions here have no value whatsoever and does not, in any way, diminish the Corporation’s and Mr. Uichico’s reputations. Just so we are all clear and to prevent any legal issues arising out of my paranoid ramblings.

Anyway…

Acquiring Rudy Hatfield, Rafy Reavis and Johnny Abbarientos were also moves that I never approved of (like the franchise gives a damn). Ok, so maybe I’m a little hard to please. But I think the inclusions of these players were done to make Ginebra the team to beat this season. Nothing wrong with that, especially if you’re the shareholders, but I want my team to be the underdog dammit! I don’t want my team to be strong in paper and then falter on their campaign as the season progresses, I want them to overachieve, to overcome tremendous odds. I want the never-say-die spirit – and you can only show that if you have your backs against the wall and not when most people think that it’s your competition to lose.

So maybe my arguments don’t make any sense. You know what? Forget everything I said above. All I really wanted to say is that I don’t think I’ll be supporting the Gins that much this season. I’ll still be watching, of course, but not just because of Ginebra. That’s it.

This basketball fanatic is just happy to be watching PBA again. (and I'm also thankful for channel 34 on the cable, the basketball channel.)