Thursday, November 30, 2006

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

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

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.

Friday, November 24, 2006

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!

Thursday, November 23, 2006

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

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

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...

Monday, November 20, 2006

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.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Pre-Christmas Mush


Somebody kill me now.

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

Thursday, November 16, 2006

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?

Monday, November 13, 2006

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.

Friday, November 10, 2006

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!

Thursday, November 9, 2006

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.

Thursday, November 2, 2006

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.