Falling short(s)

As it is very much clear to me that I am not yet ready to make pajamas, I decided on making something simpler to hone my bottom making skills.

Presenting...my first shorts.

You will notice that the stitching on the right leg is blue, I kind of ran out of red thread....

Oh and not that it means anything to you, but this doesn't fit me. I'm afraid that making shorts that would fit me will require more cloth than what I had on hand.

Practice makes perfect pajamas

I spent four hours trying stitch and rip and cut, and stitch and rip and cut, and stitch and rip and cut my way to making pajamas.

It looks like the pajamas wouldn't be happening tonight.

A series of seemingly sweet seamstress story snippets

I know what you are thinking.

And you are wrong.

This is not the new poster for the sequel of A Series of Unfortunate Events.

This is a picture of me wearing my first project using my sewing machine. (And it even has an elastic band underneath!)

(On the other hand, you are right on target. Yes, this has suddenly become a very dull blog. I should change the title to SewingWhileSingingSappySong)

Thanks Doc

I was talking with one of the product managers who also happens to be a doctor. I casually mentioned that I've been feeling dizzy on and off since yesterday. His reply made me feel like fainting.

He said "Why? Because of overeating?".

Merry Christmas

Santa came at noon today, (actually he sent a representative from DHL) to give me my Christmas present. Judging from what I received, it seems as though he thought I had been very good this year.

I hate goodbyes

I don't know about the rest of the word, but for me, the default shoe color is black.

Mondays to Thursdays I wear black closed shoes unless I remember to wear my other coloured shoes as I'm trying to enforce a habit of rotating the shoes that I wear. On Fridays I wear sandals.

I am also enforcing the habit of giving away the clothes AND SHOES that I no longer use. My brother has this theory that if you haven't used something in the last six months, then chances are, there is someone out there who needs it more that you do. Every six months, he clears his closet and shoe cabinet of items to hand down. I think it is most ideal but I am afraid to say though, that it is likely to take some time before I would be able to practice such.

While going through life and trying to incorporated these new desirable habits into it, I found myself faced with a dilemma.

I have not worn two of my closed black shoes for a very long time, nearing a year now and it seems as though I have no plans of wearing them anytime soon. I am sort of saving them until all my other closed black shoes get run down.

My heart was pounding. Cinderella would understand completely.

I knew I had to let them go.

I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do.

I told myself that I should let them go.

And I did.

I took a deep breath, took the boxes, re-polished the shoes for the last time, put them back to their boxes, shoe tree in place, paper wrapping intact, and prayed that the new owners would love them as much, if not more than I did.

Plump it!

I stayed in last night even though today is a holiday. I hand sew a very fat bear--attempting to jump rope. He is only 2D (the cloth is cut that way) and also because he still lacks stuffing, I find that I don't have enough cotton balls and our kitchen is lacking mongo beans (probably because we had it as a side for last Tuesday's dinner). I need to fatten up this bear in time for Christmas Eve.

Project: Bear(y difficult)

I received bad news today, I was so sad. I decided to channel my frustration to doing a small project. I decided to make a bear with my bare hands, some cloth, thread and a needle. The finished product is not that great, it fact it looks like a frankenstein sea horse. It is a gift for HIM. And knowing him, he'll tell me that it is the cutest bear in the world! Welcome to my life.

Utsukushii

Kristine, this is so beautiful. Thank you.

Miss Earth

I chanced by Miss Earth 2007 last night, it was that time in the pageant when the top ten (or twenty?) ranking contestants are selected.

The format of the introduction goes "miss" + country represented + N years old + personal info.

As Utt was calling one of the finalist, a background voice went "Miss Thailand is N years old and her favorite actress is Nicole Kidman".

My thoughts? I have no words!

It is also fortunate for Utt that he is cute, because he can't read.

Where is his Oscar?

I saw the full trailer of the new Johnny Depp movie, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and I can hardly wait to see it. As it is a Tim Burton movie, I somewhat expected that his lovely and talented wife, Helena Bonham Carter is also part of the cast. It is a surprise that it is a musical, a more wonderful surprise is that Johnny Depp can sing!

I hope I am able to watch this movie with HIM.

It is suppose to open on the 21st in the US, I wonder when it would be shown here.

If all things work out right (as the usual case is), and I spend the 21st watching Johnny Depp in the big screen with a tub of popcorn on my lap and a certain movie buff beside me, such would be my joy that I could practically run along Orchard Road shouting that Santa came early this year--four days before he is expected.

(God, I know this is pushing my luck, but maybe, you would like to follow up with the committee, I mean, Johnny's Oscar is long overdue. I mean, Martin Scorsese already got his.)

Eating with Lyra

I finally saw Golden Compass! I will save my comments about the movie for later as I am more excited to write about what Odell and I ate during the movie. We got crispy chicken, chicken pie, nachos with cheese and the large popcorn combo with the drinks in GOLDEN COMPASS TUMBLERS! It would have been perfect if the straws that came with the tumblers were not disposable as well, but I must say, can't complain.

Fake Unicorn Root

False Unicorn Root is known botanically as Chamaelirium luteum. It is also known as Helonias Root, Blazing Star, Devil's Bit, Drooping Starwort, Rattlesnake and Fairy-wand.

This is for real, and I sooooo wanna see one!!!!

Friday Manila Style

In Manila , you spent the whole day thanking God that it's Friday. Every week, without miss, the air feels different on the fifth working day.

You get in your car and tune to 99.5RT and listen to classics! From southern suburbia to the business district, Makati , classic gold!

You get to the office and see the orange juice, ready for the taking. You remind yourself to thank God again.

You work--leisurely and decide to pay for it on Monday when you'd again, work like a horse and end at 11PM, after your supposed 9 - 10 PM call.

You have a two-hour lunch at a nice place with your evil teammates. And end it with a sinful dessert, that again, you need to burn off in the gym on Monday.

You bitch about the company policy, that despite of the casual day friday rule, you find it doesn't really mean casual, that after all the restrictions and conditions are taken into consideration, you end up wearing what other people wear from Monday to Thursday.

You spend time tracking your team's charges against the buckets and spend more time clocking your hours. But you don't complain, because in a few hours, you'd be free.

Just when you feel that your head is about to explode and that you can't look at another excel sheet, someone asks you to smoke. And it feels like Friday again.

When it's time to go home, you kickoff your weekend with a couple of drinks at Dream Bar while listening to 80's songs.

And the week long party begins.

this is just the beginning

Allainteriz

Allainteriz gave me a personalized something-like-a-not-a-plastic-bag bag.

Uh, and I always thought that it was Allain Therese.

Golden Compass

I admit that I was not especially enthusiastic about the book. I got the trilogy around this time last year. I read the first book and half of the second book, then gave up on in completely. It was a blessing that Odell took some interest and read all three (almost--he is now halfway through The Amber Spyglass), at least someone enjoyed the book and my investment did not go to waste.

I am, however very excited to see the movie. It opened in cinemas last Thursday but there were so many pre-Christmas activities that I was not able to see it this weekend.

I am doing my best to steer clear from movie reviews, but despite my effort I've been hearing that it is a flop. I'm thinking that with Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig in the cast, it can't be absolutely terrible. And also, the featured armored bear is the image that I imagined in my head. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

I hope I am able to watch this week.

There is also some buzz about religious conflicts with the theme, and I found myself nodding and smiling when I read what one spokesperson of a religious order said after seeing the movie. He said that would only feel offended if he is a polar bear. Amen.

Not that one!

Cindy and I were looking and trying on bracelets. I took off the one I was wearing so that I could have a better look of the one I was trying on. We decided that it was nice and was worth the price. As I was deciding if I should get it or not, I took it off and started putting my bracelet back on. Cindy suddenly said in a very panicky voice "Wag yan! Panget.", which translates to "Not that one! It's ugly."

Enough said.

side effect of the last 6 years

I asked my brother where he came from when we met at the entrance of a certain building. He said he got something from a food store, E-meal. When I repeated the name of the food store, he casually added that it was short for Executive Meal, maybe to help me figure out the spelling.

I paused for a while as I analyzed the thought that transpired in my head the first time I saw the signage of the food store. I thought, "the owners must be IT people, I mean, why else would they go around punning E-mail?".

And it turns out, there is no pun there, just me being THE IT person!

Like it is brewed by a wizard

I saw this product online and was very much entertained by the write-up. After reading it, I was so tempted to quote the girl in this certain shampoo commercial after her hair had been washed and dried. She excitedly said "It's like a magic". And just like that, she became an instant celebrity. Go figure. Anyways, as I was saying, the entertaining write-up, it goes....

In our daily lives, all sorts of things could happen that will stress us out. From family to work to personal relationships. When life gets too much, you can always count on the little yellow bottle of Rescue Remedy to see you through the darkest moments.

Rescue Remedy quickly restores inner calm so you can manage unexpected crises or difficult everyday situations. Created by well known Physician, Bacteriologist, Homeopath and Researcher Dr. Edward Bach, Rescue Remedy unique combination of five Bach Original Flower Remedies all work on emotional imbalances associated with stress and anxiety:
- Star of Bethlehem: for shock
- Rock Rose: for terror and panic
- Clematis: for inattentiveness and to treat feelings of faintness
- Impatiens: for irritation and impatience
- Cherry Plum: for irrational thoughts and lack of self control


Dr Edward Bach had also formulated a complete system of 38 Bach Original Flower Remedies that can help us regain emotional balance and lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

one - love

HE got autographed Terry Brooks books today. And I got wet feet from this afternoon's downpour.

One - Zero.

Great minds dress alike

Something from 2004!

Tagged--again.

I'm really not into the whole tagging thing.

I think for this specific tag, I need to write a five things found in my bag, five things I've always wanted to do, five things things that I am into, etc.

I'm not really feeling it.

As I am not this big of a part pooper, I'd write down the last five things that I have eaten today. Obviously, I love food and this is the perfect entry to end a very exhausting day.

1. Turbo cooked chicken with ginger and lime
2. Honey and fig ice cream
3. Banana and walnut muffin
4. Vietnamese beef noodles
5. Bean curd with brown sugar syrup

She said that he said....

She said that he said he thinks I don't like him. Or something like that. This happened after a seemingly triple shot of Johnnie Walker on the rocks and four glasses of champagne.

It wasn't too clear if he meant I don't like him for her, or I plainly just don't like him, not that it matters to me.

I am a spectator in their feud that had been running in circles for a few weeks. I am here for her if she wants me to be, but I am careful to stay at the sidelines as this is not my story. That is what friends do, they tell you everything that you already know but need to hear after which, they shut up and listen to you, and listen to you, and listen to you--until the next episode.

Disguised

For lunch, I had a chicken foldover meal from McDonald's. The foldover is junk food, disguised a healthy choice and the fries are Satan's bait disguised as God's gift.

I'm weak.

They will never know

I remember a conversation a from a few years back and I suddenly felt the need to write it down.

IT folks would never know what is wrong with the word INDEXES, or even BINDED.

Tinapay

For miryenda (afternoon snack), I toasted sliced bread with condensed milk. It was really good.

I swear, it could have been almost retrospective if only I hadn't used wheat bread.

Control and Enter

Something is wrong with my notebook. The control key had been bothering me for a long time. It gets stuck, and it happens in a way that you realize it not because it physically appears pressed, but because the keyboard functions change. I raised this issue to our tech guy, and being the helpful guy that he is, immediately called the notebook company for servicing.

The service technician took his time inspecting my machine, he even changed my keypad, which made me think of buying new shoe laces for a well worn pair of running shoes. That happened last Friday.

Come Monday, my enter key got stuck.

Tech guy again, came to the rescue. As the service technician from the computer company couldn't come immediately, he did his thing and got the keyboard working again.

Today is a new day that brings with it new promises. And keyboard problems.

Today, the other control key got stuck.

Run woman!

After fainting last week, I am again, reminded by my body of how important exercise is. I noticed that it is when I am most inactive that I get dizzy spells. So today, I ran.

I ran for ten minutes after which, I felt like fainting again.

Tomorrow, I'll run again. I hope I last eleven minutes.

I lost my head(band)

I had been looking for a headband that suited me for a long time. I am talking about the stretchy ones that go around your head. These are often seen in advertisements for facial products, worn by the models just before they wash their faces to keep hair from getting in the way.

Most of the ones I tried on made me look like I am losing my hair, the image of the crypt keeper comes to mind.

After months, I finally found the one. The search was finally over.

I was so excited that I wore it the first opportunity I had, which was yesterday.

My bliss didn't last long though. It ended too soon.

Somewhere between the Christmas shopping, clothes fitting and head tilting (while laughing), I lost it.

I felt like something is missing.

No more pressure two inches off my hairline. I can't believe it. How do I deal?

Something nice about Californication

Surprisingly, Californication has a fairly decent soundtrack. And for that, I rate it 1--out of 10.

Californication

I have started watching the series, Californication.

David Duchovny's acting reminds me of Richard Gere's. Enough said.

There is no chemistry. There is no chemistry between David and his leading lady, and they are supposed to be each other's greatest loves. There is no chemistry between David and his child, and they are supposed to have a very close relationship. I can list down all the relationship combinations and I am positive, there is no chemistry between any two characters. THERE IS JUST NO CHEMISTRY. I should have stopped at the first sentence of this paragraph.

Okay, maybe I am being a bit too harsh. The dog seems to be genuinely enthusiastic about David. There might be the littlest hint of chemistry there. But even then, it doesn't even wag its barely there tail. And that says something. I take it back.

I hope the one responsible for the casting quits his job soon. Very soon. Like NOW.

The script is very trite, full of cliche and is trying too hard to be profound--and witty--and sexy--and heartwarming. It seems as though the writers want to put a lot of meat into each episode, the overall effect is catastrophic, the thoughts are too cluttered. I don't think the creators had decided at this point what kind of a person the protagonist is. It is as if he is schizophrenic.

And did I mention that David's character gets to kick a lot of ass in the show? I mean, Vin Diesel could really play the part. Seriously.

Most of the traits of the characters are dictated to the audience. I must hand it to the director, maybe he realized that no one in the show could act, so he decided the emotions should be recited rather than acted out. I guess he got worried that otherwise, the audience might not get it. Pure genius.

After everything said, I have just one more thing about the writers. I think there is some plagiarism involved, there were more than I few lines that I am sure I have read or seen before. However, as I am a huge supporter of self expression and creativity, I would look the other way and just say that maybe it is not plagiarism, but actually lack of talent, originality and imagination.

For what it's worth, I will continue watching the rest of the series. It is like watching Claudine Baretto. The effect on you is very positive. You look forward to watching more because you know in your heart that the next one you watch would be a hell lot better.

Just friends

I went to a friend's birthday party a few weeks back. I had been looking forward to going because it had been a while since I last hung out with her and our common friends. Good vibes.

Little did I know, that I would meet a seemingly-friendly-but-actually-creepy guy that night. I noticed that he would look at me a lot and sometimes, would even stare. He also tries to sit beside me every time I move around the house. As the one bestowed with the nicname Ice Queen, it was child's play for me to get rid of him.

But creepy boy had some tricks up his sleeve. He managed to corner me on my way back from the restroom. I looked at him with one eyebrow raised and waited for him to say something.

He immediately became very chatty and went on and on about the necklace that I was wearing. Then I realized that he was not hitting on me, he just wanted to be friends.

I wonder why the birthday girl has not realized till now that mr. creepy is one with the ladies.

Letter Oh

I got a, and I hardly say this, well-written letter from a good friend today. I was amazed at how it made me feel...something.

There was nothing dramatic about it, it was just--real.

Only, it never happened.

3 3 love

Slim? Nah!

Neneng explained to me after lunch why it took her a long time to get to me this morning. She said that the woman said "may natumba na babae dun, taga dito daw siya, yung maganda na payat" (a woman fell, she says she is from this unit, she is pretty and slim). Neneng thought of my sister in law. Neneng immediately said that there must have been a mistake because she has just talked to my sister in law, as she is in the office already, it was impossible that she was the one who fainted just across the street.

The woman insisted that Neneng look at the woman who fell, just in case. Although reluctant to go, Neneng went with the woman to discover that I was the supposed slim and pretty woman who fell.

Neneng was very sorry and explained that I was not considered slim and with that being said, her reluctance was justifiable.

Fair enough.

Faint

I was on my way to work, when I was about to cross the street from our place to the bus stop, I suddenly felt breathless, giddy and purple blotches started to appear in my line of sight. I was already at the island when I decided that I should stop for a while. Totally oblivious to the fact that my bottom might get grass stains, I sat on the grass. I was breathing heavily and very dizzy. After a few minutes that felt like a really long time, I stood up and went towards the bus stop. I thought that I was going to be okay already. I was wrong. It was getting harder and harder to breathe. I untucked my shirt and loosened the neckline and laid on the bench. At this point, I was already drenched with sweat.

A man came up to me.

M: Are you okay miss?
T: I'm not feeling well.
M: Do you want me to call you a cab or something? Should I call someone?
T: No need. I just live in that condo (pointing to our place) and will be calling home in a while.
M: Do you need any help?
T: Thanks for asking. I will be fine.
M: Okay.

I reached inside my bag the minute I had enough strength to. I could not find my phone. That is the thing with big bags, I mean you could put everything inside, but it is tricky to find what you are looking for. It did not help that I brought a couple of cereal drink sachets to leave in the office and a few packs of biscuits. Needless to say, I was not able to make a call.

A Chinese woman with a Filipina came up to me.

CW: Are you okay?
T: I'm really dizzy.
CW: Here put some of this. (she pulled out a white flower oil bottle from her purse and put some on my temples and pointman)
T: Thanks.

We had a few more exchanges but I really don't remember much.

FW: Is someone coming for you?
T: I live there (pointing across the street)
FW: Is someone at home now?
T: Yes.
FW: Okay, I will go across the street to tell them okay?
T: Thanks, our unit number is xx-xx.
FW: Okay, I will go now.

I lost track of time again, I had no idea how long it took the Filipina and Neneng to return. The next thing I knew, Neneng was rushing to my side looking very worried. There was also a guard with them, but he did absolutely nothing. He just stood there.

When I got home, I drank a glass of water, forced myself to eat something, put on a sweater as I was having goosebumps and was feeling very cold and went to sleep.

It is extraordinary how God finds a way to save us everyday.

Whoa Mr. Strange

Can hardly believe it, this is my third blog about Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. I don't think I have written that many entries on any other book.

Anyways, I think the power over me is getting stronger as time passes by rather than the other way around. I was reading a few pages last night and fell asleep around 1AM; I woke up at 2:45 PM today. Initially I thought that my watch had stopped and that I should be getting it a new battery, but upon reaching for my mobile, it was confirmed, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell were at it again!

Sleep little two eyes, sleep.

I've only advanced 100 pages in Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell over the past week. That is not even a fifth of the book. I actually looked to find how many pages there are, something I never do! It is 1008. If my resistance to the sleepiness magic spell it has doesn't improve and I continue at this pace, I will finish the book between Christmas and New Year's.

I guess Haruki would have to wait.

Sleeping Pills

I discovered recently that the novel Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell has special powers. It makes the reader fall asleep.

It is not unreadable, it just isn't a page-turner--at least not the first sixty pages. It really doesn't help that the author is so fond of writing footnotes that sometimes take more than half of the page. I always thought that good writers could incorporated these ideas into the story, hence no footnotes.

For the past three nights, every time I start reading, I fall asleep. I slept as early as 9PM yesterday, and I was not even tired!

Specialists should start prescribing this book to insomniacs.

3 men for the lady

A psychic once told me that I would marry my third boyfriend.

As I am not one to base my decisions on trivial things, I was not reluctant to break-up with my third boyfriend when I realized that it was time to move on.

I was reading a Murukami book the other day. It is called Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, a collection of short stories.

I had been a fan of Haruki Murakami for a very long time; in fact, I have read almost all his books (although I have no plans of reading After the Quake and Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche).

As I was saying, I was reading a particular story from the selection, The Kidney–Shaped Stone That Moves Every Day that is like all of his stories, strange.

It is about a 31-year-old lad who had practically no relationship with his father. He is however, constantly reminded of something that his father said years ago, when he was still a boy, the three-women theory.

"Among the women a man meets in his life, there are only three who have real meaning for him. No more, no less"

The story goes on about how he somewhat finds himself constantly deciding if the person he was with would be one of the three.

You could read the story at http://www.bookofjoe.com/2005/09/the_kidneyshape_1.html

Reading this reminded me of the prophecy. I somewhat felt that I am part of yet another short story being cooked up in Haruki's brain. Maybe the my psychic believed the same theory, that a boyfriend is not a boyfriend unless the relationship reaches a certain level of meaning. This could be what we could call, a technicality.

Currently, I'm neither past three meaningful relationships, nor am I married. Given the situation , I could say that there is still a chance that the psychic predicted correctly, the skeleton key being a certain technicality.

Metro cheese <-- no such thing

T: I really like that cheese with apricot and almond bits. I think I like it more that the one with mango and melon.
M: Yuck.
T: It's really good.
M: It's gay.
T: How can it be gay?
M: When cheese is mixed with other things, it becomes gay.
T: So parmesan and cheddar are safe?
M: Those are plain.
T: Okay.
M: And there is no such thing as a "metrosexual" cheese.
T: No metro, gay or straight only.
M: Yes. Gay or straight only.

Lasalita na Engboy

It's passed twelve and I should be sleeping. I can't sleep. It is because I am thinking about something. I'm thinking that I did not need three cum laudes to answer the aswang query.

If I had approached any random Engboy from DLSU, I would have gotten the answer without much ado. I am confident that the answer would not only be the definition and sub-categories, but also related urban legends, history, trivia, sighting and maybe, even names.

And because he knows how to acknowledge his sources, he would tell me that if I need more info I could read tabloids such as Bandera, watch the last 15 Magandang Gabi Bayan Halloween Special Episodes as well as the Regal Shocker Series, and either talk to Nards, the parking attendant/yosi vendor stationed in front of the Benilde Chowking or a friend's maid from Capiz.

Happy Halloween

(Happy Birthday to Karen Laderas, btw)

As I was looking at the Boy Bawang wrapper, I suddenly realized that I do not have a clear-cut idea of what an aswang is. I was sure that vampires hate garlic, but vampires are bampiras not aswangs. So what is an aswang? For starters, what is the english term for it?

I consulted Ms. Ateneo Cum Laude and her answer was that the aswang is a creature that appears as human during the day. At dusk, the creature grows wings and splits its body into two. The top part goes around to eat children while the body from the waist down remains in the ground until dawn when the two halves of the body are once again joint and the wings shrink back into nothing.

When I inquired if this meant that the aswang and the manananggal are the same, she grew quite unsure of her answer.

I then talked to Ms. UP Cum Laude #1, I confirmed my theory. There is no american counterpart for aswang. It is our (the filipino's) very own. However, she was not able to answer my question. What is an aswang?

Ms. UP Cum Laude #2 was able to shed some light on the topic. She says that it does not refer to a specific creature. If is in fact, a collective noun, if you may, which refers to horrible monsters.

After a long discussion with Ms. UP Cumm Laude #2, we have established (for the meantime) that aswang is a "class" and manananggals, tik-tiks, werewolves, tikbalangs, etc are examples of the corresponding "orders" under the aswang class. Also, that the aswang class have somewhat human-like physical characteristics.

I looked up aswang online the first chance I had and sure enough, Ms. UP Cum Laude #2 was right on target, proving once again that she is a certified Wikipedian.

Gimme 5

I used to think that the best thing $5 could buy in Singapore is a meal consisting of laksa and teh.

Last Saturday, at a booksale, I realized that I was wrong. The best thing that $5 could buy in Singapore is a hard bound George RR Martin new realease in mint condition.

Miracles happen everyday.

Dumbledore

I have no issues about Dumbledore's sexual preference.

However, there is no denying that JK Rowling could have been more appropriate. She easily could have incorporated a line into the last book as simple as Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald had a very special relationship that went beyond friendship or maybe to this day, there had not been anyone who meant more to Albus Dumbledore than Gellert Grindelwald.

WRITING would have been an excellent way to inform her more mature readers. It is of utmost inconvenience that it came out the way it did. There was something very hollywood about the occurrence, which just really turned me off.

EOD

As we were looking at the sunset through the window, we had the same thing in mind. We kept our silence until a few seconds before dusk.

T: Pag nagkakataon na nakikita mo yan, nalulungkot ka ba?
O: Oo
T: Parang kahit nasan ka, nasa kotse, out of town, nasa bahay...pareho lang yung nararamdaman mo no?
O: Iba nga din, parang kahit nangyayari araw araw, naapektuhan ka parin
T: Hindi ko ma-explain... parang gusto ko tumigil na dun, ayokong mag-gabi
O: Naiintindihan ko, parang, alamo yon? parang talagang merong natatapos

Then I thought, he got it. Completely. That is the feeling. You feel like something great is ending. And I have yet to meet someone who faces that with whole-hearted enthusiasm.

Teh for Tricky

After almost three years in Singapore, I still don't know how to buy tea. What I want is the one with condensed milk. In Killiney I could easily get it as teh tarik, but if I try to get from other stores (or hawker places) it is a completely different story. Stall owners would tell me they don't have it, but when I look around, I'd see locals enjoying theirs.

Today, I went to Coffee & Toast to once again, try my luck. I was asking the person taking my order which one had the condensed milk, if it was the Teh O, Teh C or the Teh. She said she doesn't understand. I repeated my question--twice, but I still did not get the answer I wanted.

I played the guessing game. Hoping "C" stands for Condensed milk, I asked for a Teh C.

After my first sip, I realized that I picked the wrong one.

My Singaporean officemate was kind enough to differentiate the teas when I told her about my story.

To aid those who have had been in a situation similar to mine, I am documenting what I learned today.

Teh O - tea with sugar
Teh C - tea with evaporated milk
Teh - tea with condensed milk

Time heals all wounds

As I was applying hand cream, I noticed that the burns I had endured from the spaghetti incident had completely healed. In fact, even upon close inspection, I can't tell exactly where the burns used to be. This happenstance, once again proves the age old saying set as the title of this entry. Although, I don't think my story was quite what the wiseman had in mind when he uttered those words. You think?

Mediums please

I have switched to Marlboro Ultra Lights since I moved to Singapore almost three years ago. Yesterday, while I was in front of the 7-eleven counter, I saw a Marlboro Mediums pack and decided to get it instead of my usual.

It reminded me of that time when I was starting my college education, it was a time when Php 500 would be enough to buy dinner for two at T.G.I. Friday's and TGIS meant a very popular show in channel 7. It also meant carpool, quarter pounders and caramel sundaes, that gold bracelet with a heart charm, my giant piggy bank, Baskin-Robbins in Town Center, "happy berday" cakes and banana breads.

Scents, feelings, specific weather, and as I recently discovered, cigarettes remind me of spefic moments, or even a period of time. While I am not one to dwell on the past, I find myself feeling extra happy to have a flashback--even for a just split second and surrender to the nostalgia attack.

Is it on yet? Is it on yet? Is it on yet? Is it on yet?

I have been waiting for Stardust for months! I can't believe it is not even in the COMING SOON list!

sweets and sweat

I recently bought myself a 55cm exercise ball and it just so happens to be pink. It is the only color they have. Whenever I use it, I feel funny because it looks as though I am on top of a giant jawbreaker.

Not Tonight

I want to write about something, but I still don't know how it is going to end. I'm not sure it is a great idea to just type on and on about what I know now and just follow it up with a Part II entry. Like most stories, this one is best told when you know the beginning, the middle and the end. I'm not sure when I'd be able to tell the story, maybe tomorrow, maybe next week, maybe the day after the postman comes. Come to think of it, I'm not sure if I'd be able to tell it at all. I was hoping to play storyteller tonight, but no such luck.

Shoot 'em Up

I saw a very funny movie with some friends yesterday, Shoot 'em Up. It stars Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti and Monica Bellucci. What was the movie about? Well, the title pretty much says it all. It featured scene after scene of Clive shooting 'em up in exaggerated precision despite impossible conditions. It is not a comedy but it got us laughing the whole time. If you want to see a non-thinking, pure errr action flick, this is the one for you. Enjoy!

It's telling me...

Something is happening. I know. I hope we talk about it soon, real soon. I don't think I could stand being in the state for more than a few days.

Spaghetti Incident

The title of this entry makes me smile. I think I was a freshman in highschool when the Guns n Roses album came out. What I'm about to write about didn't in any way make me smile though.

Yesterday afternoon, I was simultaneously cooking the pasta and the meat sauce when I attempted to move the saucepan so that I could start on the cheese. For some reason the handle was really hot. I immediately let go and placed my hand under cool running water. After a few minutes, I dabbed some ointment on my burnt palm, and while it did help, it continued to hurt so much that I started to cry.

My hand is a bit better now, but both my point man and middle finger have bubble-like burns and I am pretty sure I won't be able to carry anything using my left hand for a few days.

Satan's Creation

We all know that that Cheetos twisted snack was crated by satan to keep supposedly very fit women like myself from being in their natural built. For emphasis, in case I didn't stress that well enough, Natural Built = Very Fit. Okay! Settled.

Satan has used Eric, my officemate to tempt me. I think it worked too. I am not only weak against Cheetos now, but also weak against the new Lays Chips.

Try it. It could be THE poision you have been waiting for your whole life.

PURPLE tRAINing

I am now a proud owner of dumbbells.

I really wanted 4kg ones but the salesperson practically begged me not to get them, he says they are too heavy for me. I thought he was right, it did feel too heavy and I'm afraid I won't be able to get even 3 reps (yes, reps, not sets!) of arm curls using them, so I tried out the 3kg ones. It was better. But again, the salesperson insisted that those were still pretty much too heavy for me.

As I am one to take advice from "experts", I tried out the 2kg set. I must admit, the weight seemed perfect. I think I have found the one.

But no! Mr. Salesman was still pushing that I get the 1.6kg.

I thanked him for his help and said that I would be getting the 2kg. So I headed to the counter to pay for it, Mr. Salesman follows me and continues shake his head and look disappointed.

I lugged the dumbbells all the way from Marina Square to Esplanade where I had dinner with my friends. It felt like a workout. At this point, I start to think that maybe I should have gotten the lighter ones.

Now that I'm home and inspecting my new possession (it feels so much different from buying shoes or clothes, where you'd try them on for the second time) I suddenly realized that it is purple and it matched my yoga mat.

Purple is not my favorite color, in fact I hate purple. The only reason why I have a purple yoga mat is that at the time of my purchase, all other colors were out of stock. As for my dumbbells, the 2kg ones comes in only one color. And I bet that because you're so smart, you would have figured out what color that is.

DUMB about Dumbbells

I have decided to purchase some dumbbells as the lightest set of dumbells at our condo's gym is quite too heavy for me. In my opinion, it is more suited to the likes of Vin Diesel. Enough said.

My dilemma is this: Should I get the stackable ones? This will give me flexibility and I could get the ideal weight depending on my routine. OR should I get the 8 (or 10) lb ones? It is more comfortable to grip, less bulky and more aesthetic. Besides, it would probably be the weight I would be using 80% off the time.

Big decision. DUMBbell decision. Jackie Lou Blanco (JLB), help me!

Pure Energy

I know this is old news, my entry is months late but I will go ahead and write it anyways.

I was very surprised with the UNTOLD STORIES blog entry that was circulated heavily via email.

Gary V, in my eyes seemed to be incapable of doing anything wrong, with the exception of his wardrobe choices in the 80's but then again, everyone looked less attractive in the 80's, which I must say is a small price to pay for enjoying a decade of pure fun. (I love the 80's!)

After reading through the entry, I started to wonder, if that incident gave him his nicname, Mr. Pure Energy. I'd like to think though that it is his dancing.

Ang TV

I don't really watch much TV. In fact, when I was in Manila there were weeks that I didn't watch a single show. However, since moving here I found that I watched more and more TV. I didn't realize the gravity of the situation until the battery of the remote control died on me. I am suddenly unable to flick through the channels. And it actually bothered me.

It has been a week now, and it seems as though I am back to me old self. Turning on the TV is no longer the first thing I do when I get home. I have even started going to the gym again.

Maybe I should NEVER replace the battery.

Cashback

Sean Higgins: Two halves, please.
The Barman: What was the other one?
Sean Higgins: Two halves.
The Barman: Oh, yeah.
Sean Higgins: I just found the world's stupidest barman.

-oOo-

Ben Willis: Once upon a time, I wanted to know what love was. Love is there if you want it to be. You just have to see that it's wrapped in beauty and hidden away in between the seconds of your life. If you don't stop for a minute, you might miss it.

I don't want to be...

I was talking about a really gross, but also very funny episode of South Park when HE joked that you are what you watch and that watching that series would make me mean. I, of course retaliated by saying that he should not go around saying such things because that is like admitting that he is gay. If you must know, HE very recently grew fond of One Tree Hill. He decided to watch it because he wanted to see how Moira Kelly looks now, then for some unfathomable reason the show started to get interesting for him. Go figure. He is now also watching The OC. And not because of the girls in the show, which would have been more understandable. HE says that the word I must have been looking for is sensitive, not gay.

I thought about it

It took me a good 7 seconds before I am able to aswer this :

"Would it be possible to love someone and not be interested in her?"

The Bell Jar

A lot of people would most likely say that you should not read The Bell Jar when you are depressed because it might cause you to do something stupid like try and take your life. I recently re-read the book and I was surprised that this time around I didn't feel anything. When I was younger, I remember being disturbed by it. I also noticed something that failed to catch my attention years ago. It is the exchange between Irwin and Ester when they first met.

Irwin: Could you please tell me the time?

Ester: Five past four... why, you've a watch yourself!

Irwin: Doesn't work. Where are you going?

Ester: Home.

Irwin: Why would you like some coffee first?

Ester: [hesitates]

Irwin: A very small cup of coffee?

Growing Up

Stan Marsh, an 8-year-old from South Park, Colorado writes to God and it goes...

Are you there, God?

It's me, Stan. If you wouldn't mind, I don't wanna be the only kid who doesn't get his period before the new year. Could you speed up my development a little? Thanks, God.

Your friend, Stan

I was just thinking about Are you there God? It's me Margaret, when I saw this South Park Episode! I am pleased to say that it all ended well. God told Stan that although he will eventually mature, he will never get his period because he is a boy. Only girls--women get periods.

Tracy: Walk (ONE TIME ONLY!), don't run.

You'd never think these lines are from South Park (except maybe the first and last ones). I was pretty surprised myself. Anyways, read on. For those who do not watch South Park, I am happy to write a spoiler. Mr. Hand will not be there for Mr. Garrison till the end. Also, Mr. Garrison will have a sex change and Mr. Slave (another character, this time an actual person in South Park), his lifetime partner will leave him. Mr. Slave wants to be with a man--a person who is physically a man. Mr. Garrison calls him queer and claims that he isn't queer, because he (or should I say SHE) is now a woman.

Mr. Garrison: [still undressed] Don't worry, Mr. Twig. Even though Mr. Hat rescued me from prison, I'm still gonna stick with you. ["Many colors in my homo rainbow. Don't we all just-"]

Mr. Twig : [in a French accent] Do you love him?

Mr. Garrison: It doesn't matter. He left me.

Mr. Twig : Do you love him?

Mr. Garrison: [breaks down] Yes. [a variation on Wendy's theme plays]

Mr. Twig : Then run to him.

Mr. Garrison: But I feel like I'd be making the wrong decision.

Mr. Twig : Love isn't a decision, it's a feeling. If we could decide who we love, it would be much simpler, but much less magical.

Mr. Garrison: I'll never forget you, Mr. Twig. Thank you. [tosses him away, pulls out Mr. Hat, and smiles.]

SOURCE: http://www.twiztv.com/scripts/southpark/season2/southpark-214.htm

Crash of the Crispy Noodles

I want to take this opportunity to apologize to the auntie who cleaned the spilt Crispy Noodles on the escalator going to the second floor of China Square Food Centre yesterday, during lunch time.

I no longer want to re-live the horrible minutes between 12 noon and 1 PM. Though I survived and lived to tell the tale, I have decided after much thought, that it is better to keep the story to myself.

In due time, when I have completely gotten over it, maybe I could muster enough courage to share the experience.

Thank you for your understanding.

Something Stupid

I received an invite to a meeting for this afternoon.

I replied with "Okay. I have booked the conference room at 230 THESE afternoon.".

And it is not like my name starts with A and I am clueless about grammar!

Kill me. Kill me now.

Are you there God? It's me, Margaret

As I was at the grocery store, trying to decide what I would want for breakfast next week, when I suddenly remembered a book I read more than seventeen years ago, at the library of O.B. Montessori Center.

The book's title is, well, this entry's title.

It is about an almost-adolescent who is confused about what is happening around her. Her friends are fast maturing, but it seems as though she is not quite there yet.

While I did not go through the ordeal of wanting to grow up too fast (I am Peter Pan! I want to live at Neverland with you-know-who, but he won't take me in because I'm a girl!) or have felt the absence of God's presence in my life, I could only imagine how difficult for a gradeschooler to be in that position.

What I could relate to, however is that when you are a kid there are some things that are important to you, but are dismissed without thought by grown ups because they feel that these things are petty. What they don't realize is, at that point, those were BIG.

This is me, making a mental note to myself. I most definitely, must do my best, when dealing with children, to REMEMBER.

Quit playing games!

From 1996 - 1999 my mobile ringtone was Quit Playing Games. Initially, I really hated the song. When I was in the US for vacation the single was on sale for $1.99 so I got copies and gave them to my friends. They all hated it. However, it also caused them to associate the song to me. Eventually, the song grew on me. So there you go, the story of my life.

Come year 2000, I am no longer a teenager, and decided to change my ringtone to the basic nokia tune.

I am, however contemplating on changing it to a certain funny, catchy tune. Since I am still undecided, I will give no clue as to what the tune is.

(I could almost hear it now...)

Orange and Jojo

Let's all go to Robertson Walk where the Margarita is anything but weak.

Let's all go to Robertson Walk where the strawberries taste like lipsticks and not the other way around.

Let's all go to Robertson Walk where I can't finish my food (this almost never happens!).

Let's all go to Robertson Walk where Kristine talks about picnics.

Let's all go to Robertson Walk where I had my last Citi Dinner.

Let's all go to Robertson Walk where Orange coins her name with Jojo.

"walking away"

My favorite photographer is Grace Niepes (Gerlie Lima being a close runner up).

Today, officially, I acquired my first (of dozens, I hope) Grace Niepes piece.

I wish I have a soft copy of the picture so that I could post it so that more people could appreciate.

Thanks Grace. I really love the picture. I remember the first time I saw it, we were supporting a mock implementation for Spain that weekend and from them on, I never got it out of my mind. You made my day.

I will sure be there on your gallery's opening!

Imagine finding a funny line in an IT book

Recently, I bought my first IT book, it came from the Demystified series. You could imagine my surprise when I read a funny line.


"A picture is worth a thousand lines of code."


Upon telling Jops, an expert on IT books, he says he had come across a better one.

"I code, therefore I am."

These IT books really have a way of bringing out the geeks in us.

Like mushrooms on a damp and idle log...

I am never the one to have sensitive skin. I don't follow a strict skin care routine.

Although I have been using the same brand of facial scrub and moisturizer for more than ten years now, I am constantly changing my sunblock for no reason except that I feel like switching brands whenever my current runs out. The same way I am when it comes to shampoos. I go to the store, look and read the labels then pick whichever. My hair looks and feels the same whichever I get, so it is not really critical. The same goes for sunblock, whichever brand I get, my skin condition stays the same--until recently.

I picked out a very popular, seemingly reliable brand last week, as I have almost exhausted my then current vitamin E enriched sunblock. Come Saturday, I started using the new one.

During the first few days, I didn't notice the small bumps. Tonight however, as I looked into the mirror after taking a bath, I realized that I must be allergic to the new brand. I am having an acute breakout and there is nothing cute about it.

I hope it clears up soon.

Dear God, I believe that pimples are like chicken pox and measles, that it would happen to you at one point in your life and then one day, you'll wake up and realize that you're healed. Please make them go away and never come back, not even on a rainy day, or any-other-weathered day. I promise to give up chocolates till then. Amen.

And God, please forgive Malu Fernandez.

Field Trip

I went on a field trip with Kristine yesterday, I am to transfer work places so we checked out the food establishments (and maybe, the shops too) near my new location.

I was pretty pleased with what we saw. Although admittedly, Millenia is perhaps most ideal, One Raffles Quay is not half bad. Think Tiong Baru or Oh-so-far-away Tampines. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I can't complain.

We ended the afternoon with an early knocks-me-off-my-diet dinner at a quaint establishment off the main commercial areas (my favorite kind). The duck's skin was so tasty and crispy and the meat was so tender, it would slide off the bones when you work your fork into it; although I did have a knife and used it too, I swear you wouldn't need one! The beef cheeks were even more tender that you wouldn't need teeth!

As usual, we got bread dips. I swear I could forego the main and be content with eating bread and dip for dinner--a hell lot of bread and dip!

Although seemingly impossible to the likes of us who are dessert-monger-supporters, for the first time since we have met, we were so full that we didn't have any room for dessert. Bummer.

We were supposed to join some friends for some more wine but we were both too beat and full to do anything but go home and sleep--a pig's life.

3 years today love

Cartman gives Butters a "Hitler"

thanks to teendy weendy and lilboyobet

Stranger than Fiction

I must say that Stranger than Fiction is a must see. I mean, not only does it have an outstanding cast but also, the dialogue is exquisite. It is, perhaps just a bonus that Emma Thompson could well deliver a line and has a wonderful accent.

I especially like the part about giving FLOURs. And knowing the ONE "guitar" for you. I can't seem to decide which idea I liked more.

I would definitely watch it again, maybe one night upon getting home after a couple of drinks, maybe when I am bored out of my witts, maybe when I have read all my books, maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow night, maybe both tonight and tomorrow night.

(Take me back in your arms) Manila

Having spent the last four days in Manila, I am beat but happy and as always, reluctant to leave. I was able to do everything on my list. However, faced with the question "What else would you have wanted to do in Manila other than those listed?", I would reply quicker than a blink of an eye, "I wish I hugged him more".

The reason why I'm smiling the whole Saturday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBFiMsqHYHA

Take off the "invisibility cloak" already!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnpaS3VUFps

Sword Fight

I was watching Mythbusters and the team was trying to test whether a sword could cut another sword. I was surprised to find out that the answer is NO. However, when swords hit one another, it would be possible for either sword to snap, and the sword would break in at least two places. Bummer!

MIGS: Swords cut swords all the time in movies and books and tv!
TRACY: I know! Stupid Mythbusters!

Friday Fever

I have the Friday Fever.

So I am spending this Friday night at home, under comforters, praying to God that I get well soon.

For a second there, it seemed as though it was a good thing, huh?

From (urban) Citi living to Healthe living

My brother would often joke that I change companies every two years and that my tenure seems to share the life expectancy of my relationships.

After three relationships and three companies, I could safely say that he is wrong.

I change jobs roughly every two years.

I've been with him for three.

I'm moving out of Citi on the last Friday of this month.

My two-year-old niece, destressing

Crazy about Crab

I was talking to my local officemates about how much I enjoyed eating crab. They were very much surprised that I associated crab eating to Newton Circus, Jumbo and No Signboard (Esplanade). According to them, there are restaurants that served good crab (cold, chilli, butter, black/white peper and milk) at more reasonable price.

We are planning to take on these establishments soon.

(Mattar Road Seafood Barbecue at 01-63 Old Airport Road Food Centre is supposed to one of those)

I can't wait!

Book 7

What I'd like to happen in book 7, or the supposed last of the series:

1. Draco to grow some back bone and chose to do the right thing
2. Ron to have his shining moment
3. Neville to have an even shinier shinning moment than Ron
4. Cho Chang to never be mentioned or referenced in any way (eg Cedric's girlfriend)
5. Hagrid to be granted the chance to pursue wizardry and to have a proper wand so he could get rid of his umbrella
6. Harry to stay alive
7. Krum to have a significant role (I miss reading Herminini)
8. Bellatrix to find out, the hard way what she means to Voldemort

NOTE: Someone played a cruel joke on me today. He said that it sucked that Hagrid and on of the Weasley twins died in book 7! What kind of a heartless jerk would do that?

Empty Seat

I heard an old song today and it made me laugh out loud. It was Passenger's Seat.

I was suddenly reminded of the time where commuting home meant, zigzag-ing South Super Highway on my Mom's old ride.

I especially remember, absent-mindedly looking at the empty seat beside me, thinking of my crush. Imaging how it would be like if he was actually sitting there.

Maris (whom I fondly call MS), in fact even watched Stephen Speaks (or was it Steven Speaks? I forget!) perform in Ateneo.

Today

Today love, I ran out of things to say.

Sandman 65

I... I did not intend to hurt you.

And what if you did not? Intent and outcome are so rarely coincident.

Pirate Master

I'm not really into reality shows and although I am very much fond of pirate stories (especially those with THE giant sea creature), Pirate Master is no different for me.

I was able to get a quick peek and saw that one of the contestants, John, was both a scientist and an exotic dancer. Wow, when the producers scouted for a set of diversified unique individuals, they really meant business.

Curl Up and Dye

I was with friends at Clarke Quay having coffee. Mina, Pat and I were explaining to Pat's friend that in the Philippines, we have McSpaghetti in our McDonald's and that it even came in a meal with fried chicken and rice. We then talked about a spoof carinderia called Mang Donald's. Almost instantaneously we were reminded of this once well-circulated email listing funny establishment names.

There were Sips Ahoy (Drinks booth), McDough (Pastry Store), Curl Up and Dye (beauty parlor), Conan the Barber Shop (obviously, a barber shop) and my personal favorite, Petal Attraction (flower shop).

There are times when you remember old jokes and just laugh yourself silly.

These times, priceless.

(I'm thinking, it would be really funny too if someone called a cafe, PASSION CAFE, but maybe, that's just me)

TJ Abad

Migs was telling me that earlier today, he was reading a friend's blog. He liked the entries so much that he read one to me. Upon hearing it, I knew I HAD to read the rest of his entries.

I have never met TJ, but I hope I do. I really like the way he writes. I especially like one particular entry. It somewhat reminds me of how I felt the first time I saw U2's All I Want Is You MTV.

Check out http://tjx.blogs.friendster.com/valorworx_blog/

FOR A MERMAID
i f m y l i f e w e r e a c i r c u s
Inspired by the short story “The Boy With No Name”

If my life were a circus
You’d be the Mermaid
Belting an enchanting melody
With an ethereal tone so pure
It enchants all who feel it
Resonate through their ears
But despite your unearthly beauty
You have never felt passion
For no attempt at courtship
Has been made by a single soul
Because you can never leave
Your tank and your tent
If my life were a circus
I’d be the Boy With No Name
Almost but not quite an attraction
And more like a stable boy for all
Shoveling elephant waste
Scrubbing the Lizard Man’s scales
Maintaining the Ringmaster’s quarters
And ignoring my dignity
To keep the spirits
Of all my comrades
Soaring for the next town

If our lives were a circus
And if you were the Mermaid
And I were the Boy With No Name
I’d finish all my chores
As fast as I could
So I may have more time
To clean your tank in your tent
So I may have more time
To discover who you are
Behind your ethereal tone
And your unearthly beauty
So I may have the time
To teach you dancing
In your tank, in your tent
So I may have more time
To court you
To show you everything there is
In love and in life

Griniz

I just read a blog by someone I went to the same high school with. I don't remember ever talking with her then, but for batches with less than 200 students, it is likely that one would know everyone.

In the past, I have thought about her and the life that she is living. Now that I am somewhat updated, I can't help but admire her more. For those who know her, I am sure they feel the same way. I hope that her optimism and bravery would rub off to the rest of us, common folks.

I'd like to send her a note even if I'm not too sure she remembers me. I'd like to tell her that she inspires me.

Quintessentially Charming

Almost two years ago, I met one of my favorite writers, Neil Gaiman. I recall up to this day how truly wonderful it was to finally see him. I might actually have fallen in love at that point, I was just so smitten by him that I started babbling like a teenager.

He was promoting a movie at that time, Mirror Mask. I promised myself I would watch it.

I missed it in the cinemas. Cinema, actually. It was shown, one night only at Great World City, on a day that I was out of Singapore.

Today, July 7, 2007 is a very special day. Not only because the date is 07-07-07 and that I am a potential toto winner but also because I finally saw the movie.

It was, quintessentially, charming.

Oh my! As I was checking the dates, I realized that I actually met him exactly two years ago today! What are the odds love?

http://tracygomez.blogs.friendster.com/metrics_tracker/2005/07/i_have_a_valent.html

NYAHAHA

Funny sh*t.

The album title of George Michael's song, Careless Whisper is... MAKE IT BIG!

Go figure.

Rhea's Birthday is July 5, 1979

Every year, she doesn't fail to remind me that I forgot her birthday and that I did not greet her.

She even claims that I have not once, in the eleven years that we've known each other greeted her.

That is not true!

I managed to greet her on the years that Pam reminded me that it is her birthday.

I don't do it on purpose. I am just real bad with dates.

This year, I did good. I greeted her before her birthday passed. I did so good that I greeted her, a day before her birthday.

We'll see what happens next year.

Lariat

I have always wanted a lariat. Thanks to Kristine, I'm now a very happy owner of one :)

Eating rice and everything nice

I would often change the way I eat. It comes in phases. I'd decide not to eat carbs, then decide not to eat SIMPLE carbs, then decide I'd eat complex carbs and not take any other source of sugar, not even fruits, then I'd decide to binge, then I'd decide to binge once a week, then I would not care and start eating what I want--anytime I want.

I guess I'm lucky that I generally love food that are good for me like vegetables, tofu, lean meat, milk, etc. So I have no worries about not getting enough nutrients.

Most of the time, I get into trouble by eating too much of both the good and the bad. For example, I would eat two servings of salad (with balsamic dressing) and chicken breast for dinner and then eat three scoops of ice cream and half a bag of chips.

I could almost hear Odell saying "Ang lakas mo kumain, as in masmalakas ka kumain kaysa sakin. Buti nga sa kain mo na yan hindi ka mas-malaki pa, eh hindi ka naman na nag-gy-gym" (You eat so much, even more than me. Given your food intake, you are lucky not to be bigger considering that you have stopped going to the gym). Great. Thanks man.

The past three weeks, I have, yet again, decided on a new approach. I would eat whatever I want, but only in moderation. So now, I eat rice every meal. I also started drinking lukewarm water instead of iced water. Another phase has begun.

More than meets the eye...

I remember when I was still in the university, there was a group of kids who had Decepticon stickers stuck on their cars. For some reason I ended up having a sticker myself, someone gave it to me; it was one of those a-friend-of-a-friend-is-into-something-so-come-join-the-fun things.

Of course I didn't stick in on the car I use, I instead stuck it on my planner. (I am a non-comformist that way :p )

It was a conversational piece a number of times, I'm not too sure if that was to my advantage though.

A few months later, I started seeing cars with Autobot stickers.

This was fitting, of course the Autobots had to exist! Otherwise, it is like yin without yan. Or... Larry and Curly without Moe. Right.

Singing Sappy Songs

When you have had four bottles of wine, shared among four friends, you can't help but start singing sappy songs.

You sing...

despite the fact that you are in public,

despite the fact that you can't sing,

despite the fact that you feel so run down from walking 5 kilometers,

despite the fact that your body is aching from standing for hours,

despite the fact that people started staring,

despite the fact that you get some lyrics wrong,

despite the fact that it is closing time, and the crew has turned the lights off on you,

despite this and that,

you sing... you sing, because you are just so damn happy to be in great company.

LESUDS (PEYUPS kunyari para sa Lasalista)

I have never written anything in tagalog. Today, just because I feel like it, I will write in my native language.

Nakaugalian ko lang na dapat malinis parati, maayos parati, (okay, sige aaminin ko na na nung nasa manila pa ako, yung mga pantulog ko sobrang panget talaga, semi-yagit-look, mga lumang t-shirt ng kuya at daddy ko na naluma ko na rin) hindi naman yung parang magsasantacruzan ha, pero kung baga presentable.

Nung Sabado na yun, "prepared" ako, binibiro pa ako ng barkada ko na wala naman daw press dun sa party, bakit ko daw ginagalingan. Hindi naman masyado. Although bago yung pang-taas ko nun, ecru na linen. Simple lang naman ako nun eh, jean with camel jacket, bag and shoes. Tapos sobrang liit ng bag na yun kaya ang laman nalang pera, dalawang kaha na yosi, susi ng bahay tsaka cel. Ang bait bait ni Big Jay, nag volunteer siya na sunduin ako sa bahay, ang laking tuwa ko rin kase ang layo talaga ng party, North, sa Quezon City.

May mga nagsabi sa akin dati na ang mga taga south lang daw ang nagsimula ng north-south thing, dati daw kung taga-saan ka, simpleng ganun lang ang tawag, halimbawa, taga QC, taga Parañaque, taga Greenhills, taga Antipolo, etc. Isang araw daw yung mga taga-south nag-initiate ng North, South, East, West (hindi ko alam kung ano ang meron sa west, roxas blvd? reclamation?) categories, so nagtuloy tuloy na.

So pasok kami sa bar, pinaclose ni Gold para sa birthday party niya. Ang daming sumasayaw, may mga umiinom, ang saya ng lahat. So syempre hinanap ko yung celebrant, bumati, konting small talk, tapos diretcho sa bar. Mestizo ang bar tender, okay, good for him, hindi siya makwekwentohan ng mga problematic na malalasing kase mahihirapan mag-english. Double Kahlua on the rocks, si Jay, beer.

Akyat kami sa second floor.

Nandun na si Rain tsaka si Dionette. May kausap din silang someone na hindi ko kilala, medyo mukang D.I. Lapit kami ni Jay, pinakilala sa amin si Tonton, kwentuhan kami. Si Tonton nakatingin sakin, medyo creepy. Dating si Maris, usapang Accenture na. Si Tonton biglang kinausap ako "Tama! Oo nga! Magka-volleyball tayo sa AVL!", sabi ko "Yup", sabay banat siya ng english "Yeah, that's why you looked so familiar... so... you play a lot?". Eye roll.

Tuloy tuloy lang ang inom, yosi tsaka kwentuhan. Shifting ang mga kausap namin ni Jay, kung sino ang napagod na sumayaw, aakyat, iinom sandali, yosi break, baba, tapos next group na ulit.

Sa kabilang table may lasing na lalaki and babae na nagaalaga, randomly gumigising yung lalaki, sasabihin "Could you please look at my forehead?" minsan naman "Do I have a gash on my forehead?". Iba ibang phrases pero parepareho lang ang idea.

Si Janis dumating, tumabi sa akin, lasing, pulang pula. Uminom daw siya ng Adios Mother F*cker (AMF), adios daw talaga. Aalis na siya bukas, puntang Shanghai, sabi ni Aa "On her way to be a Rich B*tch". Rich B*tch tawag naman sa kanya, oo daw, rich b*tch daw siya.

Maya maya dumating si Jaisa, may ka holding hands na lalaking lasing, pagod sila galing dancing-dancing. Umupo si lalaking lasing sa pagitan namin ni Janis, si Jaisa bumaba ulit sa dance floor. Si Janis napasandal sa katabi namin, hindi na talaga kaya. AMF.

Dumating si TJ, may dalang Faust! Tuloy ang party!

Kinakausap ako ng katabi ko, nagkwekwento tungkol sa mom niya tsaka sa kung ano ano pa. Nag AMF din daw siya. Si Rain hiniram ang camera ko. Bago lang, maliit na maliit. Masmaliit pa sa cellphone, masmaliit pa sa deck of cards, mga kasing laki ng gamot pang asthma. Picture picuture si Rain. Si Janis pinicturan na patulog na. Kami ng katabi ko, na-picturan na parang nagliligawan.

Nilabas ng katabi ko ang cel niya, parang nairita ako kase yung screensaver niya playboy bunny. Sabi ko "Nice logo", sabi niya "It is not my phone". Pahiya ako, pero okay lang, lasing na siya, ako hindi. Hindi niya na alam ano ang flow ng conversation. Hiningi niya ang number ko. Hindi ako nagbibigay ng number sa kakakilala palang. Never. Sabi ko "ummm 0 9 1 7 5 3 3... ask TJ".

Tumayo na siya, balik sa baba, dancing dancing siguro.

Akyat si Jaisa ang Chuch. Malungkot si Jaisa, nalaman niya na may GF na si Tonton. (Hindi ko ma-get kung bakit to begin with, hindi niya alam na may gf na si Tonton eh madalas niya naman kasama sila TJ, ako nga alam ko na may GF si Tonton eh first time ko lang siya ma-meet)

Madaming madaming Faust later, uwi na kami ni Jay, sabay daw si Chuch and Jaisa. Tuloy tuloy and sob story ni Jaisa about Tonton, si Chuch, patiently na kino-console siya. Sabi sa iba nalang daw, madami naman daw single dun sa party.

Nahatid na namin ang dalawa, sabi ko kay Big Jay "O, go, kanina ko pa to hinihintay, patugtog mo na ang favorite please". Binuksan niya ang glove compartment, kinuha ang case logic, naglabas ng recordable cd, pinlay.

"Jealous of the girl who caught your eye, they say it's a perfect match...".

Tawa kami pareho, sabay kanta.

Nag-windows na rin kami, para makapagyosi kami. Kanta parin.

After nung song, sabi ko "Ulit kaya?". Inulit namin.

After nung song, sabi niya "Ulit kaya?". Tawa kami. Inulit namin.

After nung song, sabi niya "I-de-dare mo ba ako? I-repeat lang natin hanggan bahay niyo?".

"Dare"

Pababa nako ng car, "Thank Big Jay ha, text moko pag nakauwi ka na", sabi niya "Dare hanggan bahay ko, i-repeat ko lang".

"Dare"