10 Things I Hate About Posh

1. 1. She always has a stash of candy on her desk, ready for the taking.

2. She has a kick-ass camera that she always shared unselfishly. (I even refer to it as MY camera)

3. She always lends me DVDs.

4. She would send a SMS to ask if I want anything for miryenda.

5. She is the best roomate one could have in KL (perhaps anywhere) as she insists that you use the bathroom first. (Yey! Dry tiles!)

6. She would make a photo show of your outing and insist that it is "nothing".

7. She laughs at my lame jokes.

8. She would buy you ninja stars when she goes to Japan because she knows you like them so much.

9. She would give you her external hard drive cord if yours gets broken.

10. She listens and honestly tells you when your jeans get too tight.

I am going to miss seeing Posh everyday.

I Try Surfing by BhobG

NOTE: I read this blog entry a few months ago and enjoyed it immensely. I don't know Bhob personally, nor have I seen him but I've heard very nice things about him from Migs and Gold.

I went surfing last weekend. Correction. I tried to surf last weekend. The venue was the San Juan Beach Resort in San Juan, La Union, just north of San Fernando. My instructor was a reed-thin lad by the name of Exon. He demonstrated, with the board on the sand, the proper technique for standing up on the board just as it rides on the wave. You push up with both hands, slide the left foot over with the toe on the middle of the board, then spring forward with the other foot, without using your knees, to land on the middle of the board with the foot perpendicular to the board.

Sounds easy huh? Not so, and here are my two reasons.

1. You start out in a horizontal position. That is a problem in itself. When I find myself in a horizontal position I usually like to stay that way. Only food or the promise of interacting with cute girls inspires me to go vertical.

2. From lying face down you need to stand up without the use of your knees. This is hard enough to do from a floor. This is hard enough to do from a bed. This is hard enough to do at gunpoint.

And yet surfing requires you to do it on a slick fiberglass board, perched on a three-foot high wave, with Exon shouting at you and people watching on the shore cringing at the sight. Oh, and you have about a two-second window to do it before the wave swallows you up. Standing up from a face-down position sans knees is like trying to sit without your butt, dance minus the feet, or eat a cheeseburger with something other than your mouth. It's just not going to happen, not with my beached-whale physique. I tried to get on the board five times. My best result was to kneel pathetically on it for three seconds. Don't even ask how the other four went.

I gave up and retreated to the beach to behold JL, one of the guys in our group, repeatedly stay on the board for 5 to 7 seconds a time. JL weighs 108 pounds. JL is taller than my 5'5". JL has abs. JL has abs that have their own abs. JL's waistline is 26. 26 is not a number I usually associate with waistlines. JL has a body fat percentage that is slightly south of my shoe size. It really does help to be thin in this game. Exon is also skinny and he put on a show after the class. He floated on to the board effortlessly and then walked forwards and backwards on the board while it was on the wave. Sick!

But the best show was a short, dusky compact bloke I saw who trotted out onto the sea with his board and repeatedly rode the waves with ease. Not bad for a guy with one leg. I'm serious! He had one leg! The other leg was a stump above the knee! Ok he sort of rested the stump on the board but still! Double sick! I'm glad I tried to surf. It was a swell experience. And I'm sure I'll be doing it again.

With a mouse and a keyboard.

Hung Over

I woke up real thirsty, my tongue feeling like sandpaper and my stomach hyper-acidic. I felt like I was back on Sunday mornings during my teen years. I can't rember the last time I was hung over.

Last night started innocently enough, we got together in our friend's flat. I cooked pasta, Cindy handled the bratwurst, Odell did some garlic chopping and Jops served us with cool drinks while eating popcorn. Dinner followed then we watched home movies while munching on junk.

Vodka and poker were our next activities. I was also delegated with the role of drink mixer and 4th place winner/3rd place loser.

Somebody started playing really cheesy songs (I can't believe someone would have that many heartbreak songs in his Ipod) so we played a game of Name-That-Tune. Kris was the Game Master. Odell was, a natural. He knew all the songs! Cindy kicked ass too! Reggie managed to name I Will Survive first. Jops, well... at least he could play the piano. Team Tracy-Odell-Reggie won against Team Cindy-Jops-Janice.

Some singing, a lot of laughs and a bottle and a half of vodka later, someone turned off the lights and brought out flashlights. The living room was transformed into a dancefloor. I assigned myself to play the role of the house dj.

When they got tired of dancing, the lights were switched back on and again, it was time to mix another batch of drinks. More smoking and sound tripping followed. At this point I was already tired and ready to leave, but someone suggested that we finish the second bottle and then we could all leave together at the same time. Leaving happened a few minutes short of 5AM, just like when we were teenagers.

Ten Years? Already?

This day in 1979, UK's #1 song according to MTV was If You Think I'm Sexy by Rod Stewart. No surprise there. Actually, no reaction there, as I was not even born then.

This day in 1997, UK's #1 song according to MTV was Don't Speak by No Doubt. Oh my! I can't believe it had been ten years! I even remember the first time I saw the music video (Gwen: blonde hair, red lipstick, blue dress), I commented that the lead singer looked like Madonna, or at least one of the faces of Madonna.

Slurpee Incident

I was walking along Orchard Road, near Takashimaya early this afternoon and felt like I was about to faint because of the heat, as there was no Gatorade or any other drink that had electrolytes (there was, to my dismay no salt in 7-eleven!) I decided to get myself a Slurpee.

After paying and getting my small cup, I head to the service station. There were two options, the Wild Cherry and something something Apple, I decided I wanted the Wild Cherry. As I turned the handle, non-frosted Slurpee started spraying everywhere! I turned the handle back to stop the Slurpee release, but I was not able to save both my hands and fore-arms from getting wet. I momentarily froze. And not because the liquid was cold, but because I was deciding what to do. I didn't want to reach into my bag to retrieve my wet ones because my hands were really sticky, and took a hint of red.

A kind-enough employee gave me some paper towels and a new cup. This time I entrusted the task of filling my cup with slurpee to the expert. She gave me the apple flavor Slurpee.

At this point, I have totally forgotten about my "dehydration", a more urgent situation was up, dirty, sticky, reddish hands. I decided be a momentary slob and enjoy my drink. I would wash my hands when I'm done.

I realized that at 26, I am no better filling up my cup than when I was 8. With this being said, I pray that 7-eleven would decide to allocate a friendly staff to assist children and special people like me fill-up their paper cups.

Would Taufik be able to help me out on this one?

Little Children

I am reading this book Little Children by Tom Perrotta. As I have not read any of his books, I was not too sure about what to expect.

The book is about a number of parents who have little children and who for some reason are restless and seem to be going through adolescence all over again. Not my usual read but since I am generally open minded especially about books and it was, after all selling for only $5, I grabbed it. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there were some interesting insights that reminded me of specific moments from my teenage years. Here is one line that really cracked me up. The story behind it is that the character Sarah, wanting to get the attention of a beautiful man she kissed at the park one day, bought a red bikini online and heads for the local pool, where the "Prom King" as the moms-in-the-playground dubbed him spent most afternoons with his three-year-old.

"The thing was to wear a bathing suit and look good in it, to somehow make yourself worthy of the scenario you were volunteering for."

Say Goodbye

Since it's Valentines Day, I thought I'd do something different and post a love song.

Here is one song that I absolutely like. It is sung by Dave Matthews Band, I have three versions of it in my mp3 player and I find myself constantly looking for the tracks--even when I hit the gym!

A few years ago, I remember watching a late night talk show in the Philippines, Martin After Dark (M.A.D.) wherein singers Barbie Almabis and Aiza Seguera, then rumored to be lesbian lovers were featured guests. They were doing a few sets (acoustic) and they sang this particular song. Up to that point, I have never heard anyone cover this song.

Aiza is now supposed to be with someone else, of the same sex. Barbie, according to my friend is currently pregnant and expecting to give birth in a few months (uhhh well, yeah that's the idea, get pregnant and give birth after approximately 9 months).

Without further ado, here goes Say Goodbye.

So here we are tonight
You and me together
The storm outside, the fire is bright
And in your eyes I see
What's on my mind
You've got me wild
Turned around inside
And then desire, see, is creeping
Up heavy inside here
And know you feel the same way
I do now
Now let's make this an evening
Lovers for a night, lovers for tonight
Stay here with me, love, tonight
Just for an evening
When we make
Our passion pictures
You and me twist up
Secret creatures
And we'll stay here
Tomorrow go back to being friends
Go back to being friends
But tonight let's be lovers,
We kiss and sweat
We'll turn this better thing
To the best
Of all we can offer, Just a rogue kiss
Tangled tongues and lips,
See me this way
I'm turning and turning for you
Girl just tonight
Float away here with me
An evening just wait and see
But tomorrow go back to your man
I'm back to my world
And we're back to being friends
Wait and see me,
Tonight let's do this thing
All we are is wasting hours until the sun comes up it's all ours
On our way here
Tomorrow go back to being friends
Go back to being friends
Tonight let's be lovers, say you will
And hear me call, soft-spoken whispering love
A thing or two I have to say here
Tonight let's go all the way then
Love I'll see you,
Just for this evening
Let's strip down, trip out at this
One evening starts with a kiss
Run away
And tomorrow
back to being friends
Lovers...love...lovers
Just for tonight, one night...love you
And tomorrow say goodbye

Whizkid

I am stuck at home watching tv instead of running because of my 4-inch-heels that I was wearing whole day and pretty much most of the night yesterday. No further explanation necessary.

Incidently, I got to watch the transformation of this class nerd to a B-boy. I was not aware what that meant, but it was later cleared that it was a slang for Break Dance Boy. I might be getting old as I no longer know of BASIC slang.

I pretty much enjoyed the whole segment, the best part was when the announcer was introducing the contestants, Jason Yu's nicname was, Whizkid, he even had a giant belt buckle that said so! He did seem more confident after the whole thing, he by the way, won second place in The Ultimate B-Boy Contest, but I must say that me looked so much better before his makeover--with hair that is only one color.

Sorry if I am all alone in this, but unless it is the salt-and-pepper brought about by old age, men should have a headfull of hair that is only one color--their natural hair color.

French Charmy

I heard the cutest thing from a three-year-old today.

Reine: Mama (is) Cinderella... Papa (is) French Charmy

Music and Lyrics

Here is a movie with a formula plot. I am so excited to see it! Hahaha. Since I first chanced upon the trailer I had been giddy with the thought of watching it. I super love Hugh Grant movies. I am using the word "super" like an infatuated school girl.

I remember a part of the trailer, Drew says something about Hugh being sensitive especially for someone who wears such tight pants and he says "It forces all the blood to my heart". Tell me, how can you not fall in love with him?

(from //cbs4.com/entertainment/local_story_032153205.html)

Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) is a washed-up '80s pop star who's been reduced to working the nostalgia circuit at county fairs and amusement parks. The charismatic and talented musician gets a chance at a comeback when reigning diva Cora Corman invites him to write and record a duet with her, but there's a problem--Alex hasn't written a song in years, he's never written lyrics, and he has to come up with a hit in a matter of days.Enter Sophie Fisher, (Drew Barrymore) Alex's beguilingly quirky plant lady, whose flair for words strikes a chord with the struggling songwriter. On the rebound from a bad relationship, Sophie is reluctant to collaborate with anyone, especially commitment-phobe Alex. As their chemistry heats up at the piano and under it, Alex and Sophie will have to face their fears--and the music--if they want to find the love and success they both deserve.

Toni & GuyTattler

The real happening places on Saturday mid-afternoons are the hair salons! They offer shampoos, haircuts, blow-drys, bottomless drinks, amusing characters and useless information.

I was seated beside a woman who was having a professional photographer do her house, hence the haircut. I didn't get that one too. Oh, and she has a 56 year girlfriend who just met her soulmate who was 18 years her junior.

Beside her, was a 8 or maybe 10 year old boy with a 3-inch-blonde-afro being cut by a martial-artist-looking-stylist wearing a beautiful watch that I can't afford. It was a watch my boss could not afford. I am quite positive, my boss' boss couldn't afford it either.

The woman beside me left, a 40-something man took her seat. He was alternately sipping Coke Light and looking at his nails. It was only when his stylist came that he started talking, saying over and over "uh-huh", "yes", "yes, yes", "that's great", "it has been too long...couple of months", "oh yeah", "that's good" that he started to worry me, he sounded like a PG movie and clearly, little-3-inch-afro-boy is below 18.

My stylist, Daniel whom I am meeting for the first time (I was too lazy to go to Holland Village where Mae is) was a real sweetheart, he was polite, with all the right words such as "okay", "yes", "sure", "excuse me", "thank you", "can I make a suggestion?", "are you alright?", he also did not say too much which was just perfect. He was very meticulous in cutting which was great, that I was willing to overlook the fact that he was not quite a mathematician as he tallied a total of 25 hours on a 9AM - 3AM shift. He was struggling to get the algebra right, saying it was not 25 but in fact 23. My heart went out to him so I said "Oh who knows how long that really is, I'm pretty sure it felt like 25 hours". He by the way, looks like my friend Eddy, I was so tempted to talk to him in bahasa, not that I knew how to speak the language.

After my haircut a very enthusiastic blow-dryer whose name I didn't catch (as unlike the stylists, they did not have cards did) her thing on my hair, and she is realy good! She gave me big, big hair! Jenny McCarthy would be proud. I should definitely go out tonight--to a costume party! With my knee-high boots I could go as Felicity Shagwell, the girl shagged by the spy Austin Powers. And I don't even trust myself to be alone with a roller brush.

As I was paying I saw the little boy stand up and walk to the counter, with a new do, a 2-inch-afro.

How I Chose My Laptop (almost two years ago)

Of course I picked the one where Takeshi was wearing white!

Escalator Steps and Giant Leaps

I had dinner with a friend tonight and I was very much amused about my little discovery.

She has absolutely no problem packing her bags and moving to another country with no assurance of anything whatsoever (job, accommodation, what have we) , BUT she has some difficulty catching the first available step on an escalator.

Four escalators later, I concluded that she, on the average is only able to ride the third available slot.

And for what it's worth, I think that maybe she could manage the second, on a good day.

Something to remind someone of her once SOMEBODY

Yup, it is--was complicated....