singing happy songs in the ummm, somewhere

It comes to a creepy kind of level, how much she looks like my sister!

black belter

I finished a dress early this week and while there a nice story behind that, I will reserve it for when I post photos of the dress.

This entry is a child of the would-be entry about the dress.

I thought (and a couple of friends as well) that the dress would also look nice with a belt however, the wrestler belt won't be able to cut it. Since I don't plan on spending on another wrestler-ish belt, I stepped up and made one. I must admit that I got carried away, I even lined the belt with fabric from the dress even if no one can see it when the belt is worn.

A funny tidbit though is that the buttons are those loose ones that come with clothes, to be used as a replacement in case you lose any. If you look closely at the belt, you could make out what two shops the three buttons came from (the origin of the other button is undetectable).

bug the lady

I was rushing so many things at work but every now and then the thought of making patches would get a hold of me. I wanted to do two patches, one of a dragonfly and the other of a ladybug. As the latter is more simple, quickly whipped out one as soon as I got home as a trial patch. I definitely can put more muscle into learning how to do these things properly but I think this is not too ugly for a first try.

just a "Gurl"

I am reading this book loaned to me by another satuday girl, it is about a girl called Gurl (or Georgie) and the boy who could fly (as the title suggests). I have grown very fond of the girl as early as the fourth chapter and I can't quite figure out why ;)

mind the gap

I got this from an email, I think it is written by Pol Medina Jr. as well as it came with the bunch, but I'm not too sure. I don't quite agree with it, but should be funny when brought up during a social gathering wherein someone is clearly (happily) dead-drunk with love. I know, overwriting again.

"Ang pag-ibig parang imburnal...nakakata kot mahulog....at kapag nahulog ka, it's either by accident or talagang tanga ka...."

birth of venus

I was reading the today's Today when I chanced on an article about hype artwork. The text below is a direct quote from the article on The Birth of Venus by Botticelli:

"Our idea of Venus is a naked Angeline Jolie busting our of a cake at our (hypothetical) stag party. It is not, as Sandro Botticelli imaged, some pear-shaped, pasty skinned, slouching blonde lady with a dazed look and a crink in her neck who surfs to shore on a giant clam"

Geez! I immediately looked at the author and was very disappointed as I knew him from high school. What I really want to say to the poor fellow is "PLEASE STOP WRITING ABOUT ART SO YOU COULD AVOID BEING CALLED AN IDIOT. TO KILL TIME, BUY A DIRTY MAGAZINE INSTEAD AS I AM SURE YOU WOULD ENJOY IT IMMENSELY.".

white halter dress

I made this dress from the remains of the hooded dress.

Not much to say about this dress.

End of blog entry.

for the rainy days

I was so pissed when I realized that again, my umbrella was ruined. This was my third umbrella since I got here. It seems that umbrellas from the specific shop do not really last for long, these consistently last for just a little over a year. Added to the fact that I thought I paid more that what should be paid for umbrellas, I really liked the last one that I had. It was plain black, and on one side, the brand was spelled in crystal or maybe plastic studs posing as diamonds.

I decided that I wouldn't buy an umbrella from that store again, I knew I needed to get a new one but I prolonged the purchase until I find a deal agreeable to my terms. I did see one that I fancied from another shop but it was double the cost of the last, and I didn't want to be kicking myself next year in case it breaks again (and I would learn the hard way that a year is in fact the lifespan of folding umbrellas).

I waited and in the meantime, suffered whenever there was rain, as two spokes of my umbrella didn't fully extend anymore.

Today, finally. I found my next umbrella. I am very happy about it (although it could do without the print) and dare I say, I could hardly wait till it rains. It has been a long time coming, but I think it was worth the wait.

It is not only very compact, but also has something extra!

And the ruffles are released...

almost there, hold your horses...

(sigh) finally, in full glory.

who is wearing a hoodie dress?

I sort of feel funny wearing a dress with a hood as I am not part of the Klu Klux Klan, but I had this image in my head when I was toying with the then cloth (now dress), so here it is after two hours of sewing, my hoodie dress. I am quite pleased with how it turned out.

This is my take on a weekend dress best worn when shopping for fabric to create another dress and later glutting oneself with Arnold's chicken and washing it down with orange soda and potentially, some tequila.

I bought three of the four versions of this cloth. The black one, I made into the office dress, the white one (as shown in the photo), I made into a hoodie dress and a haltered dress and the peach into a long top. Pictures of the other dress and long top are still pending.

Post dinner picture taking :)

Waiting for dinner, post almost-three-hour-fabric-shopping marathon (tired and sweaty but very happy)

my blueberry nights

I just saw the movie but I am not going to write about it. I would write however, about that day near Christmas last year, that day that I got some bad news.

I felt my heart jump when it was spelled out for me and there was that feeling again, like there is something caught in your throat and you can't swallow and can't not swallow at the same time. I acted cool and tried my very best to sound cheerful, after all, we were talking about the holidays.

Later, I decided to go out and see a movie. It is weird how I go and watch movies by myself at times when I have something bothering me. That was the intention, watch a movie by myself.

I checked online and found that the cinema was showing My Blueberry Nights and Across the Universe. I t took a while for me to decided what to watch. Eventually, I got a ticket for the latter.

When I got to the cinema, I saw a friend who likes to watch movies by herself too (don't ask me, I don't know if she does it when she wants to think too), she said she just saw a movie and wanted to see another one.

I really didn't mind having her company as she is one of my favorite persons whom I rarely get to hang out with. Needless to say, we ended up watching together and having early dinner.

By the time I got home, I was still deeply saddened however, the shock of the news had worn off. It helped to that I saw a good friend, although I never mentioned anything about the news that I had, her presence had somehow given me comfort (it could be the spicy chicken in the cinema though).

I remember that day as if it happened yesterday, and I can't quite figure out why. Even now, I can still somewhat feel how I did that day.

I did keep a mental note to see My Blueberry Nights.

And then, today happened.

push the button

I have this thing about pushing the button when taking bus rides. Each time the bus moves one meter from the bus stop before my stop, I would immediately free one hand, bend, stretch, reach out, mutter 'excuse me' and press the button. I know this situation should really something to be done with much urgency, but I do it each time. I don't consider it a quick. It's just my thing.

Today as I pressed on the button, the person in front of me pressed too. She pressed over my finger pressing the button! I look at her and she kept on pressing! The 'bus stopping' has lit up but she continued pressing. This made me wonder, is this her thing?

Avenue Q

I am very excited to watch Avenue Q. My friends from Manila had been going on and on about it and it is very convenient that finally, they are staging the play here.

Added to my excitement of course is the pact (I think this word is not quite the right one to use) with a friend to wear something we made ourselves. No worries, we are not talking about paper mache projects here.

Four years ago, who would have thought that I'd think this (sewing stuff) cool. Everyday, I get closer to becoming an auntie.

office dress

I am really not too happy about the pictures, I guess I am a seamstress, not a photographer. Anyways, I just got this dress washed and ironed so I am ready to wear another project to work tomorrow.

to - may - toe, toh - mah - toh

I have always wanted one of these. I was so happy to finally get one, it even has a chili with it :)

(not so) salty plum

The office doctor usually scolds me when he sees how I eat, he even refers to me as a "growing girl". Needless to say, you can just imagine how his eyes gets big whenever he sees how much salty plum (the more salty variant) I consume.

As I finished another pack yesterday, I went downstairs to replenish my supply. When I took one salty plum and popped it into my mouth, I almost gasped as it was less salty than the usual. Bummer.

Hmmmm, maybe the doctor did something to my favorite store's stash!

i KNOW that this ain't a book!

They say that like people, when it comes to gifts, it is what is inside that matters (I could also quote Melanie Marquez about not judging because not everything--or everyone are books). That is granted of course, but really, it wouldn't hurt if presents came in nice cases sewn by very, very thoughtful friends (like me, for example).

I hope Cindy not only liked what was inside, but also what it came in.

I won't be posting a photo of what was inside though, sorry boys.

blue santan top

This is the latest thing that I made. It started off as a dress and well, you know how the story ends.Please forgive the lack of a more appropriate name, I thought that the print looked like santan flowers, so I shall forever refer to this as the blue santan top.

Looking at the photos makes me imagine my brother saying "Are you going out wearing that? The left strap of your top is falling off!", then he'd laugh.

goodbye to you

This is not about that song, so don't start cursing.

The first stretchy dress is now in somebody else's closet (in the photo, it is on the new master's body). As parting is always such sweet sorrow, I can't help but feel a small pinch in my heart, but I know that the new master would take care of it.

Of course it helped that I threatened her that bad things would happen to her if she decides to throw this one away as I lovingly arranged, pinned and sew over very single pleat on the dress.

(a closer look at the) first stretchy dress

I'm trying it (the stretchy dress as featured in http://singingsappysongsintheshower.blogspot.com/2008/10/first-stretchy-dress.html) on for the last time, as it will be going to a new home today.

synchronized

Cindy was talking about getting herself a new camera for her birthday, but each time she thinks of giving up the camera she is using now, she realizes that she can't quite let go.

After stating the facts, she looks up and we stare at each other. On cue, we sang "But I'm not giving in this time...".

What is happening?

You're my shooting star (or red comet, whatever)

I was singing this morning, from the shower till I was fixing up, till I got out of the house, till I pressed the lift button, I was singing the same song.

It is Michelle Branch's Goodbye to You (Michelle looks, by the way like Ara Mina. Feel free to google if you don't know her).

And just when I was singing the bridge, something happened.

"I want you, but I'm not giving in this tiiiiiiiiime..."

The lift opened. Inside were two tall chinese brothers smiling at me. I smile sheepishly and went in. I then continued humming the song. There was no way I will let them think that it was darn embarrassing.

inert element

I had a dream that I was being Punk'd. No, it was not by Ashton. I guess I should have said ala Punk'd instead. It was a bunch of people I know, not really close friends, like I said, people that I know. I won't go into much detail except that it involved crying, shouting and monologues. True to my waking self, my dream self just watched and gave no words, no reaction, not even acknowledgment.

I could almost hear my Mom saying "Are you hearing this? Say something, say anything. Geez. Make a sound. Fine. Arch an eyebrow. No?". Seriously, one would think that I just came out of a coma.

massacre

Dinner started innocently enough, cream of corn soup, afritada, rice and some Shiraz. Halfway through, my brother had one of his bright ideas. Spanish sardines and taba ng talangka with calamansi were brought out from the kitchen.

Imagine.

As I imagine my food intake, one word comes to mind.

You guessed right.

Massacre.

Nice work.

shut up

FACT ONE

Some surveys and research results show that most people rather die instead of talking in front of a live audience.

FACT TWO

Fear of public speaking has negative effects on careers and influences success in life negatively when you do nothing about it.

FACT THREE
Three out of every four individuals suffer from speech anxiety: that's 75 percent.

FACT FOUR
Up to 5 percent of the world population, yes, hundreds of millions aged between 18 and 54, experience this kind of social phobia in any given year.

FACT FIVE
Women and men are equally affected. Although there are fear of public speaking statistics that present figures in which more women suffer from speech anxiety related problems.

FACT SIX
More men than women seek treatment to cure fear of public speaking. Some public speakers have turned to beta-blockers or hypnosis therapy to find relief. But I prefer easy online self-help materials, like Instant Speaking Succes, one of the best selling self-growth books.

FACT SEVEN
Social phobias often start with shyness in childhood or early adolescence, and progresses during adolescence, according to scientific studies of fear of public speaking statistics.

Read more in http://www.speech-topics-help.com/fear-of-public-speaking-statistics.html

I think there is too much information I put in here--this is not overwriting in my part because I did not actually write these up, I just copied and pasted (and condensed) . So what am I thinking? Irony. It seems like a lot of people are having trouble speaking up, while on the other hand, there is ME. I am having a hard time NOT speaking up when I have something in my mind. It is not the easiest thing to do, shutting up. There are so many things to say, but I am shutting up, so that I could listen some more.

(in)ability

What about knowing just the right thing to say or comment to give but not having the ability to express them in any way? Does that count?

absent minded monday

After reading the title of the entry, I am pretty sure that all you geniuses out there have figured out what this is about.

Without much ado, here it goes....

I went to work without my laptop.

How is that for starting the week right?

Good morning. How is your Monday morning?

wrestler's belt

In December 2006, I got myself a certain patent belt. Not really something I would usually wear, but I thought that it was flattering and went with a few clothes that I already had. I guess that justified the purchase for me.

Coming home for New Years, I brought it home with me.

HE was first to beg me not to wear it, HE said that it reminded him of WrestleMania. HE even went as far as holding it up his head and running around their house pretending that he just won a match. We had a good laugh that night.

Weeks passed and I found that I didn't wear the belt anymore. I guess the novelty wore off. From then on, it remained in the drawer untouched.

The joke lived on though. It was never forgotten.

-----------------------------------------------

After sewing a top today, I suddenly thought of the belt and how it would look great with my latest project. I tried it on, and true enough, the combination worked.

I honestly didn't think I would wear that belt again.

what is one saturday?

I few months back I was talking to a friend about Saturdays. There was an active exchange, and then...

F: What are you thinking?
T: I think you are over thinking. It is one Saturday. How big of a deal could it be?
F: Well... You know what? Five years ago, you went to a party one Saturday, and it changed your life forever.

curry in my tummy = kfc for tracy

As if my Friday was not eventful enough, I had to eat one of my favorites within the vicinity of my office, chicken curry.

I got two bowls to go and met Tinky, who brought rice and Coke Lights. We shared our table with two very, very, very senior gentlemen and were reminded that it would be nice if we still had lunches when we are already very, very, very senior. Think Golden Girls. And yes, even if we wouldn't be having roast pork. If you know Tinky, you probably have guessed that later, she said that it actually seemed as if we were in a double date with the gentlemen.

As I was just getting back to where I was when I woke up (pre-reading, post-struggling to wake up), I found out that my tummy was having roller coaster emotions too. I had to go home early.

No gory details necessary.

Of course, I have to add that dinner plans with my family was affected. We ended up to having a bucket of KFC and a few cups of mashed potato instead of going out. If you ask me, that's not a bad way to spend Friday night. Not at all.

sun and stars

While it is tough not being there for someone because you can't; It doesn't come close to how tough it is not being there for someone when you can.

vicky cristina barcelona

It is odd how you would find yourself somehow sympathizing with most of the characters. I suggest watching the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Who knows? Maybe you might even relate in a certain non-twisted way.

great minds

I always fantasized about a book, it might not be the book you had in mind, but a book nonetheless--by two people in love.

not another friday

A friend mentioned a certain blog. And I just finished reading all the entries. Five weeks worth. I feel weak. But happy.

I always believed that the writer would be one of my favorites. And I did never failed to enthusiastically talk--blab about it. The blog is an unknown wish granted. I'm blessed.

It is beautiful (and tragic) to look at a set of seemingly meaningless words and recognize what is being said.

It is funny how I feel like I am dressed for the occasion. I'm wearing a black dress, it is like I'm going to a funeral--or, a gala.

I am overwhelmed by emotions that I could not tell which one feeling dominates all.

what happens in Bali (stays in Obet's HD)

Strange things happen in Bali. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

1. alleged mean girls return to innocence
2. submissive girlfriends demand to be carried
3. nice guys turn cranky
4. tom yam is treated like a local delicacy
5. boys touch paintings
6. runners play/dance/stuff with bottles
7. snotty girls assist the needy
8. honor students forget that tissue absorbs water
9. essay writing champions attempt to unclog sinks
10. tim tams are popped into mouths like peanuts
11. sun quick concentrate is mixed 1:10 with vodka
12. super heroes hit trees
13. ginger roosters are deadly weapons
14. cigarettes ask for luck
15. softdrink cans grow tall and skinny
16. strange men puke near showers in use
17. lovers stay lovers
    
18. dancers stay dancers
19. she remains a lover, not a dancer
20. friends stop to enjoy the sunset

i'll get down on my knees for you, thank you!

why not Hayden Christensen instead?

As I was listening to a play list of Bon Jovi and trying to decide if a certain number is still my favorite among their songs, I remembered that I always thought that when the time comes that a movie about the band is made, Heath Ledger would most definitely play the part of Jon Bon Jovi.

Bummer.

accountaBALIbuddies

photo by cindy molina

Returning from a fun trip always sucks.

I remember not only being scared for my life (as we were booked by the travel agent with Garuda Airlines) with every turbulence, but also feeling melancholy during the flight back from Bali. There was this familiar end of day vibe again. Something I never quite get used to.

Now that I am lying on my bed, I can't help but smile to myself in remembrance of our latest getaway that might as well be the Bali trip for me.

Just so that we are clear, there is no talk of greatest love here, just the happiest time spent in Bali.

first stretchy dress

I know, not much visuals here. But as this is the only photo I have of the dress, it should suffice. This is, as the blog entry's title suggests, the first stretchy dress that I made. It also allowed me to experiment with gathering for the first time.

If I remember correctly, I think this could well be my first creation that I wore.

mad scientists

This is where the regulars spent the holiday.

We had a fun-filled educational tour.
We even met a Bubologist!
(REMINDER: Kids, nerds are cool!)
Someday, I want to be a mad (minus the pompom hair) scientist.Cindy and I even got new jobs.
(Next time I hope we get to role play something more exciting than a receptionist)

Can you make out the crazy animals from their shadows?

Floating Head.
Nope. I don't think this what people mean when they say "oh XXXXXX lost her head!"
No words.
Just smiles and tears. (I remember crying over one episode!)
Okay. Some words.

Tingky, Tatat, Dello and...Dino. Hahaha.

(all photos from Tingky and OBBO)

bubble bursters

editing

I spent the afternoon with the regulars. As usual it was filled with chatter, jokes and jabs. The size of my pants was not missed, it was hinted on by the boy then later expounded on by the bald guy. No surprise there.

It was an afternoon like all afternoons we spent hanging out. Except it wasn't.

When pressing the rubber top of the well-like structure that is the Smoke Ring Maker, the other saturday girl pointed out (and she was, let me tell you, stating the obvious that seemed not too obvious as we all continually pressed on) that there were no smoke rings coming out.

There was smoke, yes.

But no rings.

The boy suddenly says "HE can do that". Or something like "HE does that all the time".

I think this was the first time HE has been mentioned since, well, THAT DAY.

We all look at him.

Later on, while waiting for a cab, I remembered something that HE said a while back. Something funny and related to the topic of conversation. I didn't say anything. Everyone would end up looking at me.