sapphire

I took a recent trip to the beach. For me, each beach trip usually means something. Nothing too dramatic--well, there would be exceptions. But I find, that for every beach trip (or trip for that matter), there never fails to be something that stands out to me, whether I visiting for the first time of 10th time.This time, I just can't stop beaming when I remember the water. WaterS. Some places it is sapphire, some places it is aquamarine, like a pool, at certain spots it is quite green like a pale emerald. I know I am quoting stones here, but those are the exact colours!

Seriously.I somehow feel like prick posting water swatches, and and incomplete set at that too. While there are more photos that feature the other colors, or at least the view that came with the water, I thought I'd post just these for emphasis.

Okay, maybe I'll post one photo to put the water colours in context ;)The change in color is not always this dramatic though. It usually changers per spot rather than this way in a seemingly dip dye pattern even.

I remember saying at one point, and this was before I had drank anything! I said Is it only me, but does the sun's reflection on the water also looks like thousands of diamonds to you?

The answer that I got was Something like that--said the one who had had two beers.

I think I like in sapphire best--in this location at least. Not because it is incidentally the name of my best high school year section, but because it seems most inviting.

When I look at the thumbnail view of my album, I can't help but think, this is so blue!

I love the next photo. I was surprised that it looked as blue as it did in real life. As if it is the place where the blue men lived.I thought this was a perfect end of day (three) photo.

Philip Roth

I had randomly picked one of Roth's when I was combing through the books that a certain library was selling a few months back. It was not until two weeks ago that I had started to reading it.

Wow. His main character, Mickey sure has character!

I am a few pages short of finishing Sabbath's Theater. If I get one word to describe it, that would be...piercing. It has that quality that affects your mood (perhaps even YOU) when you read.

I can't help but view this particular book as a satire.

It is the ordinary that escapes us.

I was surprised when I found out that a moving movie that I once saw Elegy was a translation of his book The Dying Animal.

I'd definitely keep Roth in mind the next time I go book shopping.

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Can I just say that this book is quite dirty and there is that piece towards the end that still makes me cringe. That being said, I don't recommend it to everyone.

I think the thing about Roth's style, based on this one book is that he allows you to get close to such an extreme character that you can taste the filth. It is not easy to take in, but it draws you in. You find yourself curious. I won't go as far as saying guilty, but maybe indulgent, if you like.

not sick but tired

I just got back from a trip, going on a trip tonight and booked another in January.

The past three months had been horribly hectic and I anticipate that after I get back next week from holiday, it would once again be busy till halfway through December.

Luckily it wasn't / isn't always because of work. Sometimes though, whether you are out spending time with friends or having marathon teleconferences during off hours, it really takes toll on your health. Admittedly, my body's ability to recuperate is no longer as good as when I was a teenager.

I feel tired.

While the formula eat healthy and exercise regularly for more energy is THE answer. I thought I'd start by scrutinising my habits.

I did some self assessment to define what my poison is.

It doesn't seem like I have any addiction. While I do have vices, there isn't one that hinders me from doing my daily functions, control my actions, dictates my schedule or activities or could not stand not having for weeks. Or months.

With that out of the way, it seems like there is no major obstacle trying to take better care of my body. And mind.

Here are a few things I'd like to do:

1. Eat breakfast regularly. Properly. No eating a granola bar while walking to the bus stop. Breakfast should be taken sitting down. With a place mat :)

2. Limit soda intake. I had always (as in dating dati pa RN!) loved how Diet Coke tasted, so while there were some adjustment when it was phased out to be replaced by Coke Light, I had somewhat grown to love the new counterpart's taste as much as the first edition. I don't mind Coke Zero too. I somehow justify my unreasonable intake to the fact that these are zero calorie drinks and thus, is okay. I know it is still better to drink water. Or fresh fruit juice.

3. Salt / Seasoning. OMG! This may be my poison! I could hardly eat out or at home without dipping sauce (steak excluded). I also like requesting for "extra" sauce. I'm not sure I can give this up completely. At least not today. I'd start by cutting down :)

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Oh, I once jokingly accused a friend of not putting the entire pack of seasoning into the instant mee goreng because it was for me, tasteless.

eat, pray, love

I imagined the movie to be horrible, only because I don't seem to hear anyone say it was pretty good, considering I have a lot of movie buff (rochness counted) friends.

For me it was just okay. Something you could watch in HBO if shown--and you have nothing else to do. Or to keep as background as you are polishing your shoes or sewing loose buttons.

While I had learned a long time ago not to compare books with movies (plus I didn't read the eat, pray, love book), I don't think a lot of people do the same. In effect, they don't really have a fair take on the movie. In most cases, the books are better than the movies. I can only name a few that don't follow this trend.

Lord of the Rings Trilogy <--- movie wins
Red Dragon <--- tie!
The Notebook <--- movie wins (but I'm biased because I don't really like romance novels)

Going back to eat, pray, love, I think what seems to be missing from the movie was inspiration. Somehow when the lights turned on, I felt exactly the same what I did before I watched. Maybe slightly more sleepy. I feel neutral about it, which is about the worst thing anyone can say about a movie. Well, it got a blog entry out of me--though a bland one, so maybe it doesn't really count.

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On a side note, I can't wait to watch The Song of Fire and Ice's first book The Game of Thrones Series (10 episodes) produced by HBO.

sinking feeling

I hate to admit that somehow I had let myself go...plump. I guess, I was resigned given the fact that there are no skinny women in my family.

I'd say to myself I'd compensate with a pretty smile--floss daily, brush regularly. Those are much easier than eating right and exercising.

Maybe, I am secretly hoping for a miracle formula. Nope, no pills please. I was maybe hoping that the South Beach, Atkins or Grapefruit diet will work and then I don't have to think of my hips anymore. While these diets work, they are for me, unsustainable.

I love carbs! What can I do? Although I am not a big rice eater, I love bread and pasta :)

I also don't enjoy talking about dieting--because it makes me feel like an idiot. Only because I know what should be done, but somehow look the other way for other options.

I'd always say, it is only complicated if you don't want to do what you have to, usually in a romantic relationship context though. Never this way.

I wish I could end this blog entry with a TODAY IS THE DAY EVERYTHING CHANGES....

But I can't. Because I'm not sure.

miss my sister

My seemingly kontrabida but actually the most-supportive-sister-one-could-have ate came to visit this weekend. I miss her already :(