Happy Birthday to me

Warning: There is no point to this birthday post. Just random thoughts put together.

On the year I was born, the well known First Quarter Storm happened in the gates of Malacanang, where Marcos was then President; 50,000 students and laborers stormed the palace and were met with gunfire and tear gas grenades. That year, the Constitutional Convention of 1970 was called to change the existing Philippine Constitution which was made during the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

It was also the year when they held the largest rock festival of all time, The Isle of Wight Festival, that took place with 600,000 people attending; where Jimi Hendrix, The Who, the Doors and Chicago performed. Later that same year Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin died. It was the year when Simon and Garfunkel released their final album, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “The Long and Winding Road” became the last No. 1 song of the Beatles.

My mother’s mother also died that year. I didn’t get to meet her but I was the three month bump under my mother’s dress in the old pictures. While all of the above was happening, I wasn’t really born yet. I arrived on the last month of that year, just when everybody else was looking back at the year that was. I was born just as my new year was about to end.

I was born in the year of chaos. I don’t think that has anything to do with my personality – although it would certainly explain a lot; I do think it played some part on how I grew up or how I was brought up. Not much has changed. It is still a chaotic world. I wonder if this world has ever known peace?

The most troublesome habit formed about being born on the year that ends in zero, I tend to count my present age according to that year. Like 2009 – I will turn 39 – only to remember that I don’t turn 39 until the year ends. And I pretty much think I’m 39 the whole year instead of thinking 38 because it was 2009. Get it? Nevermind.

I turn 39 today. I’m supposed to self-destruct at the age of 38 so while writing this I’m half expecting something to happen to me, which is unlikely, but who knows. I’ve always thought my 13 year old self was quite wise for thinking of self-destruction 25 years into her future. But if that’s not going to happen, well, onward I go.

I started the above montage four years ago. I wanted to document how I age. It was quite difficult to put together because my age and the years the pics were taken jumbles up the chronology. Anyway, a friend told me that I seem to have lots to smile about all through out my life. I agree. So despite the chaos, there is … a lot of sense of humor in there LOL. How else could I have survived all these years? So cheers to all the funny people I’ve met in my life – I thank you for your wit, your craziness and your perfect timing on the punchline.

To my God who knows me better than I know myself, thank you for another year. Again, I am overwhelmingly grateful for my weird family, my ever-lasting friendships, my wise mentors, for love in all the wrong places – LOL! ... Bansai! For Peace!

Below is The Doonesbury cartoon posted December 22, 1970 in the New York times. Pretty much sums up my philosophies in life haha!

Movement ...

Watched Avatar yesterday and regretted not watching it on 3D. Lovely special effects, creative character animation and exciting action. I also love the direction, how the cameras twist is angles that are - well, I don't know - just right? Haha. Anyway, it's a must see.

On a more serious note, I marvel at how stupid we decide on things especially the environment. We know so little about the world that we sometimes think we've seen it all. I know how ignorant and passive I can be. And I've been very good at making bad decisions in the past. But we learn. And I hope we will never be smart enough to stop learning. I think it's exciting - learning. There is so much to discover, so many new things to see. Ok, I'm going to stop now. I'm just saying ...

On the lighter side of life, I've been dancing again since Thursday. Remember my last post? :) We are the change we want to see in the world. Ask and the world will conspire to make your dreams come true. I know I keep repeating that but I honestly believe those words. They work. It's all about attitude. If you want it, make it happen. And it's happening - in a small scale - but it is just the beginning. The sudden changes in temperature is bringing out the worst of my asthma, but allow me to wiggle my booty and I will forget that I can't breathe. Haha. I just love that I can be able to move again. Don't feel that young anymore though. I have a couple of white hairs to prove it. When did I get so old? LOL. Still, age is mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't really matter.

Flash Mob

From wikipedia: A flash mob (or flashmob) is a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action for a brief time, then quickly disperse. The term flash mob is generally applied only to gatherings organized via telecommunications, social media, or viral emails. The term is generally not applied to events organized by public relations firms or as publicity stunts.

Saw my first flash mob dance while watching an episode of Weeds. Love it so much, I almost broke into tears - hahaha. Then my sister said that there was a flash mob that happened again in Oprah. Posted it below. And another one at the Central Station in Belgium. Then a different one in Singapore, London, Australia. Maybe they already had one in the Philippines. If someone plans to organize one here in Iloilo, Please Please let me know! I want to be right in the middle of it. I don't want to be at the side watching.

Central Station in Antwerp, Beligium - Do Re Mi by Julie Andrews


The Oprah Show, Chicago - I Got A Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas


Advertisement by T-Mobile, Liverpool St., London, England - All Time Favorites Medley


Raffles Place (Been here!), Singapore - Medley including Nobody (Wonder Girls), You're the One That I want (Grease)


Piccadily Circus, London - All The Single Ladies by Beyonce


Mall of Asia, Philippines - Medley


Weeds Episode


On a lesser note, we did something like this before in a smaller scale. It started with a Thriller wedding entourage video in You Tube. My family decided to replicate a similar dance in my cousin's wedding. The whole family gathered for 5 nights practicing Thriller and Disco Inferno. Nobody but us knew that we were dancing. My cousin and his bride did the customary bride and groom dance, then all of a sudden the whole family (young and old) were on the dance floor dancing to Thriller/Disco Inferno in what seemed to be a spontaneous dance number. The guests were thrilled and surprised but we enjoyed it as much as they did.


I guess the best thing about it is that it looked so spontaneous and took unsuspecting onlookers by surprise. It just seems like you were at the right place at the right time - and that's always a pleasant feeling isn't it?

The Difference

This was e-mailed to me this morning. It resonates.

The difference between the poor countries and the rich ones is not the age of the country: Examples are countries like India & Egypt, that are more than 2000 years old, but are poor.

On the other hand, Canada , Australia, & New Zealand, that 150 years ago were virtually unnoticed, today are developed countries, and are rich. The difference between poor & rich countries does not reside in the available natural resources.

Japan has a limited territory, 80% mountainous, inadequate for agriculture & cattle raising, but it is the second largest world economy. The country is like an immense floating factory, importing raw materials from the whole world and exporting manufactured products.

Another example is Switzerland , which does not plant cocoa but has the best chocolate in the world. In its little territory they raise animals and plant the soil during 4 months per year. Not only that, they produce dairy products of the best quality!

It is a small country that has an image of security, order & strong labor force, which made it the world's strongest, safest place.

Executives from rich countries who communicate with their counterparts in poor countries show that there is no significant intellectual difference.

Race or skin color are also not important: immigrants labeled lazy because of their countries of origin are the productive power in many richer European countries.

What is the difference then?
The difference is the attitude of the people,
influenced along the years by education, culture,
& flawed tradition.

On analyzing the behavior of the people in rich & developed countries, we find that the great majority follow the following principles in their lives:

1. Ethics as a basic principle.
2. Integrity.
3. Responsibility.
4. Respect to the laws & rules.
5. Respect to the rights of other citizens.
6. Work loving.
7. Strive for savings & investment.
8. Will of super action.
9. Punctuality.
10. and of course .... Discipline.

In poor countries, only a minority follow these basic principles in their daily life..

The Philippines is not poor because we lack natural resources or because nature was cruel to us. In fact, we are supposedly rich in natural resources.

We are poor because we lack the correct attitude. We lack the will to comply with and teach these functional principles of rich & developed societies.

If you do not forward this message
nothing will happen to you.
Your pet will not die, you will not be fired, you will not have bad luck for seven years, and also, you will not get sick or go hungry.

But those may happen because of your lack of discipline & laziness
your love for intrigue and politics,
your indifference to saving for the future,
your stubborn attitude.

Kkkccccold

Woke up at 4:30am with an idea for a project and just had to write it down. Now I can't sleep. It's colder now - December - but it doesn't feel anywhere near Christmas. We have put up all the decorations and all. I wonder, as we grow older, do we lose a bit of the Christmas spirit? Maybe it really depends on the person. I'm sure there are people out there who can still be as jolly as Saint Nick during the holidays.

I was having this conversation with a friend one day. I asked her if I've become heartless by the way I judge people. She said no. And since she's a therapist by profession, I'm assured that she knows what she's talking about LOL.

Had another mini-reunion dinner with friends at Afrique's last Monday night. We started talking about kids since one of us is obviously very pregnant and blooming at that. I wasn't the only one in the group who didn't want kids but I was the only one who didn't want to adopt. Truthfully, I can't see myself with a child - my child. Does that make me a bad mother? LOL. My preggie friend tells me that those feelings can change when you do have kids. I guess that has to happen for me to find out. I sometimes think that I will eventually regret this, not getting married and settling down. But I'm living in the now and my now seems content with what is there. My nephews and nieces are inspiration enough for me. I may not have a lovelife - but I am loved. I don't need much. Just a bit of attention now and then.

Kkkkcccold? Am I?

I guess that as long as it doesn't matter to me, it doesn't really matter. or does it? I'm confused now hahaha. Better get back to sleep.

I'm Alive

Looks like I'm going to survive November after all. Felt like I haven't stopped working since October. It's been one project after another - and I know this should be a good thing although I'm already tired just thinking about it - I have a waitlist for December :) I am thankful (Lord, I really am!) ... but sometimes I'm afraid for my life. LOL.

People tend to think that just because I have lots of projects also means I have lots of money. What they don't know is that since I love making designs, I also tend to say yes to a lot of probono work. And tend to say yes to all my friends (and I have lots of them!) - and relatives - although I make them wait a lot too. I can usually manage my dudsonline workload easily but my day job got kinda hectic this month. People in my day job discovered my hidden "skill" - LOL - and keep passing me work that's not on my job description. And on top of that, I have to keep doing jobs that is really mine. Oh, and the IBM people introduced us to lots of ideas that I want to work and implement. And since nobody at work seems to be taking the initiative, I keep pushing it. So it's like I have five jobs.

I might need therapy. I need to learn to say NO. Or STOP! But how can you say NO to something you like doing?

Albert Einstein once said that "If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal. Not to people or things." When I see a project, I immediately see a goal. So I don't really care if it pays, or not. It's just something to work for. And I am happy, and I get really excited ... at least to a point. When my body screams due to lack of sleep or my butt gets really sore from sitting too much, I lose that happiness. Then I get stressed and start screaming and playing stuff like Canon Rock - hahaha.

I still don't have a switch in my brain to turn off work when I have to. I've found effective ways to divert attention for a few precious minutes though. I blog, I take a walk, I have quick chats with friends (online now most of the time coz I can't leave the computer), and I watch short videos on You Tube.

Then I find muppets and Queen - love Beaker and the Mana-mana guy! :) And then I forget health and decide I can put up with the butt sore.


I wonder if happy people die early?

superwomen

After attending the APEC-IT seminar and learning Nihongo in the process at the West Visayas State University last Thursday, I ran into my Yahyah buddies. Sweet surprise that one of then just got back from London. So ended up decorating the Foreign Studies Bulletin Board up to 9pm; we had a late dinner at Carlos just when they were about to close. Barely made it. But had yummy mocha coffee and Cardiac arrest Carbonara (that's what it's really called), and sharing bits and pieces about recent secrets and lovelife - a lot of haha moments there - I was refreshed. I have such sweet friends. And I love comparing notes on ... well, men - hahaha. Maybe they are just interesting species that we needed to dissect? Anyway, interesting conversations ended up into long hours as usual. I promised longer in-depth discussions on these - just really need to get through this month.

Today, high school buddies this time - had lunch at Afrique's in Smallville. Tomato soup, pizza, and side dishes of - what else? Haha, men talk. Oh yeah, and career - naks! I think our generation is really into self-actualization. Marriage is really not a priority anymore. Happiness is. Not the selfish kind, I think it's more the self-fulfillment kind. There is a need for balance in everything. A lot of giving and taking. We can't just give and give or take and take. We seek a partnership where we all have to give something to make things work. We can't be superwomen all the time. And neither do we want supermen ... although that wouldn't hurt - hehehe. And again, my buddies kept me company until I had to leave for yet another meeting. Again I promised liquor on our next get together - just really need to get through this month.

I really really just need to get through this month then I'll be ok. Unless a new wave of work hits me again. I have a waitlist for December. But I won't let that bother me today. Just need to focus and get through this month. One week to go. And the panic begins :)

Serenity

God grant me the serenity
to accept that the web is not the place to vent out your tired thoughts;
the courage to back up every bad thing I say here and tell the world that I was just "thinking out loud";
the wisdom to filter every random thought, every photo or link before I publish it.

God grant me the serenity
to accept that clients will not care if you hold two jobs;
the courage to decline jobs when I have too much on my plate;
the wisdom to constantly remind myself why I'm doing this.

God grant me the serenity
to accept that my butt will hurt if I sit too much in front of the computer.
the courage to face deadlines with a tired grin;
the wisdom to know when to stop working.
Amen.

It's one of those months where it feels like it'e never gonna end. I'm exhausted and wish I can just ... sleep all day.

Kapuy Kaayo

I'm back. Have very little to say for now. Tired. Sleepy. You know the drill. Here's a brief summary in pics. More pics on the other blog or my flickr page. Yawnnnnn.

Spent the first night on the TransAsia boat to Cebu. We left Iloilo at 6pm and arrived at 7am. Stayed tourist class so had a lot of fun. Saw this spot of sunlight peeping behind a cloud in the early morning. They say dolphins were swimming near the boat too but I missed that coz I slept too soundly.

Dumaluan Beach Resort, Bohol. We stayed here the second night. Lovely hotel room. And plenty of things to do. But unfortunately we arrived quite late and had to leave quite early.

The best part of the trip if you ask me. We stayed at the Hidden Valley Resort, Lamac - an hour and a half from Toledo, Cebu. Went swimming in the evening, enjoyed a farmer's rondalla concert during dinner and sang until morning. Woke up early to take pics.

Sleeping soon. g'night.

you're going to find yourself somewhere somehow

Been listening to Corinne Bailey Rae, "Put Your Record On". I'm sooo tired, I feel I just need to put my hair down :) Don't even have the energy to dance but the blues suits me fine. Me thinks I'm feeling more down than usual. Maybe it's just doing too much work, too many worries, too afraid, too less fun ?

Will blog more soon. Will talk more soon. Will be more noisy soon.

For now, I just need to chill.

Ooh Child

My favorite Soultrain song for - Ever! :)

Originally sung by the Five Stairsteps in the 70's, it's been repeatedly revived by different artists like Nina Simone, Hall and Oates, Cyndi Lauper, Destiny's Child among others. Of course, my favorite version will be Uncle Donnie McClurkin featuring Kirk Franklin sung as a gospel song. I don't know why but blacks sing it better although I did like the Hall and Oates version a lot.



It's my pick-up song when I'm feeling down - or when I'm really tired - or when my butt hurts from too much sitting and working LOL. "When you're just tried of just trying, Come mownnnnnn!"

Staying alive

My butt hurts.

Too much sitting in front of the computer. It's been like this for about a week. My goal is to finish everything this Saturday so I could enjoy the long weekend. But it looks like that's not going to happen.

I need to upload my work to a server and my dsl is sooooooo slow. I've been uploading for almost 24 hours. And I need to finish a brochure and a vector artwork by tonight. That's not going to happen either. Sigh.

My butt hurts.

Sigh.

Premature Anticipation

So I was expecting to work on 6 jobs this weekend. In anticipation for the long weekend ahead, I got drunk with the Mission impossible Squad at Club 21 Friday night. We wanted to prove to our superheroes that we superwomen can have a night off on our own. So we kidnapped the superkids and hijacked one villain, had dinner and headed off to Smallville on our own. Poor guys had to use their supervision to look for us but we got found out anyway and so the fun began. We laid out one rule: That we get to dance with utmost abandon. So no slow songs were allowed. And boy did we swing! I was thinking of posting pics here ... but I can't ... the pics were incriminating and can be used against us in the court of law - hahaha. And I think I was too drunk to get a decent shot for the books. But we promised a slideshow to be shown on our Christmas Party on December. :) No escape for our superguys.

So Saturday was a struggle to wake up, but I did and started on the first job as early as 9am I think. Then I waited for my data ... and waited ... and waited .... but they never came. So ended up sleeping in the afternoon. Then Yasmin called, and promised me a movie. So I headed off to SM City at 6pm to meet my high school bud. After buying my large hankies, some pairs of socks and promoting my optical glasses to yet another grade, had a bunwich and hot choco with Yasmin. After which we waited in line for the Stupid Movie - wait, the correct title would be "The Age of Stupid" which wasn't a stupid movie at all since it was a campaign to save the environment. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how tired I was until I fell asleep :) Good thing Yasmin was understanding enough. Plus I had the music video saved already in my mp3 - Beds are Burning :D

So went home really late and read some blogs. Still no data so I was able to get to the last few episodes of Amazing race 13 (Dallas is so dreamy). And again fell asleep with my laptop on.

Woke up at 4am to get some work done. No data still so worked on other jobs that didn't require data. Then at about 8am, I was told that we were to have lunch with relatives at Breakthrough. I was promised Talaba (Yay Nang Ating!) and I knew that Breakthrough has a kick-ass crab meat. So had to get ready by 10am and was picked up by brother to fulfill our filial obligations.

At 2pm, found myself with sisters at SM City again. Found two blouses I couldn't resist and had to buy a box of Yakashii sushi for dinner (yumyum). Then headed home, worked for about four hours and ended the day with the Phantom of the Opera on TV (lovely lovely Gerard Butler) and blogging. Sigh, I still have to check my FB account for DC pics my brother sent but that can wait.

Breathe.

It was still a busy weekend but it wasn't all work. Maybe God thinks I just needed balance? :) Had a little bit of evrything this weekend.

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um, yeah, I forgot about my 3-month alcohol fasting. Sorry about that. It can't be helped ;)

This is the sound of settling

Is the world in utter state of dissatisfaction? Or is it just me?

My friends came to visit 'The Shut-in' last Sunday after mass. 'The Shut-in' - being me - stays home while the rest of the Catholic community goes to church Sunday mornings. So Lea (angelic BFF who's going to change the world), makes it a point to drop by since my house is just a short walk from the chapel. And another friend BB (bedeviled BFF who is the current authority for conscientious behavior), after dropping relief goods (now occupying my family's living room floor) for typhoon victims, stopped by too with her boyfriend. Ah, I love my friends dearly for thinking of me when they're praying to God - hahaha.

And we chatted a bit about ... well, things that cannot be spoken aloud on blogs and such - things that all three of us seems to be going through. Anyway, I served them blue salad and they liked it; confirming that I, hopeless cook extraordinaire, can mix a salad after all and will not make future husband go hungry :)

And the talk led us to a lot of other different topics that tied my brain to keep repeating itself. Basically it just underlined my restlessness, my need for change, my need to be significant to something, my need to break the sound of settling. baa baah! baa baah! Sigh. I got a hunger twisting my stomach into knots :) Me thinks I need a vacation.

Here's my new theme song for the month of October. Baa baaahhhhhh! Baa baaah! Hurray Death Cab for Cutie!!!


I've got a hunger
Twisting my stomach into knots
That my tongue was tied off

My brain's repeating
"if you've got an impulse let it out"
But they never make it past my mouth.

Baa bah, this is the sound of settling
Baa bah, baa bah

Our youth is fleeting
Old age is just around the bend
And i can't wait to go grey

And I'll sit and wonder
Of every love that could've been
If I'd only thought of something charming to say.

Baa bah, this is the sound of settling
Baa bah, baa bah

I've got a hunger twisting my stomach into knots.

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

As we speak, I have the song repeating itself over and over again in iTunes. This is more than just the last song syndrome. Baa baah! Baa baah!

Quiet lang me

from: www.timesonline
The reason I haven't said anything about Ondoy and the coming typhoon Peping for the past week in any of my blogs or social networks ... is because it scares me to just think about it. I am not passive. Just terrified.

I went through this just last year - dragging self neck-deep in strong current with what you can carry - in muddy waters - with just a rope for a lifeline. I was lucky and blessed with a strong family and an even stronger network of friends. I can't bear it that others have to go through worse. It's just terrible. So this is hopefully the first and last time I'm ever going to say anything about it.

Praying for the victims. Bitching about disaster response time will not help anyone. I can do a lot more without having to say anything. There are a lot more good samaritans letting the world know what's to be done.

So quiet lang me.

Freakey!!!

I worry about bunsoi now that he's alone in a far away land. I'm also freakingly jealous - hahaha. Bunsoi is 10 years younger than me and he was treated like every youngest child in the family - like he was still a child. When my mom died, we didn't try to baby him - well, maybe we did, like all older sisters are supposed to do when the mom is not around. We bugged him about the mess in his room, taking baths, his clothes, his teeth, school, not planning ahead etc. etc. Let's just say, we gave him hell - LOL! But think how much he will miss that hell now I bet. Well, maybe not (guffaws).

Anyway, he emailed me that he is in his hotel and doing good. And as expected from an older sister, I emailed back:

Ok. Keep in touch. Play nicely with other kids. Don't hit anyone. Don't talk to strangers - or rather, strange men or men who look like women, or strange women. Damu daw sila dira - hahaha. Guess you'll blend right in :D And please, be careful with your spending kay there is no one to bail you out there kay kalayo sa imo. Don't think pasalubong anay. Get fat if that's possible - just not too much!

What am I doing? You're a grown man! Just keep in touch then.

Yup, surprisingly, I do have a motherly instinct.

It's freaking me out. Ughhh!

Good thing he blogs too :) Reading it makes me feel less motherly ;)

Or not.

Falling Like Rain

Now this is just convenient. A song that sings what I feel, echoes the weather and describes generally everything I'm going through right now :)




Rain - Anthony Callea
I remember when we met
Before I was invisible
I thought I'd play it hard to get
Pretend I am unapproachable
But somebody else came along and
Took all the chances that I missed
Stuck on the sideline
I keep thinking there she goes

Falling like rain
No I don't get to hold her tonight
Falling like rain
I was pushed to the back of the line
Coz even though I need her love, and crave her touch
I guess I wasn't fast enough
She's falling like rain
Just not for me, not for me

Why I took the longest road
I'll have to plead insanity
It's like my pride put on a show
And didn't sell a single seat
While I was talking in riddles
Somebody else made perfect sense
Stuck on the outside
I keep thinking there she goes

What do you do
What do you say
When the best thing has passed you by
Where do you go
How do you know
If she'll come back another time

She's falling like rain - falling like rain
She's falling like rain - oh, oh, oh
She's falling like rain - falling like rain
She's falling like rain - she's falling
She's falling like rain

----------------------------------------
Just have to get out of this rut. Like now. Right now! Now na! Grrrrrrrr!!!

Blue is my favorite color

I know I need not say that. My work area speaks for itself. And my blog is blue. Don't bother for a closer look at the guy pic in my pocket PC. You won't get a clear view anyway :P

As I was saying, I was watching the Emmy's tonight and just had a great time. Writers are really funny people and I love all the writer award segments tonight. Neil Patrick Harris was great and I love the In memoriam Song. Favorite part was Conan ignoring friends request of his writers in facebook. Oh and Jimmy Fallon - hahaha - just love that.

Which brings me to my real topic. I'm giving myself an award tonight. It's been a week. I have been eating healthy - my sanggchu diet :) No - I'm not trying to lose weight. I was just trying to get rid of constant constipation - LOL! Ok, my secret's out. I still need to see a doctor but I'm still being hard-headed on that matter. I still think I have a death wish despite my eating healthy. But that's beside the point. I want to share with you a recipe my lawyer brother taught me. It's called blue salad and I've been eating it a lot. I have other salads of course, but the blue salad I eat at least once a day. Too expensive to be a regular meal but I love it so I'm willing to go by the mile because it's the only thing I will eat that's healthy. It's originally called baby blue salad because ideally you would need blue cheese. But regular cheese seems to work fine if you're not that picky. Instead of grapes and mangoes, I sometimes use papaya or passion fruit and they work too. I can do without peanuts but not without the honey. And did you know that you can buy inexpensive honey by the bottle at SM Supermart? Really! If I don't eat blue salads, I eat friend chicken with sanggchu (lettuce) and no rice. The diet had made me feel lighter but I haven't lost weight yet. That would need me to get up and exercise LOL! And I'm still working on the will power part.

This is tomorrow's lunch. I'm hopeless in the kitchen but this I can prepare by myself. You don't know how much a sharp knife and a peeler can do wonders to my confidence as a cook. And I didn't even have to touch the stove! Ha! I think I've found my calling. I should just learn making organic salads, then I'll never have to touch fire for the rest of my life :)
Here's the recipe. Enjoy :)

lettuce
Balsamic Vinaigrette
cheese, crumbled
ripe mangoes, peeled and cut into thin slices
grapes
peanuts
cucumbers
tomatoes
carrots
honey

Toss greens and crumbled cheese. Arrange mango slices evenly over greens; sprinkle evenly with grapes, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, white onions and top evenly with peanuts. Then lace with honey and Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Yum!

Week Smart

My phrase for the week: Work smart :) Can't seem to get that off my head.

So I'm home now, basking on the glory of a new haircut courtesy of my sister. She has volunteered me to be her guinea pig and I needed a haircut anyway, so hair is two-inch shorter with a V-shape. Doesn't look that different. I don't comb my hair as much as I should so I really can't see the difference hahaha. I'm really hopeless with all the girl-ly stuff. A friend of mine mentioned I should wear make-up, not that I needed it but because it will make me feel better. I'm not sure I agree with that but well, we'll see if I have time for make-up or would bother to make the time.

So it's been a pretty hectic week. Been attending mini-seminars with IBM guests of different nationalities. Got to spend more time with co-workers and I really like the inputs. I'm looking forward to applying everything I learned from the lectures. I am hopeful that top management will support our plans and that as a team we could make an effort to do good. My Super friends are super excited. So it's pretty easy to be all enthusiastic about our future as the Mission Impossible Squad (MIS) - (insert Mission Impossible movie background music here). Hay, I'm looking at more work but I really don't mind. Something must be really wrong with me LOL.

Had dinner with superfriends last Friday. Drank a bit - a little bit of gin, a little bit of the new beer and well mostly vodka. I was fighting the urge to throw up later that night. Last time I got drunk at Smallville, I remember breaking a plate, throwing my shoes and dancing on top of the sofa. I got to meet the rest of the IBM crew so it was an interesting night though I didn't get to dance as much. Bottomline is, I had a great time. Life shouldn't be all work after all. If you got to work hard, you need to play hard to strike a balance. So I didn't throw up, did sing, did dance and had an acute hangover the next day.

Saturday night was chick flick night. I went out with sis-in-law, my nieces and Doray. We watched the John Lloyd flick. Yes, you read it right. A John Lloyd Flick. Yes, me! Hahaha. The last tagalog movie I saw was ... Dekada 70 I think, or maybe Jologs, or that Claudine Barreto-Rico Yan movie that reminded me of Ally McBeal. Basta it's been ages. But they keep telling me how good "In My Life" is so I finally got curious and watched. And I liked it. I really did. Vilma Santos is still the Meryl Streep of Filipino movies. And John Lloyd was impressive. I never liked him much because I always associated him with sobrang cheesy scenes. So I was not really expecting much from him. But I am impressed. Luis manzano was not bad too. And the twist ... well I knew someone would die but I didn't quite expect what happened so yes, I really liked it. Not at all sobrang cheesy.

After doing some work yesterday, I decided to laze down today. My sister is leaving for Manila so it will just be me going to work everyday. Which also means I probably will forget I had to go home alone too and end up late at the office again. Oh well, maybe I'll accomplish more? At the very least, I won't be late this week :)

Hmmmm, don't work hard, work smart. Play hard ... die young LOL!!!!

This guy turned 19!

I know your not suppose to play favorites among nephews and nieces, but I think an aunt is always entitled to have a special place for the child she had to care for the most. I love all my nephews and nieces but this guy literally grew up with me. I have changed his diapers, saw him wet his pants, loved him when he had no teeth, celebrated almost all his birthdays with him, saw drama in his life with broken hearts and unfulfilled promises, survived a flood with him, but most of all saw him triumph over his limits. To me, he is larger than life :)

Vector art was done on and off for five hours. This one has been filtered with poster edges for effect. Two more nephews to go. Then I draw my four brothers, my two sis-in-laws, and finally my Mom. The rest who want this done for free, will just have to pick a number and wait - hahaha ;)

Just Tooo Cute

Spawns!

Haven't caught up with sleep yet. Worked until 12 midnight last night. Then watched CSI until 2 am. I miss Grissom. But Laurence Fishburne works too.

Posting a picture of my siblings. It was by accident that we did get together - all seven of us. My brother's flight was canceled because there was a runway problem. He and his guests, wife and daughter were forced to spend the night and that was why we finally got together - all seven.

Some people get shocked sometimes at our sarcasm. We can't be corny to each other. It's just too ... uncomfortable. But though we do fight and have our differences, we are bound by blood and I think that helps us forgive each other or at least know that we can't get rid of each other that easily. There's love in there somewhere - LOL. I think we all know that no matter what happens, we will always have each other's back. Sounds like we survived a war together or something - hehe but I guess we had. Revolutions and world war, even alien attacks :)

So here's the pic of my siblings and my Dad. How we all fit in this strange but enjoyable sarcastic family we grew up in is a miracle. But hey, me thinks miracles happen in my family everyday - hahaha.

A quick intro:
The reformist is the eldest and is a lawyer.
The conscience is born 2nd and is a priest.
The ring leader is also the court jester and is a computer analyst for Apple.
The visionary is the eldest of the girls and is a government employee, an event planner and a video editor all rolled up in one.
The dreamer, well, that's fat little me, a government employee who sidelines as a web and graphic designer.
The cynic is the youngest female and works unbelievable so, for the Church - the Archdiocese of Jaro.
The skeptic is the youngest, was a menopausal baby who now works as a Java Programmer for Headstrong and will be leaving for the US soon.
The reason for all of us is my dear old Dad. Nanay must be turning on her grave right about now and cracking tears of laughter.

Among the seven, only two are married, three have kids, and only two finished college in four years like normal people do. There are 27 college courses between all of us, 10 of those were my Dad's :) The apple doesn't fall far from the tree as you can see. Two live in Manila and the rest choose to stay here in Iloilo. Six of the seven wears glasses. Four smoke once in awhile. Three have asthma (including the one who smokes). Each one owns at least a PC or a laptop so we constantly communicate online. All seven are as opinionated as my Dad. At my mother's wake, we all found out that each one of us were told secretly, that we were my mother's favorite child :) We speak Hiligaynon but we argue in English. I don't know why that is.

Just imagine what our house would look like if we had a party and invited all our friends :) They usually fill every room in the house plus the sidewalk across the street.

You know something good is going to happen ...

- when you wake up to guitar music of your fave songs playing from your nephew's bedroom.
- when the lcd light of your old cd player decided to illuminate itself after disappearing for the last nine years.
- Korean pop music on cd.
- when office mate forgives you for a boo boo you were responsible for.
- when you realize you have enough money to pay your bills for the month :)
- when you have warm Century tuna for breakfast.
- when only two projects are listed in bulletin board on a long weekend.
- when your anticipating a sibling reunion (all seven) at the end of the weekend.
- when niece shows up with your "Breaking Dawn" book that turned missing months ago.
- when wi-fi in laptop suddenly fixes itself and you can now blog in bed and write about the good things going to happen.
- when brother brings home episodes of CSI you haven't seen before.
- when you pray and find God laughing at you because he seems to think your funny.
- new shoes ;)

But then again, good things always happen. It's a matter of knowing where to look for it and having the right attitude.

I believe the world conspires to make me happy :)

Amen.

Moments

Just a quick reminder of why we need to live today and not dwell too much in the past or worry so much about the future. Saw this in Toni's blog.



I think it's brilliant. And touching.

Frontline

12:30 pm. – NOT MY USUAL DISCOURTEOUS SELF AT ALL! I’m at the front desk of a government building saying “Hello, Good afternoon.” to everyone coming my way. Why? Well, someone had this brilliant idea NOT to hire a front desk clerk for the Anti-red Tape Act Implementation which includes Frontline services such as this. Instead of hiring someone, they had assigned duty hours to employees to “man” the desk. (Um, I was told they were planning to get someone to do this job but I wonder why they can’t find anyone to volunteer – hmmmm – not really a question for Einstein is it?).

Each office sends a sacrificial lamb everyday to the front desk. Today, I’m the lamb – or should I say, goat – a more appropriate term for my disposition and outlook – hahaha.

I should not complain really. My duty is just for four hours. I’ve come prepared. I have a very thick folder of CSS notes I’ve been wanting to read, a notebook, and just to make sure I don’t go into coma because of boredom, I brought my laptop (I now see why God wanted me to buy a laptop. He knew I was going to do front desk duty – bwahaha).

1:23 pm. It’s bearable for now. I don’t know how long I can stand this but I’m at least going to try. I just hope I don’t meet any politicians today. Ironic for someone who works for the government, I know. But I just hate politicians. Can I say that again? I HATE POLITICIANS! There, that makes me feel so much better ;)

A group of UP students just came by. They said they were here to observe – what exactly – they didn’t say. Maybe it’s top secret? Ok, bear with me. I can’t concentrate on my reading and I don’t have wifi down here. So I’m going to make fun of people so as not to go crazy.

2:09 pm. Uh-oh. I’m bored. And thirsty. I should have brought something to drink. A woman asked for the Iloilo Midwife Association or IMAP. I don‘t know where it is but it’s definitely not in this building. Directed her to the Health Office – maybe they would know? Another asked for the Registry of Deeds. Duh! Pointed them out of the building and gave them directions. I was friendly and polite mind you. I keep telling you, in this desk, I am not myself. That’s hard work!

2:21 pm I’m dying here. There is a very good reason why I work in front of a computer and not in front of people. I have a huge respect for people behind this desk. But I absolutely have no patience for it.

2:55 pm. Relief. Asked someone from the office to send me cold water. Thirst gone. Also had my external hard drive delivered. Boredom relieved for a few more minutes. It’s a loooooong afternoon. Next time, I’ll think I’ll opt for morning duty.

3:30 pm. An hour and a half to go. Now I need to pee. LOL.

4:00 pm. One hour. It’s not so bad if you have something to do on your hands. I’ve been organizing my template files on my external hard disk and have created templates for my css and html with a wide variety of font stacks. People I know pass by and chat a bit. And go back to their original agenda. I haven’t been asked hard questions so it’s not so bad. I want some coffee right about now but I can wait another hour. I wonder if I need to stay here until the employees line up for time-out?

4.55pm. I can go. Pistachio nuts –the reward for the weary front desk clerk

Roxas Trip

Back to the daily grind :)

All shots taken with my trusty old Canon A400 Point and Shoot.

from Roxas

Basking in my own simple idea of comfort somewhere in Roxas City. Staying at the cozy Palace Central near the City Hall. They have wifi but unfortunately can't seem to connect using my laptop - it does that sometimes and I want to have that checked when I get back to Iloilo. Anyways, right now I'm using my companion's Rose's laptop. Needed to check emails and read on my favorite blogs - a daily dose of therapy. Now that's done, I'm off checking news on ... hahaha ... never mind. I'm about to hit my head with my phone for not being able to break the habit. But I miss miss miss (toot) terribly. Hay! Lea, hit me on the head will ya?!

A client just sent me ideas for her website and and another wanted me to make edits on labels. Sigh. I want to work on them right away but am stopping myself. I'm away from my PC and must not think of work for now. At least for a few more days.

Had dinner at the beach yesterday. Ate yummy shrimps and took pics of the sunset. I don't know where we're going today but I like Roxas City so far. Oh, except for the toilet on where we are having the seminar. They don't clean it as well as the inn where I'm staying. I'll make it a point to take a look around tomorrow. Tonight I just wanna catch up on my reading and play dead ... stay still like a cucumber. Hah!

ah! enough! bye for now.

My My My Minuet

Just like listening to this song. The above version is by Park Hyekyung (heard it first in one of the WGM episodes). The lyrics are REALLY CHEESSY! in English which is why I like the Korean version - I don't have to listen to the words but I understand what it means ;)

I love the Minuet. I have the "Master and Commander" version in my computer - the one where Russell Crow played the violin (was it a violin?). Wait, that wasn't the Minuet. That was the Prelude - LOL. Still. Don't you just love JSB? I think Bach should be a requirement in elementary school even though he might not be the one who composed it - :) I'm sure they will get to the songs he didn't compose eventually.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"A Lover's Concerto" is a pop song written by American songwriters, Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, and recorded in 1965 by The Toys. Their version of the song was a major hit in both the United States and the UK during 1965. It peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number two.

Critic Dave Thompson wrote, "Few records are this perfect. Riding across one of the most deceptively hook-laden melodies ever conceived ... 'A Lover’s Concerto' marks the apogee of the Girl Group sound." The song also had an unusual structure that blurred the differences between its verses and choruses.

Linzer and Randell based the melody on the familiar "Minuet in G major" from J.S. Bach's Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach. One key difference is that the "Minuet in G major" is written in 3/4 time, whereas "A Lover's Concerto" is arranged in 4/4 time. (Although often attributed to Bach himself, the "Minuet in G major" is now believed to have been written by Christian Petzold. The Notebook, a gift from Bach to his second wife Anna, begins with works by Bach but also included many blank pages, onto which members of the family copied works that they liked to play; the famous minuets in G major and G minor are not in Bach's handwriting.)

If you need the lyrics, here's part of it in the video:

A Good Year

Sigh. A lot of tears falling today. Every time I see Kris Aquino cry on tv, I cry too. And I don't like Kris Aquino very much - LOL. Exasperating really but can't help it. My mom died of colon cancer too.

I bawled when the Apo and other singers sang "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo". Feel ko gid ang pagka-Pinoy ko. I was 15 years old when Edsa I happened. I remember riding towards the Capitol with people rejoicing and streets covered with yellow confetti. I didn't know who Cory was then but I was just glad that Marcos was out :)

Maybe my sister is right. She said this year IS a good year to die. A lot of good people passed away this year. Death certainly changes things. But it doesn't stop life, does it?

Hope. There is always hope. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

My Blog turns Five

My Blog is five years old today. Let me celebrate with Corinne Bailey Rae :)



My sentiments exactly. Here's my first post. Sigh! I keep forgetting his birthday. I'm sure he feels relieved - hahaha. I'm in a better place. And hope he is too ;)


Just like a star across my sky,
Just like an angel off the page,
You have appeared to my life,
Feel like I'll never be the same,
Just like a song in my heart,
Just like oil on my hands,
Honour to love you

Still I wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,

You've got this look I can't describe,
You make me feel like I'm alive,
When everything else is au fait,
Without a doubt you're on my side,
Heaven has been away too long,
Can't find the words to write this song,
Oh... Your love,

Still I wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,

Now I have come to understand,
The way it is,
It's not a secret anymore,
'cause we've been through that before,
From tonight I know that you're the only one,
I've been confused and in the dark,
Now I understand,

I wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
I wonder why it is,
I wont let my guard down,
For anyone but you
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,

Just like a star across my sky,
Just like an angel off the page,
You have appeared to my life,
Feel like I'll never be the same,
Just like a song in my heart,
Just like oil on my hands

He Flies Back

Two years ago, a crow perched itself by my window and we had a lovely time. Out of the blue, he flew back in and nothing seems to have changed. Well, maybe except me - hahaha. I love interesting conversations. Kahit walang seryoso na pinaguusapan. Was is in the movie Benjamin Button, that said: We never seem to remember the names of the people who make a significant impact in our lives? Or something to that effect? Button was referring to the lady who taught him how to play the piano in the retirement home?

crow: hi miss beautiful. hoy gising
me: sino ka?
crow: oy di na ko kilala
me: sino ka nga?
crow: hulaan mo
me: hint
crow: make a guess
me: pahingi nga ng clue
crow: im from manila.
me: um ... ikaw si Erap? hahaha
crow: try again
me: ur from Ateneo?
crow: im not that rich
me: UP then
crow: someone u love
me: hahahaha. laking clue yun (finally realizing who he was and nothing to do with his clue – bwahaha)
crow: oh, im not the only one
me: ur from Santo Tomas. formerly Batangas boy ka. u worked in Iloilo for sometime. got into trouble. got religious and moved back to manila. but for the life of me, i cant even remember ur name. tama ba?
crow: yap, you got it baby
me: ano nga pangalan mo?
crow: (bleep)
me: (bleep) ba? buhay ka pa pala. wer ka na ngayon?
crow: nasa makati ulit, naghahanap ulit ng gulo
me: haha. nasa nature mo naman yata yun eh
crow: ang galing naman how you describe me "got religious and moved back to manila"
me: hahaha. I introduced you to the adoration chapel. yun yung naalala ko
crow: yes, and thanks for that, it helped me a lot during that time
me: good. pogi points sa heaven for me. if there is a heaven
crow: galit ka na naman ba sa mundo? the way you speak up parang may galit ah
me: on the contrary. i love the world. i love life. i just dont believe in religion nor marriage nor ... marami pa. iniba mo yata ang paningin ko sa buhay eh. kaya kasalanan mo to.
crow: ako na naman, sinasabi ko na nga ba
me: o di ba. at least lasting yung memory mo kahit di maremember yung pangalan hahaha
crow: e bakit ako, di ko nalilimutan pangalan mo
me: pero convenient nga that i have my name onscreen di ba
crow: can we change the topic and discuss something more significant
me: hahaha. which is?
crow: ewan ko
me: ano nga ba significant ngayon? con-ass? ang sakit ni Cory? Ah1n1? lovelife mo na lang kaya? ayun significant yun
crow: kumusta ang love life mo ngayon
me: sabi ko lovelife mo
crow: naalala ko lang ng andyan pa ako, tayong dalawa. do u still remember?
me: ay oo. I was young. It wont happen again
crow: your response is so cold, i feel it, bakit kaya
me: hahaha. cold ba? di uy
crow: yon yong pakiramdam ko, parang bale wala sa yo
me: as i recall, what we had was what it was. nothing more, nothing less (his own words two years ago :P ). di naman cold yun. ganun lang talaga yun
crow: oo nga. kailan kaya mauulit yon
me: eto talaga
crow: punta ka naman dito sa manila
me: i did. didnt know where to find u. kaya umuwi na lang ako
crow: sayang ah. kailan yon. ngayon pwede na, sabihin mo lang kung pupunta ka dito
me: sige. next trip ko yata 2015 pa eh. hehe
crow: buhay pa kaya ako. sige lang pag nagpunta ka dito prompt mo ko, pag nagpunta ako dyan sabihin ko sa yo
me: opo (bleep). got to go. work pa ko. alis ko early office ngayon
crow: mamaya na lang kung kailan gumaganda ang kwentuhan, saka naman mawawala
me: cant help it if I'm interesting
crow: I dont get you
me: (in my mind – Um ... You never did :) ) hahaha. cge na bye na. mag pakabait ka ha
crow: how can i contact you?

And so it ends again. As fast as the wind sweeps in, so it sweeps out - hahaha. No regrets :)

Canon Rocks

I'm not much of a heavy metal music fan but if I hear something familiar with a twist, I prick my ears quickly. Just like when David Cook put his twist on Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby".

Anyways, I found a new favorite. I saw Hyun Joong perform this on You Tube but my nephew told me that the original version was performed, arranged and played by a certain Taiwanese boy named Jerry Chang. I've listened to the other versions, others probably better than the first but you can't take away the honor of being first from the FIRST! So Kudos to Jerry C. I really love this.

"Canon Rock" is a neo-classical metal arrangement of Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D major by the Taiwanese musician and composer Jerry Chang (JerryC). The composition contains a variety of melodic licks (more suitable for the advanced guitarists), showing Jerry's unique way of phrasing and his finger dexterity. The piece became popular on the internet after a video of JerryC playing the piece was posted online. The rendition has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and television shows. The re-arrangement was composed within two weeks.

The most famous of the Canon Rock versions is by the South Korean guitarist Lim Jeong-hyun, also known as “funtwo”, his Internet alias.



I loved the arrangement so much, I cried! I told my nephew that I want him to play this song at my funeral - hahaha. And my epitaph would say: "Don't think you can keep me down here!" :)

Buin looks lonely

Joongbo Couple by ~ilongga70 on deviantART

Hwang Bo

I have a theory. I think the fastest way to get rid of an obsession is to pursue it relentlessly. And after saturating yourself with all the information and all the kilig factor you can get out of it, you eventually grow tired of the obsession and eventually give it up to a new one - hehe. It's been a month - NOT WORKING!!!!!!

So I decided to put it to good use. My Hwang Bo Art in Vector. Took me about 8 hours to finish it. Stayed up until two in the morning and edited it yet again when I woke up. Geeeeeezzzz!!! Click on the pic for a better look.



Now, if you're a fan, you will notice the little things. Like this:


And this: :)


That's Kim Hyun Joong in the eyeglsses and that's the rumored necklace which I hope is true.

Never really did give much details to my work but this one, well ... I kinda got carried away. I just love her figure. I have free desktop wallpapers for those interested. Leave me a message ;)

Better or Worse

My work load is better this week. Bearable and manageable. Last week was not only stressful, it was damn exhausting. But better this week. Much.

But I'm sick this week too. The side effects of stress and early morning naps before heading off to work. I was kinda floating around in a daze last week. But I feel a flu coming in. And my brain is friggin' dry. And I have pain a whole lot of areas that I didn't know I had. So I might feel worse this week. Much.

I'm not really sure.

By the way, I went out with my primary school classmates last week. It was an impromptu get together. Some of us haven't seen each other for about 25 years. So it was a bit strange. And a bit awesome too. Great catching up with who's doing what and where. But here's a statistic which I think should alarm our generation: Out of the seven who came to that reunion, only one remained married. The other six either had an annuled marriage, is separated, or stayed single. Hmmmmmmm. One of us said that our age group seems to have an expiration date when it comes to relationships. Should I worry that my generation can't stay married or just refuse to get married? Hmmmmmmm again. One thing is for sure, we are more liberal than our parents were; our women more independent. But that doesn't say much about our generation does it? :)

I'm really looking forward to the weekend.

And no, my laptop's name is not Hyun Joong. It's Atticus. I decided that since I can't speak Korean or even Chinese, then I shouldn't give anything I own a name I wouldn't be able to read if I see it ;) So Atticus it is :)

tededede tededede

Alone in a hotel room with wifi, cable tv and air-conditioner. With my new laptop. Finally, some peace and quiet. I'm soooooo loving this. It's been a hell of a week. I had stress, battled sickness, had arguments, kept my eyes open with just 3-4 hours sleep in-between and troubled about having to wear a dress to an affair. And to top it off, this has been the busiest social life this week. It's like everybody I haven't seen for quite awhile suddenly decided they wanted to meet. Not that I didn't like it. Enjoyed it quite a bit.

But all that is over now. Still have meetings and work in the weekend. But I'm here now. And I'm going to make the most of it.

Thank you world!

Three Things

Finally completed my Staedler pencils. And I got myself Faber Castell colored pencils too. I use them to draw and toy with ideas like logos, website layouts and pencil drawings I never show to anybody. There is something therapeutic about buying school and office supplies. I love going through that section.



Remember Petunia? And before that Pitimini? Found myself a new pig. I call her Jins :) She cost 5x more than Petunia and Pitimini but she's recyclable.



And this, I haven't named yet. I'm fighting the urge to call it Hyun Joong - hahaha. My new laptop :)

This has got to stop

I desperately want to learn this dance. I love it.



Um, yeah. That's Kim Hyun Joong at the center. And this is a SS501 single by the Triple S. Love the moves.

Yonsama

Bae Yong Joon in line art and vector shading. Didn't get to put much detail in the hands but will do that in due time.

Next will be Kim Hyun Joong and Hwang Bo. :)

Petunia

I had to post something. Been silent for far too long.

Still reeling from the Joongbo fever. It has become an epidemic at home. I'm trying to ride through the hangover.

And been working a lot too. Will need to post those jobs soon.

In the meantime, click on the photo. I butchered a pig. :) I don't know how long I had Petunia (name inspired by Harry Potter's harassed aunt) but she ate too much coins and I couldn't get them out. My banker friend says it's illegal to hoard coins. I wonder is piggy banks would fall in that category.

I'm seriously thinking of buying a laptop with my coins. Seriously. It's that or a treadmill. But I'm leaning on the laptop. It's actually an unhealthy choice. But I want to bring my work with me now. Although that may not be a good idea if I keep this up. Will die early.

And I need to buy a new pig too. They don't make pigs like Petunia anymore. The ones they are selling all look like swines to me. LOL.

JoongBo

I can sometimes be an obesessive convert. I hate it when I get so totally wrapped up in a book, a movie, a series or something else. I will fervently review the whole thing over and over again in my head. I get addicted. I get fanatical. It's frustratingly, irritatingly all I can think about. Just can't shake it off now. I hate it when this happens. I totally hate it.

There is this Korean reality TV show that showed last year called We Got Married. The show pairs together two celebrity couples who had to pretend that they are a "married" couple. They pretend to be husband and wife for the days they shoot for the show and missions are arranged for them to accomplish.

There is this couple Kim Hyung Joong and Hwang Bo - aptly nicknamed Joongbo - who are just (sigh) extremely made for each other. I didn't bother watching the other couples. Just this two. And Dang it! the guy had to sing Falling Slowly in guitar in one of my favorite episodes - of all song choices!.



Watching their show had adverse effects on me. Found myself washing dishes at 3 a.m. and cleaning my room from top to bottom because I can't sleep just thinking about them. Arrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh. I hate it. Totally hate it.
But I love them. I totally love them :) Ah Shit!

To my lovely friends, you know who you are.
This is the playlist. Watch it in the order of the numbered episodes. Ay shit gid ya!

P.S. Both celebs are Korean singers. The guy now appears in the TV series Boys Over Flowers. His real personality is far from the character that he plays there. If you watch him in this show, you will surely fall head over heels. My GOD! He makes me want to get married. Sacrilege!

Wala Nang Hahanapin Pang Iba

There was a rumor going around the office a few weeks ago. They say I got secretly married. They say it started with a question inside an elevator. And spread. Someone asked my sister if it were true. She confirmed that Juday DID get married ... secretly ... in Batangas ... to a guy named Ryan. BWAHAHAHAHA! I guess I should be happy that my nickname sounds more like Juday, and nothing near Katrina? Wahahaha.

On the same note, I love Juday's wedding. Love the invite. Love the tsinelas. Love the gown, the white, the simplicity of it all. And I also fell in love with this song from Apo. Of course, who wouldn't? Reminds me so much of Billy Joel's "She's Always a Woman To Me" - in Tagalog ... only better - WAY much better! :)

WALA NANG HAHANAPIN PA - Apo Hiking Society
Apo Hiking Society

Mayroon siyang estilong kanya lamang
Ang kanyang pagkababae ang dinadahilan
Pagsubok sa pag-ibig walang katapusan
‘Di naman daw nagdududa, naniniguro lang

Ewan ko ba ngunit kahit ganyan siya,
Minamahal ko siya, wala nang hahanapin pa
Kahit ano’ng sabihin ng iba, minamahal ko siya,
Wala nang hahanapin pa

‘Di raw nagseselos ngunit nagbibilang
Nang oras ‘pag ako’y ginagabi
At biglang maamo ‘pag may kailangan
‘Pag nakuha na ikaw ay itatabi

Ewan ko ba ngunit kahit ganyan siya,
Minamahal ko siya, wala nang hahanapin pa
Kahit ano’ng sabihin ng iba, minamahal ko siya,
Wala nang hahanapin pa

‘Di magpapatalo ‘pag mayroong alitan
‘Di aamin ng mali, magbabagong-isip lang

Ewan ko ba ngunit kahit ganyan siya,
Minamahal ko siya, wala nang hahanapin pa
Kahit ano’ng sabihin ng iba, sinasamba ko siya,
Minamahal ko pa, walang kaduda-duda,
Wala nang hahanapin pa

P.S. Speaking of love, ... love love love Manang Baby for bringing home a David Cook poster - Hahaha.

Technologically Challenged

Let me get this straight ...

If I Plurk, it will appear in my Plurk account, my Multiply account and my Facebook wall.

If I Tweet, it appears in my Twitter account and is an optional tweet (only on TweetDeck) in my Facebook account.

If I write on my Facebook wall, it will only appear on my Facebook account?

That sucks.

Since all my websites have my tweets, this is what I got to do:

If I need to broadcast something,

to just my friends, I use Facebook.
to just my work blog and my Multiply account, I use Plurk
to everyone (all blogs, friends, website), I use Twitter in Tweetdeck.

Got that? Errrrr ... sure.

From the movie, He's Just not Into You:
I had this guy leave me a voicemail at work, so I called him at home, and then he emailed me to my BlackBerry, and so I texted to his cell, and now you just have to go around checking all these different portals just to get rejected by seven different technologies. It's exhausting.

I am technologicaly challenged. I thought this was suppose to make things easier? Yowza! Not at all!

Gamot Cogon

School children
Originally uploaded by damonlynch

Photo taken by Damon Lynch as part of a slideshow made for Gamot Cogon, a school located in the middle of the country in Barangay Libongcogon, Zarraga, Iloilo

My nephews and niece go to this school. In this pic 2nd from left is Sky, my cousin's youngest. In the slideshow is my niece Bea and my nephew Rain. Loved the video. Loved the pictures. I seldom see the Iloilo country look this good!

Check out the slideshow.
Check out the Gamot Cogon website.
Check out Damon Lynch in flickr.

The Speed of Dark

The Speed of Dark is a near-future science fiction novel by American author Elizabeth Moon. The story is told from the first person viewpoint of an autistic process analyst. It won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2003, and was also an Arthur C. Clarke Award finalist.

Just finished the book. I am ... feeling good at the moment. I liked it so much I needed to blog about it but now I have no words to describe it. The ending was unexpected. Sad and happy at the same time. It seems like I'm feeling both. I totally love the new Lou Arrendale. It can be very scientific but those were necessary. I love the way it was written. It was like living inside an autistic person. Very enlightening. It's wonderful. I really love it. Must read.

Some quotes:

It's all knowing what to start with. If you start in the right place and follow all the steps, you will get to the right end.

No matter what I do, no matter how predictable I try to make my life, it will not be any more predictable than the rest of the world. Which is chaotic.

One thing nobody can do better than you is be you.

People are people, messy and mutable, combining differently with one another from day to day - even hour to hour.

Mothers

A few months ago, my brother emailed me asking me to send him a picture of my mom. I photographed the very few that were rescued from the flood but I don't think I got to send them to him. I didn't ask why he wanted them. I guess, I knew that we all need to see pics of our moms ever so often.

I miss my mom. Sometimes terribly so.

When I find it difficult to handle Tatay.
When I feel unappreciated for my sacrifices at home.
When I feel burdened with responsibilities at home.
When people seems to think I should be the one to ask for something I can't answer.
When I don't know what to do.
When I see something mom-related.
When I see something my mom would have enjoyed.
When I see something cancer-related.
When my friends' parents get cancer.
When I bump into her friends.
When I triumph over something.
When a family member accomplishes something.
When one of my siblings need help and we can't get to him/her.
When I feel helpless.
When it's her birthday. and when it's my birthday.
When it's her death anniversary.
On Christmas, New Year and all those significant family holidays.
When it's mother's day.

Took these with an old phone cam. They're not very good but they will do for now until I find those pics in my back-up cds.


Happy Mother's Day Nay! Hope your making the most of your wanderlust wherever you are :)

Things I have learned

From reading other people's blogs, watching other people's videos, analyzing other people's lives and finally, learning from my own mistakes ;)

1. Complaining is silly; either act or forget.
2. No one can tell me I can't do it except me.
3. Thinking that life will be better in the future is a waste of time. Live now.
4. Not being truthful works against me.
5. Helping other people helps me
6. Everything I do always comes back to me.
7. I eventually take things for granted over time.
8. Money does not make me happy.
9. Traveling is therapeutic and gives a new perspective for creativity and life.
10. Assuming is stifling.
11. Keeping a journal / blogging keeps me grounded.
12. Trying to look good limits my life.
13. Worrying solves nothing.
14. Material luxuries are best enjoyed in small doses.
15. Counting my blessings is my best weapon against despair.
16. Respect is earned, not demanded from.
17. Ideals and principles are guides, not rules.
18. I need people. And will have to constantly learn to ask for help.
19. I make my own happiness.
20. Breaking rules is liberating, and sometimes necessary.

Weakness

I have a weakness for very tall long haired men with glasses sporting cameras like human appendage. Well, just one guy really. Did you know he owns a Leica? And a Canon DSLR. And a Nikon. And this old Polaroid cam.

I have yet to see his shots. Those I have seen were not that impressive to me so he has yet to prove himself. But oh shit, doesn't he look good with it.