Friday, December 31, 2004

Let's get interactive! --

Post a comment in reply to this entry and...
1. I will tell you what song reminds me of you;
2. I will tell you what celebrity/public/fictional person you remind me of, either personality-wise or looks-wise;
3. I will give you one word that I associate with you when I think of you; and
4. I will tell you what colors I associate with you.

Copy and post; spread the love.

* * *

Thoughts for the day --

So it's the last day of the year and, strangely enough, my last day here in Iloilo (I return to Manila tomorrow afternoon) --

We never really make plans for a New Year Eve celebration -- it's usually just church and then sleep. Yep, we know how to parteeeh~

Bleh.

I'm looking forward to going back to Manila (to my PC, my TV, my clothes, my J, etc. etc.) and I'm really excited about celebrating my birthday with my J this year.

I was planning to make a list of my New Year's resolutions and I decided to check my entries for January this year to see if I had fulfilled any of them. I guess I didn't write them down here. ^_^;;;

For the coming year, I think I can sum it up to this: To let go and be.

I don't want to bother myself about my weight.
I don't want to bother myself about negativity.
I don't want to bother myself with people who are deadset in bringing you down.
I don't want to bother myself with insecurities.
etc.
etc.

I just want to let it all go and be.

Life's too short to be bothered by all this. I just want to go and enjoy my life (and to have as much fun with my J! ^_^)

* * *

Happy New Year everyone!

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

From "A Mighty Wind" --

A Kiss At The End Of The Rainbow

Ohh when the veil of dream has lifted,
And the fairy-tales have all been told.
There's a kiss at the end of the rainbow,
More precious than a pot of gold.

In tales of ancient glory,
Every knight and maiden fair.
Shall be joined when the quest is over,
And the kiss is the oath that they swear.

And when the veil of dream has lifted,
And the fairy-tales have all been told.
There's a kiss at the end of the rainbow,
More precious than a pot of gold.

My sweet, my dear, my darling,
You're so far away from me.
Though an ocean of tears divides us,
Let the bridge of our loss span the sea.

Your kiss....
There's a kiss at the end of the rainbow,
More precious than a pot of gold.

<-- My J and I were so surprised to find a VCD copy of this movie in the local Astrovision for PhP99! I remember seeing this song performed during the Oscars the year it was nominated for best song --

When we were watching the movie -- goosebumps galore! It was so well executed and clever! I'm thinking of buying the rest of the copies here in Iloilo = 2 and will be giving them to friends who might like them. ^^

Oh ... and I think I would like this song played at my wedding. ^_^

Tuesday, December 28, 2004

An Amazing Race --

It started last Wednesday, when my J found out he was getting the 24th and 25th free instead of the 27th and 28th. He was planning to join me in Iloilo on the 26th -- but with that news, we had to scramble and find a ticket for him on the 23rd.

It's the Christmas season and all flights to anywhere would be fully booked. My J decided to try his luck and went to the airport as a chance passenger. He went there at 7am and, at 9, there were seats available on the Bacolod flight. (We checked all the possible connections: Manila - Bacolod; Manila - Roxas, etc.)

By the time he got to the counter, however, it was too late and the flight had already left.

~sigh~

He was able to make the 455pm flight to Bacolod, but missed the last ferry from Bacolod to Iloilo. He had to stay in a crap pension house for the night and took the 7am ferry to Iloilo the next day.

Oh what fun it is to have my hunny here for Christmas. ^_^

We went mad shopping for pajamas and shirts at SM Department store and the Surplus Shop. I took him to all the yummy food places here -- (oh, my poor waist. ^_^;;;)

He left for Manila yesterday evening.

~sigh~ I wish he could have stayed a little longer.

It was wonderful being able to spend the holidays with him. It was great to be able to share all these moments with him.

I wish I could have been there during his first plane ride --
I wish I could have been there with him to explore Bacolod --

But, like my sister said, this is one trip in a lifetime of trips that I will be taking with him.

* * *

Iloilo --

I love it here. I love being able to relax and just walk around with my J -- it isn't so busy here. One could go into SM Department store and take one's time browsing and trying on things.

And how reasonably priced everything is! My J and I went on a "date" and ate batchoy for lunch. Total cost = PhP98 for 2 extra super special batchoy and PhP30 for 2 drinks.

* * *

Bleh --

I think my J and I are both coming down with a cold -- our joints were aching yesterday, but we thought it was because of the weather. This morning, I'm feeling a bit weak and there's a slight tickle in my throat.

Am drinking loads of orange juice and taking Sinutab.

Poor hunny, had to go to work this morning --

* * *

Possibilities for January --

My J and I will spend our birthday doing a movie marathon --

On our list:
1. Kung Fu Hustle
2. Ocean's 12
3. Blade: Trinity

My mom and dad watched "Mano Po 3" and they say it's really nice. I'm still wanting to watch "Enteng Kabisote" for sentimental reasons. ^_^

* * *

Hope everyone's resting well and enjoying their Christmas breaks.

Take care all!

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

How can I forget? --

Books for the year:
5. Wislawa Szymborska's books
4. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
3. Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman
2. Angels and Demons & Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
1. Flipped by Wendelin van Draanen

* * *

Adventures! --

Monday, December 20:
Met up with my J's friends and finally got to meet P, N's girlfriend. We decided to have dinner at Super Bowl of China in Glorietta and went crazy over the suckling pig. *Yum!*

After dinner, we decided to go to Time Zone. (Can't remember when was the last time I visited Timezone. ^_^) I had so much fun! My J beat me at Skeeball. >_< We did that rafting/rowing game -- which was really silly of us.

Best part was when we decided to splurge and had a sketch of ourselves done by the "Van Gogh Machine" -- we had one done na caricature and another one na regular. Cute! ^_^

Tuesday, December 21:
Had some errands in Alabang -- yes, Alabang with my J and youngest bro. After the errand, we had ourselves dropped off at Little Tokyo because I wanted my bro to experience the place. We ended up at the same Okonomiyaki place my J and I ate at the last time. My bro loved it there and is planning a field trip there with his class.

We went to Greenbelt3 and then took the MRT to Shangri-la.

It is impossible to go anywhere these days -- with the traffic being what it is.

Wednesday, December 22:
Was packing a bag and discovered a box that leads to a great adventure -- potentially the greatest adventure of my life. Hurrah! ^_^

* * *

Online Comic Goodness! --

Gashapon Shop

<--- sooooo cute! ^_^

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Something I got from M's blog --

Five Things You May Not Know About My Time in School:
1. I suffered a slight crisis during my junior year and didn't attend classes for an entire week.
2. I really enjoyed Chemistry.
3. I had to load rev out of a class on CS Lewis because I couldn't handle it.
4. I got delayed for an entire year because I wanted to take more of Prof. Torres's classes in grad school
5. Our speech teacher gave me a failing mark because she didn't like me.

Five Things You May Not Know About the Job/s I Have (or Had or Don't Have):
1. I cried in front of one of my classes.
2. I used to get paid in taho. (Summer job ^_^)
3. During an interview, when I was asked why I wanted to teach, I answered "because I want to be a man for others" and, when asked what salary I was expecting, I answered "pay me what you think my service is worth." -- napaka-idealistic ko dati ...
4. I used to write press releases for the Black Shop -- not sure if they ever used them, though
5. My current job is my dream job and one that I worked hard (and waited for so long) to get.

Five Things You May Not Know About My Online Life:
1. I enjoy blogging.
2. Some of my favorite stops are Amazon.com and Amazon UK and Amazon Japan.
3. My friend M got my started on blogging and was actually the one who gave me my online name: kiteflying.
4. I love having DSL connection.
5. The first thing I check when I go online is my mail.

Five Things You May Not Know About Where I Live:
1. I live on the loft of a condominium unit on the 4th floor of a 4-storey building.
2. The place where I stayed at during college had a "presence" and my sister actually saw it in a dream.
3. The most expensive item in this house is my computer table.
4. During the renovation in Iloilo, my mom decided to color coordinate rooms and had mine painted a god-awful peach.
5. I used to have a red bedsheet and it made me feel like I was lying on the fires of hell.

Five Things You May Not Know About My Home Life:
1. I love my sibs.
2. I used to cook and we would have theme nights (Mexican, Japanese, Junk Food, etc.)
3. Our yaya doesn't like me. =(
4. I love early mornings because that's when the house is quietest.
5. I had fun growing up.

Five Things You May Not Know that I Desperately Want:
1. The ability to be calm and not stress out when things don't go as planned.
2. A fast metabolism
3. Someone's forgiveness -- I want things to be as they were before.
4. the motivation to finish my thesis so I could graduate
5. i want to be less controlling of the things around me

Five Embarrassing Fannish Admissions I Have That You May Not Know:
1. I loved the Spice Girls and we would listen/exercise to their music.
2. I love watching the Sunday afternoon talk shows for showbiz chismis.
3. We actually followed the RENT-Manila cast around for all their performances. -- We ended up in Freedom Bar for Ugoy Ugoy gigs; Alabang for a play one of the cast directed, etc. <-- not really embarrassing, but very fangirl
4. During last year's C3Con -- when I was introduced to Carlos Pagulayan (who did the art for Elektra), I went "OHMYGODYOURECARLOSPAGULAYANIABSOLUTELYLOVEYOURWORK!" -- I started taking pictures and even took a 15s video clip of him drawing.
5. My hands were cold when I shook Q's hand the first time I ever met him. (Because I am such a fan of his work)

Five Things You May Not Know About What I Do in a Typical Day:
1. I check my calendar to see if I have anything scheduled for the day.
2. I exercise! <-- yes, this is true
3. Spend so much time with my J (and it's never enough time! I want more!)
4. Read the morning paper in the car on our way to work
5. Have a KFC Asian Chicken Salad on Tuesdays and Thursdays for lunch

* * *

And this one is from G's blog --

Top Five Life-Changing Experiences
5. passing the compre
4. getting a job in Ateneo
3.
2. the store closing
1. my J <-- bet you saw this one coming a mile away ^_^

Top Five Musical Finds
5. college acapella groups
4. benzxi and sofia / wholly grail
3. osts! (TRTL, etc)
2. joss stone
1. wicked and avenue q


Top Five Success Stories
5. my bro finding a job and getting his work visa in the US
4. my other bro completing his MA from NUS
3. completing my chapter 1 and passing the compre
2.
1.

Top Five Goodbye Stories
5.
4.
3.
2.
1. There really is just one entry here -- the store. So many things and people I will miss. ^_^

Top Five Favorite Things
5. staedler triplus fineliner pens (that come in soooo many cool colors!)
4. my credit card
3. my new cellphone
2. my rubber mary janes (white and black pair)
1. photos of me and my J and all the tickets we saved of all the movies we watched

Top Five Regrets
5.
4.
3.
2.
1. just one -- the one i need to ask forgiveness for. ~sigh~

Top Five Promises for 2005
5. lose weight / adapt a healthier lifestyle
4. read more books
3. write something
2. be a better teacher
1. finish my MA

* * *

A curious thing I got from a friend of a friend's blog --

Project: Person for the Day
Objectives:
1. to acknowledge people for the little things they do to make me happy
2. to help me recognize who makes my day

Friday, December 17, 2004

At this moment --

My sibs are playing VtES with my J and our friend C -- we've just had a grand dinner of Panciteria Lido take out and we've opened all our presents for Christmas.

It's always fun sitting around the tree and recounting the story of how we got a particular gift for a particular sibling -- there are always stories.

This year, there was the added element of my J and friend C --

The funniest thing -- my sibs and I got my J the same gift! Size difference lang! We couldn't stop laughing about it! It really just goes to show how we all have similar tastes and how alike we all are. ^_^ (I love my sibs)

Best gifts received so far --
5. Cash for an LCA -- yay!
4. A pair of funky shoes! (with a pretty flower design on the side!)
3. A Body Shop White Musk bath set!!! -- just in time, my current stash is running low
2. A Japanese-inspired photo album
1. A green house dress ^_^

I like this moment -- we're all in our pambahay and we're sitting around and playing and listening to music. It's so peaceful and right.

This is the best present I think -- this peace and rightness.

(I'm smiling right now.)

* * *

Interesting site --

Stumbleupon Review -- check it out

Look at this -- (by Mary Daniel Hobson -- thanks to the stumbleupon people)


Destiny, you are the oldest of The Endless, you are eternally chained to a book that holds the secrets of the universe. You are all business, never have time to even crack a smile,%
Destiny, you are the oldest of The Endless, you are
eternally chained to a book that holds the
secrets of the universe. You are all business,
never have time to even crack a smile, and
always make sure you do not draw too much
attention. You do not want people hunting after
you!


Which Endless are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Still more of my lists for 2005 --

Things I did that I am most proud of
5. not giving up on my MA despite the oh-so-many things that are keeping me from finishing that damned thing
4. applying to Ateneo to teach and going back to teaching
3. reading all the books I read this year (i love books ^_^) -- discovering Young Adult Fiction (thanks to M)
2. taking that big, big leap and saying "yes"
1. living my life ^_^ (h'ray for me)

Discoveries for 2004
5. I love Andok's Liempo!
4. Knowing how to commute -- having to take a bus to the V. Mapa Station of the LRT2 and then taking the LRT2 to Katipunan 3 times a week
3. Booksale, Books for Less, etc. -- I was able to find so many cool books from these places. (This is thanks to my J ^_^)
2. UP Shopping Center -- a treasure trove of yummy food, cheap photocopying and more books!
1. my J!!! -- the bestest, greatest, most amazing surprise of my life! Gives the best back rubs and the tightest, warmest hugs. The absolute love of all my lifetimes.

Happy Thoughts
5. my students like me (particularly my Lit13 students) -- how their faces light up when we see each other in campus
4. new friends -- I love how my horizons are continually expanding because the people I am around share so much with me.
3. my life and the people I have in it right now (I want for nothing more ... seriously ^_^)
2. March, 2004 -- (I love my J!)
1. knowing that I am loved and knowing how much love I am able to give / my J <-- ultimate happy thought / my sibs (and how cool they are and how proud I am of them)

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

This worries me --

Remember Fr Bob Hope? SJ?
(Not the one who made American GIs laugh.)
The one who taught you English! (He also made us laugh.)
This is your last chance to laugh with him (again)!

Calling all ex-students of Fr. Galdon to
"A Tribute To Fr. Galdon"

For over three decades, he labored to teach us English…with mixed results…not because he was a bad teacher but because we were NOT so bright students! But we loved him…and as he nears the twilight of his years, we gather here to express that love…in appreciation of the labor of love he put in; in not giving up teaching us. Maybe he should have, but he didn’t!!!

Come to the first planning/organizing meeting on Saturday, 8 January 2005, at the Cervini Cafeteria, from 12 noon. You may eat (and pay) your lunch there.

Who’s inviting? That’s us:

Benjie Osias, coll70 (0916-5172715, artalaga@i-manila.com.ph) and
Perry Doroja, coll70 (0919-3078689, perrydoroja@yahoo.com, 727-9555),
both of En 11/12 in 1966.


...it worries me because I already lost Fr. Lahiff (and every mass I attend in Ateneo when all the Jesuit priests gather, I remember him and it always makes me cry.) and I would hate to lose Fr. Galdon --

~sigh~

* * *

Something to reflect on for the coming year --

God Knows Our Hearts

* * *

Wholly Grail! --

Wow! I finally got a chance to see them perform -- well, practice. They sound really great and, in time, am sure they will resoundingly ROCK. ^_^

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Christmas Wish List --

I posted this list last November 1 --

Here's my *ahem* want list:
1. Gregory Maguire's Lost, Wicked (turned into a Musical) and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister
2. Mike Gayle's His 'n' Hers
3. A watch (the Tintin watch from Swatch - is this available here kaya?)
4. A subscription to Real Living (haaay, my J got me hooked to this magazine >_<)
5. A new pair of Havaianas
6. A nice bag that I could use for work -- Egg has really cute canvas ones.

In addition --
1. A new blog template -- that's mine and mine alone
2. Judy Moody books (my J and I saw them in National Bookstore - Shangri-La) -- it looks cute ^_^
3. Grown-up shoes -- I'm always in my rubber mary janes and birks, even in school. I think it's time to learn how to walk in heels. ~sigh~
4. A button maker <-- wanted one since last year pa
5. An LCA <-- but I think I'll get one for myself as a birthday present (I also got my Supersampler as a birthday present for myself ^_^)

* * *

I finally got it! --

That Starbuck's annual journal -- it's mine, all mine! The secret pala is having your boy get the drinks you don't like (I'm sorry world, I really don't like that peppermint mocha).

Explanation --
Every year, I look for one of those diaries and I place it in front of my computer screen. It holds a record of everything I've done for the year -- who I met where for what, movies I watched, etc.

It's a lovely record of my year and it's always fun to look through them.

The first one ever was the diary from HP, which my bro (who used to work there) got as part of their Christmas package.

Last year, it was an insurance company's diary -- I panicked eh -- it was already December 31 and I couldn't find the right one. Thankfully, this one grew on me.

So, this year -- it's the Starbuck's one. Hurrah! ^_^

* * *

In the continuing adventures of J and T --

Yesterday, we found ourselves in Shangri-La wanting to buy the last of the Christmas presents and ended up watching "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" --

The movie was at 715 so we decided to have dinner first. We had originally planned to eat at Mongkok (which we both love), but decided to look at the menus of the restos beside it.

We ended up eating at C2 (Classic Cuisine), which serves Filipino food. Everything there is delicious and amazingly affordable for Shangri-la -- their food is good for two and, trust me, it is enough. We took pictures (using my k500i -- now I just have to figure out how to upload them.

My J and I tried their Adobo Rice and Spicy Pork Barbecue, which were both oh-so-yummy! ^_^ We were supposed to have their Bibingka Souffle, but we were informed that it would take 15 minutes to prepare -- and we had a movie to watch.

We will definitely go back there for that Bibingka Souffle (and for the Ensaymada Bread Pudding).

We made our way to the cinema -- stopped by for some popcorn first.

Side kwento: We ordered popcorn from the snack bar, and, while waiting for my J's Sour Cream popcorn to be prepared, these two girls also arrived to get their popcorn. We were standing a little after the cash register and we were blocking their way. One of the girls gave me this look, which I took to mean, "why are you blocking our way". Siyempre, ako naman, I step aside so they could pass through. And then that I realized that the moron had walked in from the exit of the queue. (I am that OC -- even if we're the only people there, I would always enter through where they have the sign "Line Starts Here")

I loved the movie -- and so did my J. We were both laughing our heads off at some scenes. There were times I couldn't breathe na from all the laughing. I loved Colin Firth's character (and I even turned to whisper to my J that I wanted Mark Darcy for Christmas). There were parts of the movie that I felt were rushed -- parang it was strange how they contracted time -- one year na pala yun and I didn't feel it or see the change.

But I came out of the theater inspired (to lose weight -- Renee Zellweger gained so much for the movie and she's lost it all again! I will try to do the same -- erm... the losing part and, hopefully, none of the gaining part ^_^;;;)

* * *

From Avenue Q --

(Thanks to E and C for multiple copies of this. ^_^)

There's a fine, fine line
Between a lover and a friend
And there's a fine, fine line
Between reality and pretend
And you never know till you reach the top
If it was worth the uphill climb
There's a fine, fine line
Between love and a waste of time

There's a fine, fine line
Between a fairy tale and a lie
And there's a fine, fine line
Between "you're wonderful" and "goodbye"
I guess if someone doesn't love you back
It isn't such a crime
But there's a fine, fine line
Between love and a waste of your time

And I don't have the time to waste on you anymore
I don't think that you even know what you're looking for
For my own sanity I've gotta close the door
And walk away

There's a fine, fine line
Between together and not
And there's a fine, fine line
Between what you wanted and what you got
You gotta go after the things you want
While you're still in you're prime
There's a fine, fine line
Between love and a waste of time

and

PRINCETON:
Why does everything have to be so hard?

GARY COLEMAN:
Maybe you'll never find your purpose.

CHRISTMAS EVE:
Lots of people don't.

PRINCETON:
But then- I don't know why I'm even alive!

KATE MONSTER:
Well, who does, really?
Everyone's a little bit unsatisfied.

BRIAN:
Everyone goes 'round a little empty inside.

GARY COLEMAN:
Take a breath,
Look around,

BRIAN:
Swallow your pride,

KATE MONSTER:
FOr now...

BRIAN, KATE, GARY, CHRISTMAS EVE:
For now...

NICKY:
Nothing lasts,

ROD:
Life goes on,

NICKY:
Full of surprises.

ROD:
You'll be faced with problems of all shapes and sizes.

CHRISTMAS EVE:
You're going to have to make a few compromises...
For now...

TREKKIE MONSTER:
For now...

ALL:
But only for now! (For now)
Only for now! (For now)
Only for now! (For now)
Only for now!

LUCY:
For now we're healthy.

BRIAN:
For now we're employed.

BAD IDEA BEARS:
For now we're happy...

KATE MONSTER:
If not overjoyed.

PRINCETON:
And we'll accept the things we cannot avoid, for now...

GARY COLEMAN:
For now...

TREKKIE MONSTER:
For now...

KATE MONSTER:
For now...

ALL:
But only for now! (For now)
Only for now! (For now)
Only for now! (For now)
Only for now!

Only for now!
(For now there's life!)
Only for now!
(For now there's love!)
Only for now!
(For now there's work!)
For now there's happiness!
But only for now!
(For now discomfort!)
Only for now!
(For now there's friendship!)
Only for now (For now!)
Only for now!

Only for now! (Sex!)
Is only for now! (Your hair!)
Is only for now! (George Bush!)
Is only for now!

Don't stress,
Relax,
Let life roll off your backs
Except for death and paying taxes,
Everything in life is only for now!

NICKY:
Each time you smile...

ALL:
...Only for now

KATE MONSTER:
It'll only last a while.

ALL:
...Only for now

PRINCETON:
Life may be scary...

ALL:
...Only for now
But it's only temporary

Ba-dum ba-dum
Ba-dum ba-dum
Ba dum ba-dum
Ba-da da da da
ba-da da-da da da-da
Ba-dum ba-da, ba-dum ba-da
ohhhh-

PRINCETON:
Everything in life is only for now.

Saturday, December 11, 2004

So I just wished someone dead a few hours ago --

Couldn't help it. The man was just so fucking obnoxious and rude. And his daughter was no better.

My sister told me about them last week -- how they insisted that everything be discounted, including the ones that were just released. They were insisting on getting special treatment because he believes we're from the same place (I refuse to believe that these morons come from Iloilo).

This morning, they were back. The daughter kept coming back and forth from the manga shelf asking for how much the discount was for each volume when they were all clearly labeled anyway. She kept asking for a higher discount because "suki" na daw siya -- (uhm -- no.)

And they kept speculating that we would lower our prices next week because it's our last week. When we told the father that, no -- there would be no final reductions for manga (because, seriously, we don't mind keeping a set of the good ones ourselves) -- he's like "well, what are you going to do with all these?" -- like it's his business in the first place. My sister tells him that we plan to keep them and perhaps give some away to friends in the future -- and the guy tells us that we are now friends with his daughter and that we should give them some now. (uhm -- no.)

When they finally made a purchase they insisted on getting the FF characters on display as a freebie. I politely tell the guy that those were gifts from friends and it would be RUDE <-- I really put emphasis on this word when I said it, if I gave it to them.

Then the guy interrupts me mid-sentence and asks me who my parents were. The fuck. I looked familiar daw.

Here's how he said it: Sino parents mo? Parang kilala kita.

To which I reply: I don't know you so I don't think I should tell you who they are.

Not satisfied, he bothers our yaya -- thinking he could bully her into spilling.

Uhm -- no. Our yaya is so wary of them as well kaya she would rather sound disrespectful to him than to tell him.

Wahahahahahahahaha <--- my most evil laugh

I don't understand how some people can be so rude.

I don't understand why people think they deserve special treatment just because you speak the same language. If anything, they should be the people who would support and understand you more.

~sigh~

Apologies for the rant.
Lists! --

Yep, it's that time of year again --

Actually, am starting a bit late this time. ^_^;;

1. List five things you'd like to accomplish by the end of the year.
- revise my thesis proposal so I can defend the damned thing by next year
- work out a timetable/lesson plan for Critical Thinking and the Argumentative Research Paper
- finish reading the Jasper Fforde books
- write a poem (kahit isa lang -- for the end of the year)
- take my sibs to Little Tokyo for lunch or dinner

2. List five people you've lost contact with that you'd like to hear from again.
- Abbie, a good friend from high school
- Cheng, another good friend from high school
... sad lang, they were on my list then last year --
- friends from college
- friends from Xavier
- friends from Iloilo

3. List five things you'd like to learn how to do.
- to relax and take things as they come
- to learn to let go of things from the past and to live in the present
- to lose weight and keep it off ... forever!
-
-

4. List five things you'd do if you won the lottery (no limit).- give some to the victims of the recent typhoon
- set up funds for people who need it (people with great ideas, etc.) / pay for my godchildren's education
- travel!
- set up a retirement fund for all of my teachers and yayas
- save the rest

5. List five things you do that help you relax.- talk to my J (great stress reliever)
- read / write down thoughts
- stay quiet and reflect
- go to Fresh and do the grocery
- ask for hugs (from my J) ^_^

* * *

Top 5s! --

Movies watched on video (VCD/DVD/VHS)
5. Vatel
4. Triplets of Belleville
3. Before Sunset *koff*
2. Lost in Translation / Love Actually
1. Fahrentheit 9/11 / Bowling for Columbine / Amelie / Turn Right, Turn Left


Movies watched on the big screen
5. Last Samurai / Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind / Imelda / Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. National Treasure / Shrek 2
3. House of Flying Daggers
2. 2046 / Lost in Translation
1. 50 First Dates <--- super-special significance to me and my J ^_^ / Incredibles


Movies that I wanted to watch but didn't/haven't (and are either not out on video or I just haven't gotten a copy)
5. The Merchant of Venice
4. A Very Long Engagement
3. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
2. Kung Fu Hustle (Stephen Chow!!!)
1. Ocean's Twelve
... there's also Batman Begins, Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events


Cartoon shows
5.
4.
3. The Wild Thornberry's
2. Fairly Oddparents (Nickelodeon)
1. As Told by Ginger (Nickelodeon)


Comic Series
5. Hopeless Savages
4. We3
3. Demo
2. Runaways
1. Fables


Gadgets I lusted over
5. Dell Insprion 700m (which one of my bros got -- soooo cute! I don't need it, but I want one ^_^)
4. Honda Jazz <--- wahahahahaah! Is this a gadget? XD
3. SE K500i (which I got), K700i and S700
2. Ipod or any MP3 player
1. Lomo cameras! <-- there are new ones! (and I still want an LCA >_<)


OSTs
5.
4. Kill Bill vol 1 OST
3. 2046 (I don't have it, but I want one!)
2. Turn Right, Turn Left
1. The Royal Tenenbaums / Wicked

Songs
5.
4. Breathe by Michelle Branch
3. Fell in Love with a Boy (Joss Stone's version)
2. Defying Gravity from Wicked (and For Good)
1. She Will be Loved by Maroon 5 (and Sunday Morning)

* * *

Over coffee and cake --

Comes enlightenment. Thanks, G! ^_^

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

Song --

I've been browsing for a nice meaning for the word "song" and none of them seem to capture that element of singing that seems to involve and affect your total being.

I don't know if that makes sense --

Maybe I can explain it better through some more random thoughts --

Father Galdon always believed that singing was the purest prayer one can offer up to God. There is something about singing that inevitably involves your emotions. You can't possibly sing and not feel it in your heart.

During the lunch masses in Ateneo when I was still a student there, he was known to say, "That was so good, we'll sing it again." And the campus choir would indulge him.

At mass yesterday, while listening to the ACMG choir (they changed their name), L turned to me and said something about how our religious songs are actually love songs -- so different from the soul/gospel music of other places.

They sang one of my favorite songs yesterday -- "Huwag kang mangamba" -- the first time I heard this song, it was just the choir singing it at a concert but, yesterday, it was the entire church singing it.

Huwag kang mangamba
Di ka nag-iisa
Sasamahan kita
Saan ka magpunta...


Something in me recognized the promise that HE (and by "He" I mean God) made and it was so wonderfully comforting. And when it's a lot of people singing it at the same time -- you realize that you aren't alone.

And that thought just made me smile.

* * *

...and there was no light in the world but you --

I love my J. ^_^

* * *

This is cute. Trust me --

My J and I love toy stores and we went crazy going through all the new toys at Kidz Station in Shangrila. The other day, we were with out friend C and spent almost 2 hours inside Toy Kingdom.

Anyhoo -- at Kidz Station, we discovered this nifty little toy (and I thought it would make a perfect gift for one of my bros). See here. ^_^ As you can see, you can make one and have it play in your desktop.

My J and I might "adopt" one later. ^_^

* * *

2046!!! --

We were pleasantly surprised to find out that Wong Kar Wai's latest movie was going to be in local theaters today. Siyempre, we watched it (at Shangrila -- which is really nice and comfy. And they have great popcorn)

Ang galing talaga ng vision ni Wong Kar Wai -- there is something about his movies that leaves you breathless and speechless at the end.

Hmmm -- maybe this is because in one scene in the movie, we get to see Tony Leung Chiu Wai's naked behind!!!

OMG! (I clapped through it -- much to my J's dismay ^_^)

Watch it, peeps! (The movie -- not Tony Leung's behind ^_^)

Sunday, December 05, 2004

On the question of whether there is still magic in this world --

We just wrapped up our discussion of the traditional modes of narrative in my fiction class and I assigned my class a paper. I asked them to consider these traditional modes in the face of (post-)modern fiction and to answer the question -- "Is there still magic in this world and do you believe in it?"

I'm reading through 46 essays and they all pretty much say the same thing -- No and No. Many of my students cite science and technology and this awareness of reality as reasons why they don't believe in magic anymore.

I don't know if I gave them the impression that I didn't think it existed anymore and they were just writing to please me or if these are really their thoughts.

I'm hoping it's the former --

Because it would just be sad if it were the latter.
What a day! --

Had a really busy day yesterday -- had to make a trip to Makati on very short notice. I originally planned to make the trip to do the errands today, when it's my J's day off but everyone I needed to see was more available on Saturday than on Sunday.

Traffic was terrible and the heat was unbearable. Ugh!

It was a hectic haring around Makati to make all the needed stops. At around 6, our feet just gave in and we had to make a stop at Starbucks to rest and refresh ourselves.

And then had to go to Makati Cinema Square to find my bro's gift -- he's really into watching these series and, since r!'s been raving about it, I wanted to get him a copy of "The Office"

Sayang it was sold out na.

But I was able to get him Mr. Bean the Animated Series plus CSI Season 3. Yay!

* * *

Dinner! --

Was sooooooo good! My J's been wanting to visit Little Tokyo near Makati Cinema Square for the longest time and we finally made the trip.

The area is a "little" Tokyo -- the path that leads to the restaurants really sets the mood for the place. We settled into an Okonomiyaki place (Kagura) and had to sit at the bar (because the booths were full -- sayang, cool pa naman sana to sit on tatami at a low table).

The food was amazing and the prices were fairly reasonable.

We ordered the Okonomiyaki with Shrimp and Yakisoba with Pork.

Here are the yummy pics!


It is excellent with the Japanese mayo, which we had them serve on the side for *ahem* diet purposes. =P



* * *

Some realizations --

1. I really get cranky and whiny when I'm tired. Yesterday, I was sulking most of the time. My J is very patient about this, which is good. Brat din pala ako. ^_^

2. Am accident prone. Yesterday, I managed to:
a. make my thumb bleed (stubbed it on the zipper of my bag)
b. make my littlest toe bleed (stubbed it on the leg of a table at Mcdo)

3. Big wounds scare the bejesus out of me. The wound on my littlest toe is icky and I couldn't bear to look at it or take off the band-aid we used to cover it from the elements. My J was very nice and very gentle with the whole thing.

* * *

Sun! Sun! Sun! --

Don't you just like how things sound better in threes? ^_^

I sort of made the switch to Sun Cellular na. My J and I bought prepaid simpacks and the 24/7 card.

Assessment:
1. It's hard to load the 24/7 -- I guess this is because a lot of people are using this same service and Sun really hasn't updated its systems to cope with the 1 million subscribers they have. We had to try about 6 to 8 times to load it.

2. Paminsan, the signal does die in certain areas.

3. It's a bit of a pain to send messages paminsan -- you keep getting the "Message Sending Failed" message.

I guess Sun will improve naman in time.

This is curious, though -- it's printed on the back of their card:
Sun Cellular reserves the right to disallow or discontinue 24/7 Unlimited Service at any time and at its sole discretion without encurring any liability whatsoever. This service is strictly for the exclusive private and personal use of the individual subscriber only.

Hmm -- I don't seem to be doing a good job convincing people to switch --
It's biggest pull talaga is the whole "unlimited" thing -- and this is true. My J and I were texting and calling each other like crazy early yesterday trying to coordinate for our errands in Makati.

I'm giving myself a month to try this out, which is why I'm not giving out this number muna. You guys can still contact me through my old number.

Saturday, December 04, 2004

Not bad --

I'm worth $1,755,586.68! How much are you worth?


Thursday, December 02, 2004

It's a big one --

See here --

We had no idea there was such a storm coming so, when we woke up this morning and everyone was talking about "storm signal no. 4," we went to my bro's website and saw the huge storm system coming our way.

* * *

New discovery! --

Got this from r!'s blog -- good place to get books. Check it out. ^_^

* * *

There is no escaping --

Shaun of the Dead!

My J's been wanting to watch this movie for a long time and today's the day. ^_^;;;

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

My japanese name is 藤原 Fujiwara (wisteria fields) 三千代 Michiyo (three thousand generations).
Take your real japanese name generator! today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.

Yes --

CCHQ is closing. We're having a sale until December 18.

* * *

Good-night? ah! no; the hour is ill
Which severs those it should unite;
Let us remain together still,
Then it will be good night.

How can I call the lone night good,
Though thy sweet wishes wing its flight?
Be it not said, thought, understood --
Then it will be -- good night.

To hearts which near each other move
From evening close to morning light,
The night is good; because, my love,
They never say good-night.
- Percy Bysshe Shelley

* * *

Before you ask the questions --

Please know that it was a difficult decision to make. We had to consider a lot of factors and we really just felt it was time to let it go.

We've had a wonderful time -- met so many amazing people and learned so much about ourselves and about life.

It's been a great ride and I'd like to thank you guys for coming along with us for the adventure.

* * *

I thought I had suitably prepared myself for this moment but I find that I'm still affected by it. J texted and I knew he was concerned and wanted to talk to me about it -- but I don't think I'm ready yet.

So if you guys get to visit, talk to us about your good memories of the place? It would really please us. ^_^

Monday, November 29, 2004

If you guys are free Monday or Tuesday next week --

Ditsi Carolino's "Riles" will be showing in Ateneo Loyola Heights next week. There are two screenings open to the public:

December 6 (Monday), 6:30 - 8:30 pm
December 7 (Tuesday), 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Both screenings will be at Escaler Hall, SEC A Building

"Riles" is an excellent, extremely powerful documentary by Ditsi Carolino about the life of a family who lives by the railroad tracks in Manila.

There will be an open forum after each screening, and the people involved in the making of the film will be present.

The film-maker is charging a minimal fee of P40 per person, which can be paid at the door.

* * *

For the sake of posterity -- (humor me)

I have this song stuck in my head right now and I want to look back a year from now and know when exactly this happened --

HER:] They say we're young and we don't know
We won't find out until we grow
[HIM:] Well I don't know if all that's true
'Cause you got me, and baby I got you

[HIM:] Babe
[BOTH:] I got you babe I got you babe

[HER:] They say our love won't pay the rent
Before it's earned, our money's all been spent
[HIM:] I guess that's so, we don't have a pot
But at least I'm sure of all the things we got

[HIM:] Babe
[BOTH:] I got you babe I got you babe

[HIM:] I got flowers in the spring I got you to wear my ring
[HER:] And when I'm sad, you're a clown
And if I get scared, you're always around
[HER:] So let them say your hair's too long
'Cause I don't care, with you I can't go wrong
[HIM:] Then put your little hand in mine
There ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb

[HIM:] Babe
[BOTH:] I got you babe I got you babe

[HIM:] I got you to hold my hand
[HER:] I got you to understand
[HIM:] I got you to walk with me
[HER:] I got you to talk with me
[HIM:] Igot you to kiss goodnight
[HER:] I got you to hold me tight
[HIM:] I got you, I won't let go
[HER:] I got you to love me so

[BOTH:] I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe

* * *

So, how did you spend your day today? --

It sucked that it was raining the whole day -- it severely limited the possibilities for today. I ended up making a quick trip to the fruit store at the corner and bought some mangoes and made mango shakes for lunch.

My sister and I watched the Bond VCD (live at Royal Albert Hall) and am going in in a bit to watch "The Hours"

* * *

And today's Capricorn horoscope --

If there's any way you can manage it, take a day or so off and enjoy the company of the ones you love. If you absolutely have to work, at least spend the evening with your sweetie or dearest pal.

Daily Couples:
Ignore your practical side for once and focus on your whimsical ideals. Spend your energies directly on your partner and fall in with their plans gracefully.

Sunday, November 28, 2004

So much to say! --

It was our friend C's birthday last Friday and we had an impromptu celebration for him. It was all planned in the span of a few hours and it was amazing how everything just fell into place.

Had my first meal at Hap Chang along West Ave, courtesy of C -- their Salt and Pepper Squid was yummy!

We stopped by Mini Stop and picked up ice cream -- finally got to try that Magnolia Nuggets (which, I think, is overpriced -- but very yummy as well).

In between these stops, we were discussing how locusts are actually grasshoppers and how there seems to be a pattern in everything -- this is my reason in believing that there's a higher power ... the world is just too beautiful to be an accident.

And how we alliterated! Yes -- you read it right the first time: alliterated. The nonsense we spouted!

Oh, and there was Andok's liempo after -- which is always a good thing.

(I love hanging out with my J and his friends -- it's always a mix of deep, deep insights and the shallowest silliness ^_^)

* * *

And today --

Spent the afternoon watching my J play Lord of the Rings: The Third Age on PS2 -- cool game siya with really great graphics. Fans of the movie (and the book) would probably want to try this game out.

Then we had dinner with C at Oyster Boy before they brought me home.

... and I've become addicted to Big Chill's Mango Meditation with Yogurt.

(Am thinking to make my own fruit drinks -- I'll probably play with the blender tomorrow and see what I'll mix up ^_^)

* * *

Quiz Time! --

Your Beauty lies inIntelligence. Logical, wise and a book-worm. You
have a mature beauty andlook that shows how smart you are. You rely solely
on your logic to solve allyour or anyone else's problems, which is a bit of a
two-sided coin. The factmakes you seem rather emotionless and cold to some
people. Not everything can besolved with logic. Despite it, many come to you for
advice and love howsmart you are, wondering if there is anything you
don't know. You probably don'twear much make-up as it distracts you from your
studies, but you may wear a pairof glasses just because you like how you look in
them, whether you need them ornot. For the most part, your looks mean little to
you, which makes all the moreattractive, especially when you're concentrated on
something. Good for you. Nowgo get your next A+.


Some Things That
RepresentYou:


Element: Water,Light Animal: Owl Color: Black,
White, Blues Song:Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata Expression:
Concentrated Stare


Gemstone: Topaz
MythologicalCreature: Centaur Planet: Uranus Hair Color: Dusty Blonde Eye Color: Gray-Blue


Quote:
"Knowledge ispower."



Where Does Your Beauty Lie? ..::Original Pictures Are Back! Detailed Results::..
brought to you by Quizilla

Chamomile Tea
Chamomile Tea...You are Chamomile Tea.Your an original! Helpful to anyone in need and
always willing to lend a hand, you take action
but not through violence, people listen to you
for you have a knack for giving wonderful
advice! Many look up to you and you try your
best not to let them down. You have many
friends steadfast or no who consider themselves
lucky to be near you. You may have been hurt in
the past but you dont let that stand in your
way! You have a wonderful outlook on life and
try to see the good in people which is an
awesome gift!

What type of Tea are you? {-With Anime Pictures!-}
brought to you by Quizilla


YOU ARE ROSEMARY

What herb are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

* * *

Did I mention how much I love my J? --

I do. 'yun lang. ^_^

Wednesday, November 24, 2004

This time last year --

I had attended a recollection, and was participating (unsuccessfully) in NaNoWriMo.

I was also reviewing for the comprehensive exam, which I passed (thankfully).

Ah, so much has changed.

And so much has remained the same.

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight
Rainer Maria Rilke

As once the winged energy of delight
carried you over childhood's dark abysses,
now beyond your own life build the great
arch of unimagined bridges.

Wonders happen if we can succeed
in passing through the harshest danger;
but only in a bright and purely granted
achievement can we realize the wonder.

To work with Things in the indescribable
relationship is not too hard for us;
the pattern grows more intricate and subtle,
and being swept along is not enough.

Take your practiced powers and stretch them out
until they span the chasm between two
contradictions...For the god
wants to know himself in you.

Translated by Stephen Mitchell

* * *

Oh, and I think I've made a decision --

Regarding which novel to let my students read -- Possession by AS Byatt. (Because I love this book so much and I think my students will enjoy it)

Monday, November 22, 2004

I love my sibs! --

My sibs know how much I love Edna from the movie The Incredibles -- and she really doesn't have a lot of merchandise available.

When we found out there's a keychain of her that comes free with Nestle cereal, my bro (one of the twins) bought 2 boxes to eat. Sayang we didn't get her.

This morning, my youngest bro texted me to tell me there's a package at the condo for me. I didn't know what it was. Until I got home tonight --

and it's an Edna T-shirt from Bossini! OMG! I can't wait to wear it tomorrow. ^_^

* * *

More Edna goodness --

I loved how quirky she was! I loved how she talked! (She's voiced by Brad Bird, who created The Incredibles ^_^)

Lookie here and here and here --

* * *

More on how cool my sibs are --

I needed a copy of Into the Woods and my bro in the US FedEx-ed me a copy. (I got it today) ^_^

* * *

If you haven't tried Andok's Liempo --

You should. Yum.

* * *

Christmas Shopping Update --

I'm almost done. Just have to buy for one more sib and then parents na lang.

Oh, and it's AMA Mall week at the Ateneo -- lots of cool stuff and food. Go check it out.

Sunday, November 21, 2004

This week --

Peeps, try to go and see this movie -- it will surprise you.

Trust me.

* * *

O_o --

If I had the resources to go -- I would.

(I'm talking about the Sting concert, btw ^_^)

* * *

Hotdogs --

Had a Mini-Stop hotdog yesterday -- yum!

* * *

Now I know why I haven't been to Makati in a really long time --

I just don't like being there.

* * *

Currently reading --

Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own

... will start reading Jasper Fforde's Lost in a Good Book.

Saturday, November 20, 2004

Architecture
You are Architecture.You are the most functional art form and rarely do
anything without some practical purpose.
Although you are capable of easilly outstaging
the other arts, you usually prefer to go
unnoticed.

What form of art are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Friday, November 19, 2004

This one goes out to the one I love --

Somethin' in your eyes, makes me wanna lose myself
Makes me wanna lose myself, in your arms
There's somethin' in your voice, makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts, the rest of my life

If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how long I've been so alone
And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

A window breaks, down a long, dark street
And a siren wails in the night
But I'm alright, 'cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see, through the dark there is light

Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I'd love anyone so much

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way the back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

- "Feels like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk

... I love you, hun.
Some new thoughts --

All from The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

"...cash is always the deciding factor in such matters of moral politics; nothing ever gets done unless motivated by commerce or greed." - J. Schitt

"...memory is but one hundredth of the strength of currently felt emotions." - T. Next

"Human emotions, well... they're just a fathomless collection of grays and I don't do so well on the midtones." - T. Next

* * *

Still listening to --

... the acapella version of Crash Into Me.

* * *

Am nearly done with Christmas shopping -- just have to pick up one or two more things and then gift wrap them.

Funny -- when I asked my students if they were done with their Christmas shopping, they gave me a weird look.
Am crossing my fingers and hoping for the best --

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

While walking through my path in Ateneo --

It takes a certain amount of time for the body to learn a simple motion...
from this site on Muscle Memory

The term "muscle memory" is something I learned when I had a brief stint with learning how to play the violin. Given time and practice, your fingers will remember the exact spot to press to play the right key.

Even after years of not holding the violin (and despite the so-few lessons), I picked it up once -- about a month ago and played the scales for my J.

I was never good at it and really didn't have the passion to see it through -- but that's another story.

This one is about how much I love hold my J's hand --

From the very beginning, it just seemed so natural for my hand to be holding his hand. Near the end of our first date, while crossing the street, I looked up and saw my first star of the evening. I took hold of his hand and tugged at it to gain his attention. And I haven't let go ever since.

When we're walking (and we do this a lot), it feels so awkward when I'm not holding his hand -- it's a hand that's dangling hopelessly against gravity and needs something to anchor it. I told T yesterday, while we were walking to Starbucks, that the only purpose my left hand has is to hold my J's hand.

And I love how he holds my hand -- how he gives it a squeeze now and then (and I know that he's thinking of something good) and how he isn't satisfied with a loose hold so he closes his hand over mine firmly and completely.

Even when we have so many packages between us, we still manage to arrange these bags and stuff so we could hold hands.

(I love it that we do that. ^_^)
Yay! I like this --

Daily Couples:
Your hard work has paid off, and now it's time to play.
Sweep your sweetie off their feet for a joyous spree of all your favorite joint activities.

(From Yahoo! Astrology)

Hmmm... what do my J and I like to do O_o:
- eat (oh, how we love to eat)
- watch movies (and have great popcorn with it)
- go to bookstores
- window shop
- have dessert (which really should count as eating -- but, no ^_^)
- go to UP for karioka <--- am not sure how this should be spelled
- do the groceries
- watch TV (Lifestyle Network and ETV)
- go to Church (hahahaha -- our intentions are not holy -- the bibingka there is good ^_^)

... and the list goes on. But, for this week, I think we are going to try bowling. (~help~)

* * *

Amazing Race 6! --

Starts today! ^_^

* * *

My new toy --

Sony Ericsson K500i

It's a nifty little thing. Now I want polytones and I don't know how to download them to an Ericsson.

Sunday, November 14, 2004

More from Stephen Schwartz's "Wicked" --

This is what happens when you listen to one CD over and over and over --

I'M NOT THAT GIRL

ELPHABA:
Hands touch, eyes meet
Sudden silence, sudden Heat
Hearts leap in a giddy world
He could be that boy
But I'm not that girl

Don't dream too far
Don't lose sight of who you are
Don't remember that rush of joy
He could be that boy
I'm Not That Girl

Every so often we long to steal
To the land of 'What-Might-Have-Been'
But that doesn't soften the ache we feel
When reality sets back in...


Blithe smile, lithe limb
She who's winsome, she wins him
Gold hair with a gentle curl
That's the Girl he chose
And heaven knows
I'm Not That Girl

Don't wish, don't start
Wishing only wounds the heart
I wasn't born for the rose and pearl
There's a Girl I know
He loves her so
I'm Not That Girl

* * *

FOR GOOD

GLINDA:
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are lead to those who help us most to grow
If we let them and we help them in return
Well I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you


Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Half way through the wood
Who can say if I've changed for the better
But because I knew youI have been changed for good

ELPHABA:
It well may be that we will never meet again
In this lifetime, so let me say before we part
So much of me is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend

Like a ship flung from it's mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a sky-bird
In the distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better
But because I knew you

GLINDA:
Because I knew you

GLINDA & ELPHABAI:
I have been changed for good

ELPHABA:
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness for the things I've done you blame me for

GLINDA:
But then I guess we know there's blame to share

GLINDA & ELPHABA:
And none of it seems to matter anymore

GLINDA:
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Half way through the wood

ELPHABA:
Like a ship flung from it's mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a sky-bird
In the distant wood

GLINDA & ELPHABA:
Who can say if I've been changed for the better
I do believe I have been changed for the better

GLINDA:
And because I knew you

ELPHABA:
Because I knew you

GLINDA:
Because I knew you

GLINDA & ELPHABA:
I have been changed
For Good

Saturday, November 13, 2004

"Defying Gravity"
music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Glinda:
"Elphaba - why couldn't you have stayed calm for once,
instead of flying off the handle!
I hope you're happy
I hope you're happy now
I hope you're happy how you
Hurt your cause forever
I hope you think you're clever"

Elphaba:
"I hope you're happy
I hope you're happy too
I hope you're proud how you
Would grovel in submission
To feed your own ambition"

Both:
"So though I can't imagine how
I hope you're happy right now..."

Glinda:
"Elphie, listen to me - just say you're sorry...
You can still be with the wizard
What you've worked and waited for
You can have all you ever wanted..."

Elphaba:
"I know...But I don't want it - NO - I can't want it
anymore...
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap
It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down..."


Glinda:
"Can't I make you understand, you're having delusions of grandeur...?"

Elphaba:
"I'm through accepting limits
'Cuz someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But 'till I try, I'll never know
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love - I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost
I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down...
Glinda, come with me. Think of what we could do - together.
Unlimited
Together we're unlimited
Together we'll be the greatest team
There's ever been, Glinda,
Dreams the way we planned 'em"

Glinda:
"If we work in tandem"

Both:
"There's no fight we cannot win
Just you and I
Defying gravity
With you and I
Defying gravity"

Elphaba:
"They'll never bring us down...
Well? Are you coming?"

Glinda:
"I hope you're happy
Now that you're choosing this..."

Elphaba:
"You too - I hope it brings you bliss"

Both:
"I really hope you get it
And you don't live to regret it
I hope you're happy in the end
I hope you're happy, my friend..."

Elphaba:
"So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky
As someone told me lately -
"Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly"
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me -
Tell them how I
Am defying gravity!
I'm flying high
Defying gravity!
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!"

Glinda:
"I hope you're happy!"

Citizens of Oz:
"Look at her, shes wicked!
Get her!"

Elphaba:
"...bring me down!"

Citizens of Oz:
"No one mourns the wicked
So we've got to bring her..."

Elphaba:
"Ahhhh!"

Citizens of Oz:
"Down!"

<--- was listening to this on the way home yesterday. My bros got a copy of the CD when they were in Singapore last weekend. ~haaaay~ Such a wonderful musical. I want to watch it >_<

Thursday, November 11, 2004

Help! --

I really need a copy of the musical "Into the Woods" (on VHS, VCD or DVD) -- my J and I recall seeing a DVD copy of this somewhere (we can't remember na ^^;;;) --

If you guys have a copy on hand or stumble upon it when you visit the video places, please let me know ASAP?

I need this in two weeks.

Thankies in advance. ^_^

* * *

Something I learned from watching "The Incredibles" --

To my J --

"You are my greatest adventure."

(It's a great movie -- go see it guys ^_^)

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

From CNN --

This is the website where Americans apologized for voting for Bush.

* * *

So, how goes work? --

I'm really enjoying teaching Lit13 (Intro to Fiction). This week, we're talking about the foundations of fiction (myth, legend, fable, fairy tale, parable) and my students seem to be having a wonderful time with the reading list I prepared.

But my sked suffered tremendously:

MWF 10:30 - 11:30, 2:30 - 4:30

I now commute to go to work -- I take a bus to the V. Mapa LRT2 station and then take the LRT2 to Katipunan and then the jeep to Ateneo.

* * *

In other news --

I've embraced my inner gamer -- this week alone, I've beta-tested Tantra (another MMORPG) and I'm downloading the World of Warcraft open beta version as I'm blogging.

I'm also enjoying Jasper Fforde. I'm nearly done with The Eyre Affair. ^_^

And my bros came home from Singapore and got me this -- Nick Bantock's latest book! Fun! Fun!

And a new deli opened in Podium -- it's the one in the basement -- HUGE place with a wonderful selection. They also have a cafe. Too bad my J and I had just eaten at Banana Leaf when we went to the place.

Thursday, November 04, 2004

Address to Supporters at Fanueil Hall
Remarks as Delivered by John Kerry

... and I wonder if Bush would have been as gracious if he had lost.

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

WOW --

I have a copy of Stephen Daldry's The Hours (novel by Michael Cunningham), but I haven't seen it. Everytime I look at it, I remember these lines from the movie's trailer and I remember being moved by these lines.

I really should buckle down and watch the movie.

Virginia Woolf: This is my right; it is the right of every human being. I choose not the suffocating anesthetic of the suburbs, but the violent jolt of the Capital, that is my choice. The meanest patient, yes, even the very lowest is allowed some say in the matter of her own prescription. Thereby she defines her humanity. I wish, for your sake, Leonard, I could be happy in this quietness.

[pause]

Virginia Woolf: But if it is a choice between Richmond and death, I choose death.

~ * ~

Virginia Woolf: Dear Leonard, To look life in the face, always, to look life in the face, and to know it for what it is. At last to know it, to love it, for what it is, and then, to put it away. Leonard, always the years between us, always the years, always the love, always... the hours...

~ * ~

Clarissa Vaughan (smiles and laughs): I remember one morning, getting up at dawn, there was such a sense of possibility. You know, that feeling? And I remember thinking to myself, so this is the beginning of happiness. This is where it starts. And of course there will always be more. (both laugh) Never occurred to me it wasn't the beginning, it was happiness. It was The Moment. Right then.

* * *

Possibilities --

I woke up a few mornings ago with a poem in my head, perfectly formed and waiting to be written down.

I savored this poem -- I haven't written anything new in 6 months and let it fill my mind with the simplicity and magnitude of it.

It was a poem that captured all these sensations and thoughts -- all that I see, think and feel when I am with my J.

Someone wrote that writing about love is like grasping for light (I forgot where I read this >_<) and I've been trying to grasp that light.

And that morning, I did -- and it was wonderful to be given a glimpse of the divine again.

And then I lost it.

But I don't feel sad -- what matters to me is knowing that it is there, waiting to be discovered again

* * *

Books! Books! --

My J and I were at Shangri-La the other day and we stopped by National Bookstore. I walked away with an empty wallet and with these lovely books to read:

The Adventure of English by Melvyn Bragg
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde, which I'm reading right now. (Wonderful, wonderful read ^_^)

I also got a copy of this book, which I had planned to give to my J for our monthsary -- I was being very casual about the purchase -- hoping he doesn't catch on that it's for him.

When we got home, I just tossed the bag aside and tried my best to distract him from the bag of fresh, new books just waiting to be opened and read.

~haaay~ My J is like a kid talaga when it comes to these things -- he takes pleasure in that simple act of touching books and flipping through the pages, and was unable to resist the temptation.

Siyempre, the first book he decides to check out is the one I was planning to give him. ^_^;;;

I had no choice but to just give it to him in advance. (We discovered that this book also has a CD version, similar to Nick Hornby's 31 Songs ... curious ^_^)

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

Sem break is almost over --

Of the things I set out to do, here's what I've accomplished:

- get a haircut = done!
- watch a movie with my J = done!
- meet up with college friends
- have coffee and cakes with E and G - 1/2 done! (Was able to meet up with G lang)
- read Tuck Everlasting - done!
- read Dicken's A Christmas Carol - done!
- learn how to drive
- get driver's license
- fix/organize my room and my house - 1/3 done! (Organized my closet and am currently updating my wardrobe)
- learn how to make my own caramel popcorn

Monday, November 01, 2004

Sale Season! --

~sigh~

I need clothes.

A lot of them are on sale -- and they are oh-so-pretty.

Goodbye salary. ~sniff~

* * *

New Blog Link! --

<--- Meet my friend, M. I met her in Lit class (which one was it? Basta, we were reading Kundera and The Tin Drum) She lent me a copy of Virgin Suicides (the movie) and I lent her a copy of Possession (the book).

^_^

* * *

'Tis the season --

I really should be done with my Christmas shopping, but I'm not. In fact, I haven't started yet -- I'm still trying to decide what to get for my sibs and parents for Christmas.

I'm sure my sibs are also having a hard time thinking of what to get for me --

Here's my *ahem* want list:
1. Gregory Maguire's Lost, Wicked (turned into a Musical) and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister
2. Mike Gayle's His 'n' Hers
3. A watch (the Tintin watch from Swatch - is this available here kaya?)
4. A subscription to Real Living (haaay, my J got me hooked to this magazine >_<)
5. A new pair of Havaianas
6. A nice bag that I could use for work -- Egg has really cute canvas ones.

Saturday, October 30, 2004

Before Sunset! --

Waltz For a Night
Artist: Julie Delpy

Let me sing you a waltz
Out of nowhere, out of my thoughts
Let me sing you a waltz
About this one night stand
You were for me that night
Everything I always dreamt of in life
But now you're gone
You are far gone
All the way to your island of rain
It was for you just a one night thing
But you were much more to me
Just so you know
I hear rumors about you
About all the bad things you do
But when we were together alone
You didn't seem like a player at all
I don't care what they say
I know what you meant for me that day
I just wanted another try
I just wanted another night
Even if it doesn't seem quite right
You meant for me much more
Than anyone I've met before
One single night with you little Jesse
Is worth a thousand with anybody
I have no bitterness, my sweet
I'll never forget this one night thing
Even tomorrow, another arms
My heart will stay yours until I die
Let me sing you a waltz
Out of nowhere, out of my blues
Let me sing you a waltz
About this lovely one night stand

* * *

I would talk about the movie, but some friends haven't seen it yet and I would hate to spoil the ending for them.
Trust --

Be afraid of the unlived life.
- Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt

I have trust issues.

I've discovered that almost nothing ever comes to me "pure" -- everything has strings attached to it and it always leaves me tangled and resentful.

When a good thing comes my way, I brace myself for the other shoe to drop. For me, there is always a catch.

I know that this isn't the way to live life -- I can't always be suspicious of things or question their meaning -- and I'm trying my best to suspend my disbelief and just let things be.

For the most part I succeed -- I forget about having to worry so much or to think too much and I just let the flow take me wherever.

It is a wonderful feeling -- to just be. To empty yourself of all worries and thoughts and just allowing life to live itself out.

Lately, I've been forgetting to be Zen (my version of it, at least) and I've been letting everything touch me again. It's a terrible feeling, waking up in the morning and knowing that you are burdened by things yet to be --

Last night, my J and I had an activity on trust -- I asked him to fall backwards and to trust me to catch him. He also asked me to do the same.

It's an interesting exercise -- it allowed me to contemplate the limits of my faith.

I was worried that I was standing too close and that, when my J would be falling, he would bang his head on my head and we'd both end up with painful bumps.

I was worried that, when I do catch him, I wouldn't be able to support his weight.

I was worried about everything.

Then I realized that that was part of the exercise -- that it was part of what I needed to let go. Our only concession was to have the sofa behind us so that, if we fell too hard, we would be cushioned by something.

I went first. It is hard to will yourself to fall. I did this exercise before with my dad and I had no trouble closing my eyes and letting myself fall because I knew my dad would catch me. My friend, V couldn't fall. He kept stopping himself. He was being pushed back na and he would always take that step to brace himself.

I closed my eyes and let go of everything. Took one deep breath and fell backwards. In that instance of falling, I felt so free -- I could feel myself defying all the laws that tells us that falling is wrong and that we should always be steady and stable. And it was a wonderful feeling.

And then my J caught me as I fell.

And that was an even better feeling. ^_^

(And, yes, I caught him easily as well --)

I love you, hun.

* * *

This is from G's blog --

Truths

The Rules:
1. Write something about 15 different people.
2. You can NOT say who they are.
3. If someone asks you which one is about them, you can NOT tell.

1. Though you are younger than me, I still want to be like you when I grow up. It's amazing how much talent and insight can be found in one person. I am a great fan of your writing. You inspire me.

2. We've been through so much together -- been on the same side of some issues and on opposite side of others. You're still one of the people I run to for advice and the first one I tell all my good news to. It's wonderful to see that everything is going well for you -- you deserve all this happiness.

3. Dearie, please don't despair -- love comes when it needs to. Be patient and live your life for the time being.

4. When I'm around you, I get so nervous and awkward and I don't know what to say -- if only you knew how much I admire you and want to be your friend.

5. You've found yourself a gem -- this one's special. Cherish her. Treasure her. (And let her know how much you love her!)

6. I look at you and I wonder what I did to deserve such a gift. You are my everything and my always. I love you so much!

7. When we first met, I knew you were a keeper. Thank you for being such a dear friend and for sharing with me your mom's wisdom. Thank you for keeping me grounded and for being my giggle buddy.

8. You are one of the few people who has seen the real me. Thank you for accepting me as I am and for teaching me to celebrate myself. I'm glad you found him and I'm so happy for the two of you.

9. Forget regret or life is yours to miss. No other path, no other way, No Day but Today. Hang in there, girl -- this, too, shall pass!

10. I'm sorry this had to happen. I'm sad that it did -- but I couldn't think of any other way. I feel the loss of you, even though I don't know you that well. I know he misses you and that's my fault. Please know he had nothing to do with this and, given a choice, I'm sure he would have wanted you in his life. Please be patient? I'll get around and understand all this eventually. I hope that, in the near future, we could all sit down again -- like we did that night and laugh and talk over Bailey's and beer.

11. I hope you're doing okay. I saw a Blue's Clues notebook (like the one Joe uses in the show) being sold in Greenhills.

12. Hey, I need to know if what I did was right. You seem like someone who could help me understand and get through this. What do you think? I am in dire need of your wisdom.

13. What are you so afraid of?

14. Take better care of him, please. He really needs you.

15. The most beautiful person I know -- the embodiment of purity, grace, strength and will. Thank you for being there and for listening to me -- 3 hugs and kisses!

Friday, October 29, 2004

You have to see this! --

Pretty Art!

And you can buy prints! Yay!

And this is another interesting place --

I got these links will checking through a friend's friends bloglist --

* * *

The things I learn from watching Buffy --

Giles: You all right?
Willow: Yeah.
Giles: Ah yes, because your good mood is both obvious and contagious.
Willow: I had a fight with Tara. It was awful.
Giles: Oh, I'm sorry. (takes the box and walks toward the shelves behind the counter)
Willow: (OS) Me too.
Giles: You two don't quarrel much, do you?
Willow: Never. Until today.
Giles: Well, now it's over.
Willow: (very upset) Over? How can it be over? I just found her!
Giles: The quarrel is over.
Willow: (quieter) Oh. Yeah.
Giles: Uh, you'll feel better when you've made your apologies and you'll know that you can fight without the world ending. (walks toward the rear door) I know it all seems bleak now, but as they say, this too... (Giles opens the door to discover one of Glory's demons, Slook, who was listening at the door. Slook falls into the room.) ... shall pass.

- Buffy Season 5 Episode #97: "Tough Love" from this site

* * *

From Yahoo! Astrology --

Daily Couples:
Take time out to relax together -- even if that just means shutting the bedroom door and tuning into a nature show. Reconnect via giggling.

I like the idea of the last part. ^_^

~giggle~

* * *

And I keep forgetting to rave about this --

M's dad came back from the US and gave M the CDs for Wicked and Last Five Years --

M let me listen to Wicked when he visited me at the store -- Ohmygoditissocool! >_<

Thursday, October 28, 2004

Books! --

Finished reading Tuck Everlasting and A Christmas Carol and am now reading Ella Enchanted.

Am still trying to decide whether I should get Mike Gayle's latest book, His 'n' Hers -- am a little low on funds, which is why I'm hesitating.

And Christmas is 2 months away! >_<

Thank Goodness sweldo na tomorrow. ^_^

* * *

Tonsillitis Woes --

My sister has it. My J has it. I have it.

Bleh.

My J and I visited the Health Development Institute, which is located in the ISO Complex of the Ateneo -- they offer alternative, wholistic approaches to healing.

While waiting for my J to get examined, we looked over the pamphlets in the clinic -- every Tuesdays and Thursdays, they have acupuncturists available.

Am curious and I want to try it out. ^_^

* * *

And more about books --

I'll be teaching fiction this sem and I need to teach a novel as a culminating lesson for the semester --

Some teachers opt to teach Dogeaters or Woman with Two Navels or Chronicle of a Death Foretold --

I'm hoping to teach something more contemporary and more appealing to Freshmen minds --

Some guidelines:
1. Has to be short enough that we can read it in 3 to 4 weeks.
2. Should be widely available.
3. Should have a movie version.
4. Not Sci-Fi or Fantasy (I don't read this, sorry ^^;;)

Suggestions?

I'm considering:
1. Like Water for Chocolate
2. Emma or Pride and Prejudice

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

Today's Lesson --

You can't have your cake and eat it too.

(Would ye both eat your cake and have your cake?" - John Heywood's Proverbs, 1546. )

Definition: have success and enjoy it at the same time

Explanation: Used when speaking about someone who wants both success and enjoyment at the same time without wanting to sacrifice anything.

And a word from Bartleby about this same subject --

This lesson was brought to you by Google, Bartleby, Wikipedia, the letter T and the number 6.

Monday, October 25, 2004

Saturday Fun! --

It's usually difficult to organize a get-together for my J and his friends (D, P, C and the other C who is now in Shanghai) -- they live so far from each other and they all have crazy skeds and days off.

Early last week, I bumped into A, P's girlfriend on MSN and we realized that we haven't seen each other in a bit and wanted to catch up. We're both on sembreak and P and my J both have the weekend off, so we arranged to meet up for lunch last Saturday.

That was that. When I told my J that we were planning to meet up with his friends for lunch that Saturday, he asked for details (he may appear laidback and relaxed about things but, deep down, OC din yun) and I told him it was for lunch at UP this Saturday.

Siyempre, this immediately worries him: "You mean you didn't specify a time or a meeting place?!? Hun, it takes careful planning and many text messages to organize something like this." <-- nagti-twitch na siya at this point... X3 Wahahahahaha! Saturday came, and my J was very antsy about the whole lack of structure/careful planning. (Kept asking D to call or text people to ask them where they were)

Some hitches -- Beach House iss closed pala on Saturdays so we ended up in Trellis. Friends came late so we had a late lunch as well.

After lunch, we hung out sa store and played Carcassonne (gameplay is similar to Settlers of Cataan but much simpler and with less moving pieces) and then went to watch a movie in Galleria -- Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (which rocked!).

It is always fun to see the interaction between this group of friends. They've known each other since college and were all part of the same org. Wala lang, cute lang talaga sila when they talk to each other.

* * *

Errant Friend(ster) --

I've lost track of the Iloilo people --

I spent the weekend checking out my Friendster account and looking at which friends were linked to whom and I discovered that so much has happened since I was gone -- so many people are married and have kids (I didn't even know they were together!), so many of them have gone abroad, etc.

I left Iloilo 10 years ago and, every time I go home, I feel like a stranger there. I get lost in the mall. I don't know where streets go any more.

I want to stay in touch with these people, but I don't know how. I've tried to a long time ago but everything's different now.

~sigh~

* * *

Before Sunset is this Wednesday na! ^_^ --

Celine: You know what I want?
Jesse: What?
Celine: To be kissed.
Jesse: Well I can do that.
- Before Sunrise

(Happy 7, dear!)

Saturday, October 23, 2004

Corny naman yung names nila --


Your Boobies' Names Are: Betty and Veronica






* * *

Watched this last night --

House of Flying Daggers -- am glad I watched it.

I felt the ending was a bit off -- and I read somewhere that Zhang Yimou had to rewrite the ending because he had wanted Anita Mui in the movie (and I guess she had an important role in it), but she died. Instead of replacing the actor, he rewrote it and kept Anita Mui's name in the credits.

For people who haven't seen this movie, it's still showing in some theaters -- try to watch it.

* * *

On Moviegoers and Theater etiquette --

My J and I saw the movie in Galleria yesterday -- considering that this movie is about two weeks old, we had figured no one would be in the theater to watch it na. (I really hate crowded theaters.)

We were half-way through the movie when a group of people came in and sat behind us. Pucha they were so loud! This one guy kept speaking in a LOUD voice (may twang pa talaga -- bwiset) and was eating -- get this -- a BURGER inside the theater.

I thought that was an odd contradiction -- (or I'm really just guilty of creating stereotypes) but I'd like to believe that, if:

a. you have a twang then
b. you are educated (and he did sound educated -- I wouldn't be surprised if that moron is from Ateneo) so
c. you should know how to behave inside the movie theater.

When the movie ended, the morons were wondering what the movie was about -- (and you could hear the disappointment in their voices. One of them went, "That was it?")

Well, if you come in in the middle of the movie and
you keep distracting yourself from the movie by talking to your friends loudly and
you are eating a frickin burger during a subtitled movie then
you really wouldn't understand what the movie was all about.

And his phone rang pa.

Some people talaga. Bleh.

I'm actually tempted to discuss theater/movie etiquette to my classes next sem. I'm teaching lit classes so it's inevitable that we watch plays or movies and I want my kids to behave properly when they're in the cinema.

This is a very interesting essay that we read in En10. Maybe I'll ask my classes to reread this and then we can talk about how to behave when watching a play or movie.

* * *

But my J and I had fun! --

Traffic yesterday was terrible! It's a straight line from my area to Galleria and it usually takes us about 15 minutes to get there by jeep.

We couldn't even get a jeep last night so we ended up riding a bus (a first for both of us ^_^). We were lucky to get an air-conditioned bus but still had to walk from POEA to Galleria.

At the cinemas, we got our popcorn (Caramel for me and BBQ for him) and our drinks and watched our movie.

After the movie, we rushed over to Podium to buy a board game for my youngest bro (who finally got his MA degree from NUS -- congrats! ^_^)

And then we treated ourselves to Delifrance goodies at 30% off -- yum!

Oh, and we bought a plastic Viking helm from Toy Kingdom (in Podium, they have a little Halloween stall there) and proceeded to take turns wearing it when we got home. ^_^