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.