Kayan to me: "Ang dami mo nang charity work for the emotionally inadequate. You are like Rosa Rosal for the heart."Rosa Rosal was known for her efforts in promoting blood donation. According to Kayan, *my* specialty is emotional donation. I don't know whether to be flattered or worried.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Rosa Rosal
Again, my treemate (Kayan) has given me a piece of valuable insight that hits it spot on:
Thursday, January 20, 2011
John Mayer Has Set Me On Fire
When they first announced that John Mayer was playing live in Manila, I didn't join the droves of people who immediately bought tickets to the event. The tickets were too damn expensive, and I just couldn't make myself spend so much on a concert, even if it is John Mayer.
But fate had other plans for me, and the universe conspired to get me not 1, but 2 tickets (1 in General Admission, and 1 in the Gold section). :) In short, the universe really was pushing for me to be in that concert. Who was I to deny its plans? :)
The concert was 4 months ago (so this blog entry is a teeny-tiny bit late. Haha), but it was one of the more memorable concerts I have attended in my lifetime, so it warrants a blog entry, no matter how delayed.
It was raining for half of the concert, but no amount of rain could dampen the John Mayer fever at MOA. Out came the umbrellas and raincoats, but his voice still rang out despite these "distractions." Aaaah his voice is a KILLER. I was mesmerized for most of the concert, as he played crowd-pleasers (mostly from my favorite album, Continuum), as well as his most recent hits from Battle Studies.
But fate had other plans for me, and the universe conspired to get me not 1, but 2 tickets (1 in General Admission, and 1 in the Gold section). :) In short, the universe really was pushing for me to be in that concert. Who was I to deny its plans? :)
The concert was 4 months ago (so this blog entry is a teeny-tiny bit late. Haha), but it was one of the more memorable concerts I have attended in my lifetime, so it warrants a blog entry, no matter how delayed.
It was raining for half of the concert, but no amount of rain could dampen the John Mayer fever at MOA. Out came the umbrellas and raincoats, but his voice still rang out despite these "distractions." Aaaah his voice is a KILLER. I was mesmerized for most of the concert, as he played crowd-pleasers (mostly from my favorite album, Continuum), as well as his most recent hits from Battle Studies.
John Mayer Manila concert setlist:
- Vultures (Continuum)
- No Such Thing (Room for Squares)
- Perfectly Lonely (Battle Studies)
- Slow Dancing In A Burning Room (Continuum)
- Waiting On the World to Change (Continuum)
- Stop This Train (Continuum)
- Your Body Is A Wonderland (Room for Squares)
- Who Says (Battle Studies)
- Heartbreak Warfare (Battle Studies)
- Gravity (Continuum)
- Do You Know Me (Continuum)
- Why Georgia (Room for Squares)
- Half of My Heart (Battle Studies)
- Edge of Desire (Battle Studies)
It was raining really hard for half of the concert, but it was still one helluva musical experience.
John Mayer = sexaaaay. :)
He ended with one of my absolute favorite songs from Battle Studies: Edge of Desire. I swear, just hearing the opening chords of this song gives me the shivers. ;) The lyrics, the melody, his voice...it achieves everything the song is about: setting the listener on fire. John Mayer is a genius. "Steady my breathing, silently screaming 'I have to have you now.'" Crap. I am in love; I am in trouble. Every time I hear this song, I think: Have.to.make.John.Mayer.MINE.ALL.MINE! :))
*sigh* See what I mean? Even if this concert was 4 months ago, just listening to his songs on my iPod brings be back to that exact same spot at the MOA Concert Grounds, and I am on a John Mayer high. It was an epic concert by an epic musician, and I am not going to forget about it anytime soon.
* * * *
Half of My Heart
I was born in the arms of imaginary friends
free to roam, made a home out of everywhere I've been
then you come crashing in, like the realest thing
trying my best to understand all that your love can bring
oh half of my heart's got a grip on the situation
half of my heart takes time
half of my heart's got a right mind to tell you
that I can't keep loving you (can't keep loving you)
oh, with half of my heart
I was made to believe i'd never love somebody else
I made a plan, stay the man who can only love himself
lonely was the song I sang, 'til the day you came
Showing me another way and all that my love can bring
oh half of my heart's got a grip on the situation
half of my heart takes time
half of my heart's got a right mind to tell you
that I can't keep loving you (can't keep loving you)
oh, with half of my heart
with half of my heart
your faith is strong
but I can only fall short for so long
Down the road, later on
you will hate that I never gave more to you than half of my heart
but I can't stop loving you
I can't stop loving you [x3]
but I can't stop loving you with half of my...
half of my heart
half of my heart
half of my heart's got a real good imagination
half of my heart's got you
half of my heart's got a right mind to tell you
that half of my heart won't do
half of my heart is a shotgun wedding to a bride with a paper ring
And half of my heart is the part of a man who's never truly loved anything
half of my heart [x6]
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
My, how I've changed...
I was browsing through old blog entries, and I came across this one:
* * * *
FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive.Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Wants to realize dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.
* * * *
The objective of the "game" is to get the supposed traits of your birth month, then strike out anything that doesn't apply to you, or put on bold the *four* traits that best apply to you (The original post where I got this from isn't accessible anymore, so I can't tell you where to get the traits for the other months).
Looking at what I've posted / highlighted / struck out above, I feel like I'm looking at a description of another person. This was posted 6 years ago, and my, how I've changed since then. For the better, for sure. :)
Here is the 2011 version of me:
FEBRUARY:Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble (shy, not so much anymore. Sometimes nalang. Hehe). Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom (who doesn't?). Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt (I think I'm *still* a bit sensitive. But I've learned to be more rational about my emotions) . Gets angry really easily but does not show it (Well, no, not too easily. I am very patient, I think. But when I do get angry, it's hard not to show it). Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Wants to realize dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.
Of course, this does not encompass my whole personality (aspects of which I, myself, am still not familiar with). These personality tests / games are usually a hit or miss...like one big guessing game. It's pretty silly to generalize people born on the same month, or under the same zodiac sign, right?
So why post this? Well, I guess I just wanted to highlight the difference between 22 year-old Lesley and 28-year-old Lesley (ugh. Soon to be 29...). I'd be pretty disgusted with myself if I didn't change a bit, in 6 years. :)) Glad I had the sense to mature.
Check back in another 6 years. I'll probably be a whole different person then. Why settle for who you are now when you can be so much better, in time? :) An on-going evolution...how exciting. :)
* * * *
FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive.
* * * *
The objective of the "game" is to get the supposed traits of your birth month, then strike out anything that doesn't apply to you, or put on bold the *four* traits that best apply to you (The original post where I got this from isn't accessible anymore, so I can't tell you where to get the traits for the other months).
Looking at what I've posted / highlighted / struck out above, I feel like I'm looking at a description of another person. This was posted 6 years ago, and my, how I've changed since then. For the better, for sure. :)
Here is the 2011 version of me:
FEBRUARY:
Of course, this does not encompass my whole personality (aspects of which I, myself, am still not familiar with). These personality tests / games are usually a hit or miss...like one big guessing game. It's pretty silly to generalize people born on the same month, or under the same zodiac sign, right?
So why post this? Well, I guess I just wanted to highlight the difference between 22 year-old Lesley and 28-year-old Lesley (ugh. Soon to be 29...). I'd be pretty disgusted with myself if I didn't change a bit, in 6 years. :)) Glad I had the sense to mature.
Check back in another 6 years. I'll probably be a whole different person then. Why settle for who you are now when you can be so much better, in time? :) An on-going evolution...how exciting. :)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Taking It One Book At A Time
I do not like seeing books go unread...and I usually don't have to worry about THAT, because I read every book I have within days of purchasing / receiving them. Recently, though, I've been so scatter-brained that not only do I have a lot of unREAD books, I also have a lot of unFINISHED books. Que horror! The tragedy! :((
I guess it started during one of the sales at Fully Booked (God, this was more than a year ago already!). Got myself 3 books at 80% off. Finished only 2 of 3. 3rd book is still inside my toilet's magazine bin: unfinished, neglected and forgotten (for the curious, the book, which has been demoted to toilet-status is "The Starter Wife." Haha).
My usual go-to place in any commercial establishment is the bookstore. When I'm waiting for someone, or when I'm just looking around the mall by myself, I automatically get drawn to the place filled with nice-smelling books. :) *sigh* I can get lost inside a book store for HOURS. Unfortunately, whenever I find myself inside this heaven, and whenever I have some cash at hand (or some plastic hehe), I always end up buying a book or two.
I usually have good instincts when it comes to good books (sadly, this gift does not cross over to other aspects of my life), so whatever book catches my interest -- well, they're usually really good. I don't know what it is about this last batch of books...are they not interesting enough? Did I lose my instinct for choosing good books? Or am I just TOO busy?
The list of "neglected books" just grows longer and longer (yesterday, I went to Fully Booked to buy yet another book, which was highly recommended by a friend). I can't seem to stop buying books...and my friends can't stop giving them to me as gifts! I guess books are naturally attracted to me. Haha.
I'm pretty sure that when I rummage through my bedroom, I will find more unread / unfinished books. For now, I guess I should concentrate on the list above. Part of my 150-things-to-do for 2011 (#35) is to read at least 1 book a month. This target is actually an underachievement for me, because I usually finish at least 3 books a month. :/
Oh well. Baby steps! Taking it one book at a time. :)
I guess it started during one of the sales at Fully Booked (God, this was more than a year ago already!). Got myself 3 books at 80% off. Finished only 2 of 3. 3rd book is still inside my toilet's magazine bin: unfinished, neglected and forgotten (for the curious, the book, which has been demoted to toilet-status is "The Starter Wife." Haha).
My usual go-to place in any commercial establishment is the bookstore. When I'm waiting for someone, or when I'm just looking around the mall by myself, I automatically get drawn to the place filled with nice-smelling books. :) *sigh* I can get lost inside a book store for HOURS. Unfortunately, whenever I find myself inside this heaven, and whenever I have some cash at hand (or some plastic hehe), I always end up buying a book or two.
I usually have good instincts when it comes to good books (sadly, this gift does not cross over to other aspects of my life), so whatever book catches my interest -- well, they're usually really good. I don't know what it is about this last batch of books...are they not interesting enough? Did I lose my instinct for choosing good books? Or am I just TOO busy?
The list of "neglected books" just grows longer and longer (yesterday, I went to Fully Booked to buy yet another book, which was highly recommended by a friend). I can't seem to stop buying books...and my friends can't stop giving them to me as gifts! I guess books are naturally attracted to me. Haha.
- The Starter Wife by Gigi Levangie
- My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
- Possession by A.S. Byatt
- The Museum at Purgatory by Nick Bantock (gift from Lav)
- The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
- A Year In High Heels by Camilla Morton
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Mini-Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
- Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger (gift from Diane)
- Kiko Machine 4 & 5 :/
I'm pretty sure that when I rummage through my bedroom, I will find more unread / unfinished books. For now, I guess I should concentrate on the list above. Part of my 150-things-to-do for 2011 (#35) is to read at least 1 book a month. This target is actually an underachievement for me, because I usually finish at least 3 books a month. :/
Oh well. Baby steps! Taking it one book at a time. :)
Oh no. Wait. This means that I won't be able to buy new books for a whole year. This list is going to take me 11 months to finish. :/ That sucks. Have to get a move on.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Terrified
I know this is an old song, and I remember reading about the hype it created (what with Zachary Levi being featured in it), but I didn't appreciate it much then. But now, thanks to the wonders of Facebook and the mushiness of a friend, I've rediscovered it. "Terrified": The title throws you off a little. It doesn't really give you an idea that it's a gentle love song...but it IS. A pleasant surprise. :)
And this song is FULL of little, pleasant surprises. Simple albeit gripping lyrics that really made me sit up and take notice.
These 2 lines say it all: "I'm in love. I'm terrified." I believe that falling in love takes courage. How else can you explain being scared of the consequences, being terrified of losing, but still taking that leap anyway? Stupidity? Blind faith? COURAGE.
And what's wrong with a little bit (a whole lot) of fear? Admitting that you have fears may mean that you still have some hesitation, and that you are cautious. It may mean that you are afraid of losing, or of hurting your pride. It also means that you are vulnerable and capable of feeling emotion. It means that you are willing to do anything to keep the love safe. It means that you will be hurt when it is lost, and that you care enough for it to know that you have lost a good thing.
So don't equate fear with having doubt. Sometimes you are so SURE of something that it scares you. Knowing something to be true is terrifying, because there's nothing much you can do but leap into it. What other choice do you have? :)
Good job Kara Dioguardi. The lyrics are the awesome, melt-your-heart, make-you-smile kind. :) I must admit, I was smiling like a giddy school girl the whole time I was listening to it (still smiling now). I think I'm going to have this on repeat on my iPod for today. :)
"You set it again, my heart's in motion..."
And this song is FULL of little, pleasant surprises. Simple albeit gripping lyrics that really made me sit up and take notice.
These 2 lines say it all: "I'm in love. I'm terrified." I believe that falling in love takes courage. How else can you explain being scared of the consequences, being terrified of losing, but still taking that leap anyway? Stupidity? Blind faith? COURAGE.
And what's wrong with a little bit (a whole lot) of fear? Admitting that you have fears may mean that you still have some hesitation, and that you are cautious. It may mean that you are afraid of losing, or of hurting your pride. It also means that you are vulnerable and capable of feeling emotion. It means that you are willing to do anything to keep the love safe. It means that you will be hurt when it is lost, and that you care enough for it to know that you have lost a good thing.
So don't equate fear with having doubt. Sometimes you are so SURE of something that it scares you. Knowing something to be true is terrifying, because there's nothing much you can do but leap into it. What other choice do you have? :)
Good job Kara Dioguardi. The lyrics are the awesome, melt-your-heart, make-you-smile kind. :) I must admit, I was smiling like a giddy school girl the whole time I was listening to it (still smiling now). I think I'm going to have this on repeat on my iPod for today. :)
"You set it again, my heart's in motion..."
Terrified
by Katharine McPhee featuring Zachary Levi
You, by the light
Is the greatest find
In a world full of wrong
You're the thing that's right
Finally made it through the lonely
To the other side
You set it again, my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love
And I'm terrified
For the first time and the last time
In my only life
And this could be good
It's already better than that
And nothing's worse
Than knowing you're holding back
I could be all that you need
If you let me try
You set it again, my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love
And I'm terrified
For the first time and the last time
In my only
I only said it 'cause I mean it
I only mean 'cause it's true
So don't you doubt what I've been dreaming
'Cause it fills me up and holds me close whenever I'm without you
You set it again, my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love
And I'm terrified
For the first time and the last time
In my only life
Is the greatest find
In a world full of wrong
You're the thing that's right
Finally made it through the lonely
To the other side
You set it again, my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love
And I'm terrified
For the first time and the last time
In my only life
And this could be good
It's already better than that
And nothing's worse
Than knowing you're holding back
I could be all that you need
If you let me try
You set it again, my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love
And I'm terrified
For the first time and the last time
In my only
I only said it 'cause I mean it
I only mean 'cause it's true
So don't you doubt what I've been dreaming
'Cause it fills me up and holds me close whenever I'm without you
You set it again, my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love
And I'm terrified
For the first time and the last time
In my only life
Monday, January 03, 2011
I am making this a meaningful year
It's 2011, my last year before I turn 30, and I am set on making this year a very meaningful year. So, with the help of my Navi 2010 & 2011 planners and Bo Sanchez's Soulfood, I have compiled 150 things to do for this year. A bucket list and a list of resolutions combined.
Will cross out items one-by-one. Hopefully, before the year ends, I will have accomplished a substantial amount. :) Whatever happens, I will do it with an open mind and an open heart.
I CANNOT WAIT TO GET STARTED. :)
* * * *
In no particular order:
1. Ride a hot air balloon
3. Start writing a book
5. Wake up early
6. Watch more plays / musicals
7. Beat a video game (First, I should buy myself a Wii)
8. Climb a mountain
9. Have breakfast in bed
10. Watch all of my favorite actor's movies (who? Johnny Depp? Ah! I know! John Lloyd!!! Woohoo!)
11. See the aurora borealis (so I guess I should go to Norway first...)
12. Donate blood
14. Finish a race
15. Make a list of things that make me happy (maybe I should update this list, eh?)
16. Edit my closet (de-clutter!)
17. Visit a museum. :)
18. Lose 5 pounds
19. Go whale watching
20. Learn CPR
21. Reconnect with a childhood friend (isn't that what Facebook is for? Haha)
22. Visit a rainforest
23. Become more organized
24. Swap books with a friend
<strike>25. Go on a road trip (how many times have I said this before?!)</strike>
26. Ride an elephant (go to Thailand!)
27. Help build a house with a charity
28. Ride a camel (go to Egypt!)
29. Learn sign language
31. Learn a different language (I should relearn Korean...)
32. Learn to belly dance (had 1 class in Korea...should I enroll in a class here? Hehe)
33. Go spelunking
34. Floss my teeth more often
35. Read at least one book a month (I really should finish the 5 unread books I have at home...)
36. Get published
37. Learn a new word (every day!)
38. Have a flatter stomach (less rice!)
40. Get lost (on my road trip! See #25)
42. Have a photo of me in a newspaper story
44. Tour a candy factory (Willy Wonka? Haha)
45. Swim at midnight
46. Redecorate
47. Bake a cake from scratch
48. Throw a party for myself
49. Learn to dance (take dance classes!)
50. Make art
52. Read all of my favorite author's novels (who? Philippa Gregory? Nick Bantock? Cecilia Ahern?)
53. Create a soundtrack to my life
54. Watch a foreign film
55. Go for an early morning jog
56. Have a beach bonfire
57. Ride a bike to work (first, I should rehabilitate Lloydie...or buy a new bike)
58. Learn how to give a massage
60. Take a culinary class
61. Make ice cream (or frozen yogurt. I really should make use of my yogurt making machine...)
63. Ride in a convertible
64. Go camping (nature sucks. But, fine...I should try it again)
65. Adopt a pet
66. Start a travel journal
67. Write a love letter
68. Take one photo a day
69. Learn to rock climb
70. Run a 20-minute 5k (yeah, right, I can't even run 3k)
71. Invest in the stock market
72. Learn to play my favorite song on the guitar (so much to choose from...)
73. Create a 5-year plan
74. Read a book in one sitting
75. Actually get up when the alarm goes off (hahaha! Should learn to say goodbye to my snooze button)
78. Drink 3 liters of water a day
79. Go on a spur of the moment road trip (related to #25, but more adventurous, I guess)
80. Take my vitamins
81. Laugh everyday
82. Send someone a postcard
83. Master the art of packing
84. Document my dreams (will start a dream journal soon...)
85. Spend less time online (wahahaha! This is going to be hard)
86. Get a pen pal (uso pa ba to?)
87. Find myself
89. Stop contradicting myself! (hahaha, guilty as charged)
91. Create a 2011 wish list
92. Go for regular massages
95. Do something that matters to someone
97. Ride a gondola in Venice (oh, Europe, when can I see you?)
98. Visit a flea market
99. Get myself a birthday present I've always wanted
100. Fly a kite
101. Create a playlist of my ultimate favorite songs
102. Drink tea (instead of coffee)
104. Make my handwriting into a font (oooh, cool, what's the program for this?)
105. Get lost in a foreign city
106. Go all out on my Christmas decorations
107. Start a new collection (yeah, my shot glasses are getting boring)
108. Fall in love again ♥
110. Practice the law of attraction
111. Sit up straight!
114. Make something I will actually use
116. Pick a cause to support or volunteer for
117. Set foot on every continent (What I'm missing: Europe, Africa, South America and Antartica)
118. Find a new favorite restaurant
119. Help a stranger
120. Become better at small talk (yes! I hate small talk!)
121. Save somebody's life
122. Write my name in Japanese / Korean / Chinese
123. Spend an entire day by myself
124. Restart my habit of doing crossword puzzles
125. Make conversation with my seat mate on the plane
126. Play truth or dare - and choose dare
127. Laugh w/ inspiring friends at least once a week (or more)
128. Have mentors in the most important areas of my life
130. Go to confession more often
131. Invest 20% of my income every month
132. Eat fruits for breakfast
133. Eat more vegetables (once a day is a good start)
134. Start a business this year
135. Spend time with God every day
136. Date my parents regularly
137. Before I sleep, remove all anger from my heart
138. Forgive
139. Be the kindest person I can be
140. Find my passion and live it fully
141. Give more hugs (and receive as many)
142. Listen to understand, not to reply
143. Celebrate more often
144. Spend more time with our dog, Rocky
145. Make a budget
146. Stick to that budget
147. Refrain from eating junk food
148. Drink 1 glass of milk a day (avoid osteoporosis)
149. Love unconditionally
150. Accept what is given with open eyes, an open mind and an open heart
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Hindsight is always 20/20
Was browsing through the compilation of my FB status in 2010, and I am amazed at how much has happened (changed) in a span of 1 year.
I am so grateful for the gift of hindsight (even though it IS a late gift) - it reminds us that we are capable of learning from our mistakes, and that we should ALWAYS be grateful for who/where we are at the present time. There's no better feeling in the world than knowing that you're on the right track, and knowing that all of the hardships you experienced in the past weren't for nothing.
It will be 2011 in a few days...It's going to be a good year. :)
I am so grateful for the gift of hindsight (even though it IS a late gift) - it reminds us that we are capable of learning from our mistakes, and that we should ALWAYS be grateful for who/where we are at the present time. There's no better feeling in the world than knowing that you're on the right track, and knowing that all of the hardships you experienced in the past weren't for nothing.
It will be 2011 in a few days...It's going to be a good year. :)
"Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Do not now look for the answers. They cannot now be given to you because you could not live them. It is a question of experiencing everything. At present you need to live the question. Perhaps you will gradually, without even noticing it, find yourself experiencing the answer, some distant day." - Rainer Maria Rilke
"Once change begins sweeping into your life and a new chapter is written, you'll be able to glance back with relative ease at the commotion that preceded the turning point and see the order and beauty in all that unfolded, as well as your hand in its creation and the purpose it served." - excerpt from Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
My "Pet" Project
I came home from Korea and was instantly handed a huge responsibility - to be Project-In-Charge of the Mind Museum Project. It's an iconic project, and I am proud to be a part of it, but I don't want to ramble on and on about it YET (I'll get back to you when it's done).
For now, I'll just brag about this teeny tiny feature on the Philippine Daily Inquirer (see picture below). :)
 |
| My pet dinosaur at the site :) Dino-Backhoe or Backhoe-saurus or whatever you'd like to call it. |
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Hello, December!
It's December once again. Time for Simbang Gabi, Christmas shopping...and bibingka! :) (Well, I guess bibingka is available year-round, but nothing beats eating hot bibingka right after dawn mass...Sarap!)
Just like any other December, this year-ender is sure to be a hectic one. I lost around 4 lbs same time last year because of the stress of Christmas preparations: Christmas party practices, last-minute shopping, pahabol deadlines at work and school. I had so much weight on my shoulders that time because of the pressure to win, all the drama surrounding it, and everything else I needed to accomplish.
2 and 1/2 weeks is not enough to finish all of this madness.
And here I am again, 8 days into the month, and I still have not accomplished a tenth of what I need to do. Same list: Christmas party practices, last-minute shopping, homework, quizzes and reports for school, site work, and paperwork. The list never ends (as with my complaining).
So instead of listing down every single item on my to-do list (yes, the items above don't even encompass HALF of my actual to-do list), I'd rather procrastinate and do a happy list...my random Christmas wishlist! :) There are only 2 days in the year that I can be selfish (and get away with it) - Christmas and my birthday - so I shall claim 1/2 of that privilege now:
1. A MacBook Pro. I would settle for a new MacBook...but if this is a wish list, then I should just go crazy and ask for the best there is. :D
2. An iPad. Yeah, yeah, so I already have its sisters, an (old) MacBook and an iPhone...but i want to be greedy and get the whole set. Me want iPad, now na.
3. Peace in Korea. As much as I want peace on Earth, I will be specific for now, because I know that these things (peace, and other big world issues like love and poverty) take a lot of time. So, God, please grant peace in Korea. I want to go to a safe, happy place by 2012.
4. First place in the Datem Christmas party presentation 2010. God, lilinawin ko lang: gusto ko maging Champion, hindi First Runner-Up.
5. A pay raise. I wish this every single day. I haven't been able to set any money aside for my "future fund" this year (ok, I did, but only during the 1st half...pulubi na ako pag-dating ng 2nd half. Why is this always the trend??).
6. Enough vacation time to be able to read the 5+ books I bought but haven't gotten around to reading yet. I have 5 more books I want to buy, but I have to resist buying them because my book stack is getting higher and higher. Hmm. Ok, maybe I should postpone this wish for next Christmas, since I know it's next to impossible to find some free time for 2011. Mind Museum turnover by December, STRAMA by next term, and all sorts of hullabaloo in between. Right.
7. In line with my wish above, I wish to be able to travel to lots of places by 2012. Since I will be virtually tethered to the Fort/Makati in the next few months, once all of my obligations at school/work are done, I will be freeeee! Planning to have enough money/time to be able to go to the U.S. (to visit my cousins for my 30th birthday), U.K. (watch the Olympics with Sally! And hopefully tour the other nearby countries), and South Korea (if they are at peace already...see wish #3)
8. A job well-done on my first construction project. :) Well, I don't have to wish for this...I just have to do it.
9. A job well-done on my first design project (our house!). Again, it's useless just wishing for it. I will just have to get it done.
10. A job-well-done on my StraMa paper and defense. And hopefully, to graduate with honors. :D Woohoo. Let's go!
I cannot think of other stuff to wish for. Too many material things that I want, but I know I can just buy them when wish #5 comes true (in time).
In terms of virtues and values -- Lord, please grant me patience and faith. :) I have faith that You only have the best planned out for me, and I am patient in waiting for it to come to fruition. Thank you, Amen. :)
Just like any other December, this year-ender is sure to be a hectic one. I lost around 4 lbs same time last year because of the stress of Christmas preparations: Christmas party practices, last-minute shopping, pahabol deadlines at work and school. I had so much weight on my shoulders that time because of the pressure to win, all the drama surrounding it, and everything else I needed to accomplish.
2 and 1/2 weeks is not enough to finish all of this madness.
And here I am again, 8 days into the month, and I still have not accomplished a tenth of what I need to do. Same list: Christmas party practices, last-minute shopping, homework, quizzes and reports for school, site work, and paperwork. The list never ends (as with my complaining).
So instead of listing down every single item on my to-do list (yes, the items above don't even encompass HALF of my actual to-do list), I'd rather procrastinate and do a happy list...my random Christmas wishlist! :) There are only 2 days in the year that I can be selfish (and get away with it) - Christmas and my birthday - so I shall claim 1/2 of that privilege now:
1. A MacBook Pro. I would settle for a new MacBook...but if this is a wish list, then I should just go crazy and ask for the best there is. :D
2. An iPad. Yeah, yeah, so I already have its sisters, an (old) MacBook and an iPhone...but i want to be greedy and get the whole set. Me want iPad, now na.
3. Peace in Korea. As much as I want peace on Earth, I will be specific for now, because I know that these things (peace, and other big world issues like love and poverty) take a lot of time. So, God, please grant peace in Korea. I want to go to a safe, happy place by 2012.
4. First place in the Datem Christmas party presentation 2010. God, lilinawin ko lang: gusto ko maging Champion, hindi First Runner-Up.
5. A pay raise. I wish this every single day. I haven't been able to set any money aside for my "future fund" this year (ok, I did, but only during the 1st half...pulubi na ako pag-dating ng 2nd half. Why is this always the trend??).
6. Enough vacation time to be able to read the 5+ books I bought but haven't gotten around to reading yet. I have 5 more books I want to buy, but I have to resist buying them because my book stack is getting higher and higher. Hmm. Ok, maybe I should postpone this wish for next Christmas, since I know it's next to impossible to find some free time for 2011. Mind Museum turnover by December, STRAMA by next term, and all sorts of hullabaloo in between. Right.
7. In line with my wish above, I wish to be able to travel to lots of places by 2012. Since I will be virtually tethered to the Fort/Makati in the next few months, once all of my obligations at school/work are done, I will be freeeee! Planning to have enough money/time to be able to go to the U.S. (to visit my cousins for my 30th birthday), U.K. (watch the Olympics with Sally! And hopefully tour the other nearby countries), and South Korea (if they are at peace already...see wish #3)
8. A job well-done on my first construction project. :) Well, I don't have to wish for this...I just have to do it.
9. A job well-done on my first design project (our house!). Again, it's useless just wishing for it. I will just have to get it done.
10. A job-well-done on my StraMa paper and defense. And hopefully, to graduate with honors. :D Woohoo. Let's go!
I cannot think of other stuff to wish for. Too many material things that I want, but I know I can just buy them when wish #5 comes true (in time).
In terms of virtues and values -- Lord, please grant me patience and faith. :) I have faith that You only have the best planned out for me, and I am patient in waiting for it to come to fruition. Thank you, Amen. :)
On this day, God wants you to know...
... that it's your heart that knows who loves you, not your ears or eyes. Listen to the words, and you can be fooled. Look at the actions, and you can be fooled. Feel deeply into your heart, and then you will know the truth. Who makes your heart soar now? Well, what are you waiting for?
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Goodbye, Friendster
- This farewell is long overdue.
- One thing I learned from my MarkMa class is that everything we put on the web is already for public consumption. Our "brand" on the WWW is determined by the visibility of our sites, our information, our work. And so, I set out on a mission...check all of my social networking sites / blogs / and other information on the web (as seen by Googling my name).
- Turns out that my brand on the web is very visible. :)) So I checked the links one-by-one to see if any of them were embarrassing, and if I can still do something about it. Haha.
For my Multiply site: I did some impulsive deleting of contacts from Multiply (sorry to those I've deleted, nothing personal. Add me nalang ulit haha), initially intending to keep all of my pictures but to keep them private. Then, after realizing that I still needed the site to post pictures (and deleting my 300++ contacts manually was just too much work), I abandoned my plan and decided to revamp the look instead. Some of my best work are on Multiply. *sigh* But you can see them on my Flickr page instead.
Will convert my Multiply site into a travel blog of sorts. Or something to dump all my photos in. Haha. :) (oooh, that's an idea. I should put up a blogger focused on traveling).
Another social networking site that NEEDS TO GO is Friendster. I was hesitant to delete it before (sayang kasi testimonials haha), but now that I look at it, I don't really care.
So I will now delete my Friendster. :)
But before I do, here is a copy of my profile, just to see how I was before. Reading it now, I don't think I really changed much (I *looooove* the 40 things that make me happy. It is SO me). :))
GOODBYE FRIENDSTER. It was a good run. :)
* * * *
- Interested In:Friends
- Member Since:Sep 2003
- Hometown:
- Company:
- Your URL [Edit] :
- Schools:Assumption Antipolo, Attended 1987 - 1999, Class of 1999
- College/University:
Ateneo Graduate School of Business, Attended 2008 - Present, Master's Degree, Business Administration
University Of The Philippines - Diliman, Attended 1999 - 2004, Class of 2004, Bachelor's Degree, Architecture - Occupation:
Architect, Construction Worker - Affiliations:
- What I enjoy doing:
- Favorite Books:
- Favorite Movies:
- Favorite Music:
- Favorite TV Shows:
- Zodiac Sign:
Pisces - About Me:
40 Things That Make Me Happy
1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard till my face hurts.
3. A hot shower. (and a warm, fluffy towel to dry off with, after :)
4. A special glance (from a special person).
5. Getting mail (snail mail is still the best).
6. Getting "wala lang" notes/texts/letters.
7 Hearing my favorite song over the radio.
8. Burrowing under a warm blanket, on a rainy day.
9. Getting to sleep in on a rainy day.
10. A good conversation.
11. The beach.
12. Finding unexpected money in my pocket.
13. Midnight phone calls that last for hours. :)
14. Laughing out loud at a joke I hear on the radio (the Morning Rush is hilarious).
15. Perfect parallel and reverse parking!
16. Laughing at an inside joke with friends.
17. Ruffles Sour Cream and Cheddar.
18. Friends reruns. :)
19. Cafe Latte Zagu with 2 orders of extra pearls.
20. Taking a good picture.
21. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about me.
22. Chocolate-covered gummi bears!!! Yay!
23. Spending time with good friends. :)
24. Puppies.
25. Having someone play with my hair.
26. Sweet dreams.
27. Hot chocolate on a cold day.
28. Good food!
29. Swinging on swings.
30. Road trips with friends.
31. Solving a crossword/logic puzzle.
32. Watching a mystery unfold (I love watching CSI).
33. Enjoying a mug of English Breakfast Tea Latte in a squashy armchair at CBTL.
34. Reading a good book in bed, with snacks. Hehe.
35. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from me.
36. Holding hands while watching a movie.
37. Knowing that somebody misses me.
38. Kilig. :)
39. The perfect song for the perfect moment.
40. PERFECT HUGS. - Who I Want to Meet:
The ultimate goal is to meet Prince William. :)
But if that's not remotely possible, I can settle for Prince Harry. I'm not picky. :)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
You Give Me Something
As I said 2 blog entries earlier, another favorite song of mine is "You Give Me Something" by James Morrison. And I *did* say that this song warrants a separate blog entry...so here it is. :)
I've written a lot about lyrics and quotes in this blog of mine, and I keep reiterating that we (us regular folk) are drawn to others' words because - like what I said in my previous blog entry, "Eat. Pray. Love...Read a Book." - "They're the things you know are true, but you can't quite find the right words to express them." (See related blog entry "Quotes")
A lot has been going on lately, and I don't have the time (or the resolve?) to say what I feel out loud and so I usually live vicariously through songs.
This particular song called out to me, not in the usual way (not through the radio / iPod), but through a Facebook status of a friend. One line jumped out at me (guess which line?), so I searched for the full lyrics and the mp3 (I had it in my iPod all along), and I was blown away.
This song (and its message) is along the lines of "Half of My Heart" (in terms of significance and impact. Haha), and it is now #6 in my Top 25 Most Played (it's got a lot of catching up to do with my top 2, "Edge of Desire" by John Mayer and "Secrets" by One Republic. Haha).
The video for the song (as shown below) is a bit cryptic; what is the significance of the can-can girls and the jumprope girls? Are they there to impress the girl, or to impress James Morrison?
Hmmm. Maybe it is meant to highlight the aloofness of the girl; her being "nonchalant" and dedma; her inability to be impressed. :) James Morrison does not know what trick / style to execute in order to impress her; he can't read her; he doesn't know where he stands with her, thus the plea "please give me something..."
Ooh, I think I figured it out. :)
I love this song. :) James Morrison, are you sure you don't reside in my mind / heart? You seem to know all of my lines. :))
You Give Me Something
by James Morrison
You only stay with me in the morning
You only hold me when I sleep
I was meant to tread the water
But now I've gotten in too deep
For every piece of me that wants you
Another piece backs away
'Cause You give me something
That makes me scared alright
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
Because someday I might know my heart
You only waited up for hours
Just to spend a little time alone with me
And I can say I've never bought you flowers
I can't work out what they mean
I never thought that I'd love someone
That was someone else's dream
You give me something
That makes me scared alright
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
Because someday I might call you from my heart
But it might be a second too late
And the words that I could never say
Are gonna come out anyway
You give me something
That makes me scared alright
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
You give me something
That makes me scared alright
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
Because someday I might know my heart
Know my heart, know my heart, know my heart
You only hold me when I sleep
I was meant to tread the water
But now I've gotten in too deep
For every piece of me that wants you
Another piece backs away
'Cause You give me something
That makes me scared alright
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
Because someday I might know my heart
You only waited up for hours
Just to spend a little time alone with me
And I can say I've never bought you flowers
I can't work out what they mean
I never thought that I'd love someone
That was someone else's dream
You give me something
That makes me scared alright
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
Because someday I might call you from my heart
But it might be a second too late
And the words that I could never say
Are gonna come out anyway
You give me something
That makes me scared alright
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
You give me something
That makes me scared alright
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
Because someday I might know my heart
Know my heart, know my heart, know my heart
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