deeper shade of soul

a sign that i'm old...

2008-03-11T00:03:00.000+08:00

I just realized that I can recognize about 90% of the performers who comprised USA for Africa, down to LaToya Jackson. And I remember when I was a fledgling music-lover in first or second grade seeing that (wow, high-tech!) split screen with Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen and feeling just warm inside. Nice.We are the world... we are the children...Mwehehehe...I'll see how often I can post

catsup

2008-01-10T08:26:00.000+08:00

I don't know. It's not that I forgot to blog. I just deemed it more important to meet up with the besprens, fix my room, host a couple of parties, play God--or rather, Abraham Lincoln, finish Burger Shop, make both paper and digital scrap pages, answer Heroes trivia questions, start planning a wedding, and generally preoccupy myself with anything and everything other than blogging.But blogging

crossing the bridge to terabithia

2007-12-27T13:26:00.000+08:00

Catching up on old movies that I missed out on: The Bridge to TerabithiaA deceptively fantasy-filled trailer turns out to be a sweet treatise on the joys of childhood--a totally fantastic and compelling film, bearing testament to friendship and the wonders of childlike imagination. After the plethora of buzz-boom-zing fantasy movies, this laid-back gem will warm your heart and touch your soul.

shaping up to be the Worst. Christmas. Ever.

2007-12-22T14:49:00.001+08:00

senseless, yet again

2007-12-22T05:23:00.000+08:00

The pilot killed after a brawl outside Embassy bar at the Fort the other day was the brother of my high school classmate and friend. He was not even the target of the incident--and even if he was, what was so imperative, what was their grave concern that the suspects thought it fit to maul Mr. Castellano and his friend, seven to two? What is the cost of a human life? A trivial slight, a minor

sometimes i really love cold case

2007-12-21T02:23:00.000+08:00

Tonight's episode of Cold Case ("Wishing") starts off with the familiar strains of These Are Days (ah, 10,000 Maniacs--I absolutely adored them, and still do), then Natalie Merchant breaking into song. I love Cold Case, but today's episode is in the running for Best. Episode. Ever. The Maniacs' Trouble Me is also played later, as are some other songs from my adolescence, including Plush by the

all that glitters

2007-12-19T22:16:00.000+08:00

When I was done wrapping I realized that I was making shoddily fake gold bullion. Haha. Although you can't help but lurrve the gold tissue from that Japan Home Store. Too bad it's all used up. A bit pricey though--P55 for 4 sheets, I believe? Or was it eight. I forget. 6 days before Christmas and overtime can make you a Scrooge.

caveat emptor

2007-12-16T07:46:00.000+08:00

I recently bought a wedding magazine (which shall not be identified) for P150, much cheaper than the current P350 of Wedding Essentials. Well, I guess you really get what you pay for. However, the Weddings at Work primer is only being sold for P75, and is actually given free during wedding fairs. And it contained a whole lot more information than this "magazine", which is actually a supplier

waiting for this one, now

2007-12-12T20:56:00.000+08:00

to Dust thou shalt return?

2007-12-11T21:00:00.000+08:00

Inquirer reader warns against The Golden CompassI agree, the books should probably be PG, especially for really young yet inquiring minds. Granted, I read The Golden Compass when I was 18. It was an enthralling read, if not for the adventure but the whole concept of Dust, metaphoric for innocence and comparable perhaps to Jedis' midichlorians, intrigued me. The second and third installments

a post a day

2007-12-10T20:18:00.000+08:00

Am going to try to discipline myself into doing a post a day. I have to get started writing again if I am going to write the great Filipino Gen-X coming of age novel. Or that other one I'm toying around with. In any case, today's post is:a siegel sightingDropped by PowerPlant before going home to pick up some stuff. I figure it would be easier to take a cab from there rather than Glorietta, this

holiday thoughts

2007-12-09T23:59:00.000+08:00

Rather, thoughts on "The Holiday". Formulaic, tongue-in-cheek, but utterly entertaining. Great performance from Jude Law, you can almost forgive him his infidelities. Almost. Kate Winslet is utterly adorable as the Brits trounce the Americans. Watched it a year after its cinematic release, but for me it seems around nine years late:Iris says: "I understand feeling as small and as insignificant as

don't think we can pull something like this off

2007-12-04T22:48:00.000+08:00

But it was so much fun watching! Haha!http://view.break.com/403233 - Watch more free videos

nakakatuwang journalist, and the pen is back

2007-12-03T07:52:00.000+08:00

ABS-CBN reporter (I forget who, Pinky Webb, Ces Drilon or Charo Logarta), who was walking with Trillanes to Manila Pen: "I can't believe it! The streets are clean! Usually it's rush hour at this time! There's no traffic!" Anchor back at the studio heartily agrees.Errr, guys... hate to burst your awestruck bubble, but if I were a motorist along Makati Ave at that time, seeing men clad in army

earthquake

2007-11-27T12:59:00.000+08:00

Just a few minutes ago. Fun at the 46th floor. Hee.

casual scrapper

2007-11-21T08:35:00.000+08:00

My scrapsite is up and about, although still just in the throes of infancy. Visit here.

my new toy

2007-11-21T08:21:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Princess Cookie, was able to get this from SG. I've been looking for one for the longest time. In case you can't make it out, it's a corner rounder for pictures and scrapbooking. This particular one is from EK Success, which makes it a bit pricey, but I figure I'll be using this one a lot!

takot ako

2007-11-20T13:58:00.000+08:00

Medyo lang ha.Opposition eyes tandem of Jinggoy, Binay in 2010-oOo-Back to regular blogging in a bit. It's been a while, and I've missed much.

not funny

2007-10-29T17:03:00.000+08:00

My new jacket crown is in place, but the dentist bills have run into the five digits. No laughing matter. Remind me never to delay dentist visits or ignore a toothache again.-oOo-For every step pointing towards an accidental explosion at the Glorietta blast, there are experts still saying not to discount the terror angle. Where is this going?-oOo-Executive clemency. Presidential pardon.-oOo-Pinoy

requiem

2007-10-24T19:31:00.000+08:00

In response to inkblots' call for e-flowers for the Glorietta victims.

ruminations on glorietta

2007-10-20T17:20:00.000+08:00

knee-jerkWhat the hell...?!The latest on the Glorietta blast as of this writingjoltI could have easily been there. The past few days, I've been joining my officemates for lunch at Glorietta more often. Someone I know could have been there.thanksgivingA moment of prayer for the deceased and the injured and their families. A lifetime of thanksgiving that for a myriad of reasons, we were not there.

it's been a while

2007-10-16T23:00:00.000+08:00

Going through a rough patch.Jesus take the wheelTake it from my handsCause I can't do this on my ownI'm letting goSo give me one more chanceTo save me from this road I'm onJesus take the wheel

a day without a bed(frame)

2007-09-22T21:59:00.000+08:00

The bedframe was taken away to be fixed because Stephanie Trading sells inferior furniture that isn't fully treated. Tsk tsk. Apparently, there was a case of bukbok (I do not know the English translation) starting on my less-than-one-year-old bedframe (Mom's birthday gift last year). The all-around wunderkind Mang Hesus treated the bed with Solignum (I believe it was called) and fixed a drawer (

farewell, dragon

2007-09-17T19:09:00.001+08:00

Suddenly, the seemingly frivolous, egocentric post I had planned for today paled in comparison to this dire news: Robert Jordan, acclaimed author and high fantasy master, passed away yesterday. The blog post, written by his "Brother/Cousin" Wilson, is here.Unfortunately, the supposedly last book in the Wheel of Time series, A Memory of Light, has not been completed yet. His widow, Harriet, will

fare thee well

2007-09-11T20:36:00.000+08:00

It is, after all, an acceptable time.One of the zeester's and my favorite authors, Madeleine L'Engle has passed away at 88. The series of books about the Murry children (frail Charles Wallace, the twins, bookish but underachieving Meg who ends up with the cute, troubled jock Calvin) had us hooked since "it was a dark and stormy night" and Mrs Whatsit burst into their lives. Initiating us into the

current pet peeve

2007-09-10T20:33:00.000+08:00

Ladies at the School Supplies section of UniMart. First, I wait and wait and wait for someone to come over to the far side of the counter opposite the cash register, where the item I want to buy (dressmaker pins, don't ask) are located. No, both of them are busy servicing the customers at the cash register even if one of them would do. So, I fall in line with the people paying, and of course,

R.I.P. Ramon Zamora

2007-08-27T21:26:00.000+08:00

Ramon Zamora, veteran action star, the Bruce Lee of the Philippines, whose name is synonymous to Philippine kung fu, died last night of a heart attack.Most other celebrities would not warrant this treatment from me, but Mr. Zamora saved my life once. This is not a joke.When I was three months old (many, many moons ago), I contracted salmonella, and was hospitalized for a month, complete with

i'm sensitive

2007-08-22T22:49:00.000+08:00

(Jewel)I have this theory that if we're told we're badThen that's the only idea we'll ever haveBut maybe if we are surrounded in beautySomeday we will become what we see'Cause anyone can start a conflictit's harder yet to disregard itI'd rather see the world from another angleWe are everyday angelsBe careful with me 'cause I'd like to stay that way

maayo man lawas nila, macho man...

2007-08-20T10:30:00.000+08:00

Funniest. Dub. Ever. I can imagine one of my cousins speaking Benj's part, ka-boses ni Manong Ramil. Hahahaha!

a shiver in my bones just thinking...

2007-08-15T08:28:00.000+08:00

about the weather...Like the Weather10,000 Maniacs / In My TribeWords/Music by Natalie MerchantThe color of the sky as far as I can see is coal grey. Lift my head from the pillow and then fall again. With a shiver in my bones just thinking about the weather. A quiver in my lips as if I might cry. Well by the force of will my lungs are filled and so I breathe. Lately it seems this big bed is where

our family name and the cane toad

2007-08-14T06:09:00.000+08:00

Was listening to Kim Atienza on Umagang Kay Ganda yesterday morning. Apparently, the cane toad is known in the vernacular as palakang (insert-our-family-name), having been brought over by our rich hacienda-owning relatives to curb pests in the sugarcane fields. Well and good, if it weren't extremely poisonous! Gahh. Our family name is associated with an extremely poisonous (and rather fugly)

shelf matters

2007-08-11T13:35:00.000+08:00

Since I'm down with the flu (been quite sickly lately, not enough vitamins?), I fixed the shelf in my room. This is my "current" stack, while the rest of the books are in the library/guest room/mahjongg room:The Time Travelers' Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - Rea just returned it before she left for Dubai so I'm seriously considering re-reading the Detamble taleThe Faery Reel (Tales from the

rain, rain on my face

2007-08-09T18:45:00.001+08:00

Nice, nice weather.Overcast but not rainy, and more importantly, cool and breezy. I just realized that I hadn't turned on my fan yet.Oh well. We did pray for rain. Err. And were we then supposed to pray for it to stop? Hee.As befits the season:Downpour on my soulSplashing in the ocean, I'm losing controlDark sky all aroundI can't feel my feet touching the groundBut if I can't swim after forty

uncle ben on fire drills

2007-08-07T20:17:00.000+08:00

Someone once wisecracked that how come in elementary when you were tasked to line up during a fire, the line had to be by height, with the tall kids in the back--did the tall kids burn more slowly? [Insert canned laughter here.]Maybe because I'm older--definitely not wiser--but I think we know the answer to that question now, right? It's because no one should be overlooked or left behind, and if

rain on me

2007-08-06T19:08:00.000+08:00

I got hooked on The Dawn early. Beyond the Bend days, thanks to JC, who wasn't just my Natural Science teacher but also my rock music guru. Some of my favorite songs of all time, but most of them were not commercial successes unlike the San Miguel anthems Salamat or Iisang Bangka Tayo. Some of the songs that I still sing in my head to this day that I cannot find anywhere else are Rain On Me and

red-orange

2007-08-02T08:00:00.000+08:00

Errr... I seem to really like drinks in the same color family.Last Song Syndrome : Prince Ali, fabulous he... (was looking for Aladdin backgrounds for Ali's scrap page)

a-shoppin' i went

2007-07-29T23:27:00.000+08:00

This made all the sorting through the second-hand piles all worthwhile. It's hardbound and in almost-mint condition. And papa Neil Gaiman supplies the title story.Also, got a P90 hardbound version of The Historian. Not bad at all.Last Song Syndrome : I'll Be - Edwin McCain on MTV Rewind

pink, and snape

2007-07-28T18:27:00.001+08:00

I did not mean for this to happen, but apparently, I was in a pink mood yesterday. I usually buy drinks from the supermarket and then just pack them and bring them to work since 7-11 is ridiculously overpriced. These were the last two drinks in my stash yesterday (those are a Gatorade Pink Lemonade and a C2 Strawberry green tea drink), and that is me, in the matching shirt. Well.Found out that JP

just like the good old days

2007-07-20T23:32:00.000+08:00

Acute tonsillo-pharyngitis. Three days of sick leave. Sigh. Am not happy. But I really could not go to work, was too weak. Was easier back in StingyCo when unused sick leaves were not convertible to cash. Hate that I am always susceptible to this sickness. I wonder if there's a psychological or mystical reason for this.On the StingyCo front: of the original group of eight friends there, only

sevens

2007-07-17T08:12:00.000+08:00

On the elevator going up to work:7:177/17/7Freaky fun.Last Song Syndrome : still Sinnerman. I blame Thomas Crown Affair ads.

the phoenix flies

2007-07-16T20:34:00.000+08:00

My favorite book in the series remains Prisoner of Azkaban (hence the homage to Sirius in this image URL), but this film has personally been the most engaging and "real" film of the past five. The whimsy and delight of the first films have been replaced by a sense of foreboding brought about by both magical and bureaucratic nightmares. And there is no Quidditch in this movie, the filmmakers

aliiiive

2007-07-16T09:52:00.000+08:00

Sick.But Alive.Last Song Syndrome : Son of a Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield

on the fountain and metaphysical trips (into overtime)

2007-04-28T05:25:00.000+08:00

I tried to watch this while answering emails, which made it truly difficult to watch. Aside from the metaphysical eklavu meanderings, there were moments of fine acting, visuals that had you traversing the middle of a nebula, and a whole lot of mumbo-jumbo. Hugh Jackman plays conquistador to Rachel Weisz's queen (Izzi-bella haha), (mad) scientist searching for a cure for his wife's (Weisz again)

they work, you know... and i'm getting old

2007-04-23T23:52:00.000+08:00

My glasses work. I got these as "protection" since GeeksForHire has an allowance for eyeglasses, being an uber-computer-intensive industry and all. I thought I could use them from time to time, as needed, but apparently, I really actually need them everyday--as my eyes get really tired when in front of the PC for hours at a time, but when I'm wearing them, it's not that bad. However, I take that

sayonara sanjaya

2007-04-19T19:21:00.000+08:00

Ah. In a result that for some was weeks overdue, Sanjaya Malakar is out of the running for this season's American Idol crown. Sorry, Fanjayas.And news for me, I now have a favorite: Jordin Sparks. I listened to the opening bars of I'm All Right which the Idol contestants sang on today's results show, and it was heavenly (I'm a sucker for "a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll"). So

lito lapid is within spitting distance of our windows

2007-04-10T23:32:00.000+08:00

Perils of the campaign season.And we are still awake because of this, inane campaign jingles, emotional speeches and all.I wouldn't vote for someone who purposefully caused my lack of sleep. Seriously.

icon and i will

2007-04-09T12:22:00.000+08:00

Taking a break from homework (as in work brought home), the catharsis that is Zuma, and trying to fix the room a little at a time while there is still a lack of furniture--I stumbled upon this icon while surfing around. It's me. Totally.Last Song Syndrome : Kiss Kiss - Holly Valance <-- only because I saw her on Prison Break

the remains of the drive

2007-04-07T08:42:00.000+08:00

Blogging was put on hold for the past few weeks because of so many little things that added up to... well, no blogging.This is the first:The laptop hard drive crashed. As in, blue screen of death and all. Irrecoverable errors. The problem was with the drive itself and not the OS (which would have been easier to handle).Technician at HP could only smile sympathetically and say, "we cannot assure

sanctuary

2007-03-29T23:29:00.001+08:00

calla Originally uploaded by brightblade.Eventually, I want to get married.Eventually, I want to get married in this church.But I don't want to spend half a million to just get married. I don't even want to spend anything. I believe that a lifelong commitment can be made without bells and whistles, designer gowns and a chocolate fountain.And yet, I am resigned to my fate--white gown, calla lilies

congratulations, pam and jonathan!

2007-03-28T04:51:00.001+08:00

centerpiece Originally uploaded by brightblade.Even if we had to wake up super early and still were late for the processional... we had a wonderful time at your wedding. At last... :)

happy birthday, jenny

2007-03-20T12:22:00.000+08:00

It's The Obnoxious Levin's birthday today.Check out the collage I made for her here. This was done while being (1) irritated with an episode of Sana Maulit Muli where Kim Chiu is crying althroughout and (2) irritated during Maging Sino Ka Man with the "dramatic pause" effect when Eli (aka John Lloyd Cruz) decides to accompany his forced bride Jackie (aka Bea Alonzo) on the vacation with her

beyond the wall of abs

2007-03-16T13:53:00.000+08:00

I've always had a soft spot for the most famous last stand in history, the Battle of Thermopylae. I've always had a soft spot for Gerard Butler, since I first saw him on Lara Croft 2: The Cradle of Life. I have a soft spot for the droolworthy Rodrigo Santoro, since he emerged out of the water in Charlie's Angels 2: Full Throttle. And despite the portrayal of the mousy Carl in Van Helsing, I have

adventures of the new dallas

2007-03-13T07:27:00.000+08:00

adventures of the new dallasAnother addition to the clan. Meet Dallas, ver2.The future bro-in-law got it for zeester#2 after a fight. He's mahogany/black/white, unlike old Dallas (Dallas version 1) who was, rather is, tan/black/white. Dallas v2 comes from a line of champions. Hee. Not like we're going to show him or anything.We've had him for almost a week now. The parentals don't know a thing

i am...

2007-03-11T04:42:00.000+08:00

You Are 54% Burned OutYou're fairly burned out, and it shows.You probably have been feeling a little rundown and irritable lately.If you can, drop a few of your minor responsibilities and focus on what's really important.You have too much on your plate, and it's catching up with you.Are You Burned Out?Last Song Syndrome : Merci Bon Dieu by Harry Belafonte - don't ask why, just know that I am

4:24am

2007-03-11T04:24:00.000+08:00

This Neozep Non-Drowsy works a little too well.

evangelocales

2007-03-07T18:15:00.000+08:00

I brought the camera, good and all, but unfortunately, I forgot to even take it out of my bag while traipsing around the Evangelista area in Bangkal, Makati. So, no photos of last Saturday's excursion. Err.Ah, Evangelista. When I was in high school, we would go to Jesi Mendez or Hair 2000 on Evangelista to have hair and makeup done for special occasions, this aside from Hair Performer across from

ajar

2007-03-06T17:34:00.001+08:00

ajar Originally uploaded by brightblade.Welcome to my abode...

belated happy birthday, you

2007-03-02T16:04:00.001+08:00

carnation Originally uploaded by brightblade.I thank the Almighty for bringing you back into my life, older, wiser, more driven but still the same kid I knew. And loved. Twenty-seven years you've been walking this earth, and I'm glad to say that six of those (technically, four) were spent with me... and then there's forever to look forward to.

why i need furniture

2007-02-28T06:19:00.000+08:00

Am selling a lot of old magazines, cameras and other stuff because of this and two other similar piles:Selling would reduce the mess and at the same time finance the acquisition of new furniture. My old stuff were either water-damaged or too big... Granted, I only had three actual pieces of furniture before: a long worktable from my dad's old office, a bookshelf from SM, and a divider for my bed

what, me tardy?

2007-02-23T07:44:00.000+08:00

Today the big boss sent out tardiness reports. I was shocked at what I saw, really. According to the report, I had been tardy 7 times in November to December last year, and some days about two hours! There was something definitely wrong with this picture.I live in Makati. I work in Makati. It takes me roughly ten minutes to get to work from my house, and even when we transferred temporarily to

oh what a beautiful morning

2007-02-22T08:09:00.000+08:00

I am expired. Hey.Rather, my LAN account at work is. I am currently using my co-worker's account on my PC, which, unfortunately, means that all settings are awry and I can't use all the basic Microsoft Office stuff without re-installing everything. And what a waste of time that is. So, while waiting for LAN boys to fix it, this be blogging as a result of that. Illegally.But there was a good start

New beginnings

2007-02-20T14:59:00.001+08:00

All things drape-y and swooshy Originally uploaded by brightblade.It's high time to start blogging again. The house is almost done, the wedding preparations are on hold, things are getting quite hectic over at the Hub again. Generally, it's a good time for catharsis, if only through photoblogs.New beginnings are in order, and new curtains. The picture above is of the fabrics of choice for my

two weeks without a blog

2006-08-03T16:32:00.000+08:00

How do the days zip by like that--so inconsiderate of people like me, who seem to be treading water, on the verge of drowning, in the deluge that is "real life". And I don't know where the time goes, it can't be only to work. For an avid multitasker like myself, it's like I'm doubling up but still running out of time. Even my leisure activities are multitasked (think Jeopardy! on TV while doing

con come and gone

2006-07-18T06:27:00.000+08:00

The Con came and then was gone. The problem with having priorities is, you have to follow them or else, well, what was the use of setting priorities in the first place? Unfortunately, my priorities for last weekend were servitude to the parentals, necessary purchases of victuals and other supplies, servitude to the corporate master, and New Worlds, in that order. I was no longer able to make time

just like breathing when it's true

2006-07-15T07:57:00.000+08:00

Flowers from Mang Boy and experiments in PaintShop.-oOo-Last WednesdayAt this height, rain is pelting the glass windows from the side, and for a while I was entranced by the almost horizontal water patterns splattered onto the windows. Unlike usual droplets hitting the window at a slight angle, theirs was an extended dribble, almost like they were rubbing onto the building, with a strange sound

sleigh bells ring

2006-07-09T09:08:00.000+08:00

Three Christmas gifts were bought yesterday. Right on schedule, because I usually start buying Christmas gifts in July and just stock them until I need them. When I see something I like for one of my friends or relatives, I snap it up right away. Of course, the downside is, sometimes (very rarely) I find something better, and the a few gifts bought usually end up in storage longer than usual or

bea: the omen

2006-07-04T01:12:00.000+08:00

The malevolent glint in her eyes and her hand cupping my face. Isn't it just adorable? Hehehe!-oOo-SignsTesla/The Five Man Electrical BandAnd the sign says "Long-haired freaky people need not apply"So I put my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him whyHe said you look like a fine outstanding young man, I think you'll doSo I took off my hat, I said "Imagine that, huh, me working for you"[

there's no day like today

2006-07-01T20:34:00.000+08:00

And I feel, so much depends on the weatherSo is it raining in your bedroom? And I see, that these are the eyes of disarrayWould you even care?- Plush, Stone Temple Pilots

woe is me, it's payday friday!

2006-06-30T20:52:00.000+08:00

I actually left the office at exactly 5:30pm so that I could avoid the crush but it was not to be. There was no Guadalupe jeepney in sight for at least 20 minutes. And after that, they were all filled to the brim. As I was not in the mood to run and jostle around for a place on one of them or the Zapote jeeps(cue in my still-present cough) I decided to have a look-see at the Book Sale at Cityland

the cost of getting sick

2006-06-29T18:34:00.000+08:00

I hate taking sick days. I already have three and a half sick days used up this year, including those taken yesterday and last Monday. Today I took my third-and-a-half sick day. My parents rushed me to the hospital around midnight because I was having really bad stomach spasms which weren't being alleviated by any medicine I took. Two injections and a nap later, I was good to go at 4am. I'm glad

cool citrus basil

2006-06-26T17:34:00.000+08:00

The Bath and Body Works Big Semi-Annual Sale is upon us.Someone buy me, like, five of these please! I have no idea why I absolutely love this; maybe it smells citrusy (as I am a fan of citrus things), fresh and natural, it's almost as light as baby cologne, but the basil gives it an edge (aside from it being one of my favorite herbs).Feh. Been sick. As such I don't make much sense. Hope to be

raindrops and roses and payroll

2006-06-23T08:39:00.000+08:00

I don't know what sort of folly this is. I have severe muscle pains, the beginnings of full-blown cough and colds, a headache and a slight fever. And yet, here I am, about to leave for work. Viva la GeeksForHire! We have an important deliverable today which I was trying to finish yesterday afternoon but since I was already feeling bad, I left early. Unfortunately, the feeling only worsened last

time well-spent

2006-06-19T19:59:00.000+08:00

Rea and JP's birthdays are both around the end of May. It was a blue theme for their gifts, choosing and wrapping which took out a chunk of time from the already toxic schedule, but it was time well-spent (as is blogging time).

what is practically the second job

2006-06-15T18:59:00.000+08:00

This is what has been occupying my time for the past few months (aside from work):Just a few months to go!The future room and the Makati quarters after -eherm- planned nuptials, haha!One of the enjoyable things about planning a house...Last Song Syndrome : Fill It Up Again - Indigo Girls

notes from all around

2006-06-14T19:12:00.000+08:00

Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders will be voicing Miss Forcible and Miss Spink in the Coraline film! I so miss watching Absolutely Fabulous. Got this link from the Gaiman's blog: French and Saunders go animated. And freaky Dakota Fanning rounds out the cast as Coraline, of course. Next I want to see Dakota Fanning in a Tim Burton movie. Or has she already been in one?I totally enjoyed the

cr: a true story

2006-06-12T19:06:00.000+08:00

I am sitting on the toilet seat in the middle cubicle of our speckled gray-tiled bathroom, pants done up, sneaking in a few pages of Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister when suddenly, from the other cubicle: "Ma'am?" Then, murmured: "Sino kaya ito?""Ako po ba?" I ask. Does this person know I'm surreptitiously reading when I'm supposed to be churning out brilliance as one of the GeeksForHire here at

a short rebirth, and for the love of raisinets

2006-05-27T07:53:00.000+08:00

There is a flicker of hope that one day, I can return to the blogging world. Sometimes I do post at the friendster blog, but these are few and far between. Sigh.Occupying my mind:House constructionFurnishing the new blue roomServing as support for the mother-unit as she decides how to construct and furnish the rest of the houseDesigning the zeesters' and my closetsFacilitating a good relationship

temporary blog

2006-03-18T09:31:00.000+08:00

The temporary blog is here.

deeper shade of soul is on hiatus, hopefully temporary

2006-01-12T01:43:00.000+08:00

harry potpot

2005-11-22T07:04:00.000+08:00

Perhaps it was too long between movies, or maybe I don't really like the book, but I was not particularly enthralled by Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Just like the book, I believe it only serves to further the story before the exciting events of books 5 through 7. What other films did Mike Newell direct? I'm not a big fan of his, really, although there is only so much you can do to a story

the mother-unit is another year wiser

2005-11-22T06:50:00.000+08:00

Happy birthday Ma!

my brush with identity theft, part deux

2005-11-14T10:28:00.000+08:00

A few weeks ago I received a letter from Citibank advising me that they considered the previous transaction charged to my credit card from the dubious Kochujang Restaurant in Pasay as a valid transaction. They also sent me a copy of the sale slip and recommended that I send the dispute letter by a certain date or else they would charge me the full amount, plus finance charges and a sale slip

turning thirty

2005-11-08T07:32:00.000+08:00

Turning thirty only happens once in a person's life (given, of course, that one never lies about one's age). A milestone, it seems one has to suddenly become more mature, and think about babies and retirement plans. At thirty, I am still unmarried, not yet at managerial level, and retaining quite a large amount of body fat. I am also less impetuous, more pensive, and more easily drawn to mirth

Vows

2005-11-04T09:48:00.000+08:00

Re-read the Dragonlance saga and still teared up at Riverwind and Goldmoon's marriage vows. Don't know if it's the hormones, the stress, or the fact that someday I'm planning to do my own and hope to be able to capture all that I want to say. I like its message that despite there being much bigger things going on in life (dragon war vs. EVAT), the promises between a husband and wife are still

the workarea

2005-10-31T11:18:00.000+08:00

This is where I've been spending 12-hour days and some all-nighters. It's not much but for now, it's home. I wasn't able to take a picture of the mobile cabinet, which, come Monday, is always stocked with snacks and what-not.Now playing : Putumayo - Samba-Bossa Nova

My Brush With Identity Theft

2005-10-06T15:38:00.000+08:00

Early morning one Saturday a few weeks ago, I checked my credit card balance through the internet. It was over four thousand pesos above the balance I was expecting and a panicky thought ran through me. Despite the fact that my annual fee was charged, accounting for PhP1,200 of the extra balance, there was an additional transaction for PhP2,900 charged by a restaurant (Kochujang restaurant in

silent all these weeks

2005-09-06T18:04:00.000+08:00

itisgreattoblogTyping stuff that isn't email, or test scripts--it's a joy. This is the first time in three weeks that I've been able to blog. I've been able to email, and I've surfed, but I couldn't find the time to sit down and create a blog entry. It's nice to be in the blogging world, if only for the meantime.You see, today is probably the only respite that I'm getting from the hoopla that is

short takes

2005-08-14T07:46:00.000+08:00

Saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Were the Oompa-Loompas supposed to look like that? I preferred Gene Wilder's Oompa-Loompas. I think I expected too much from the movie. It was nice, but it wasn't that nice. And Johnny Depp reminded one more of Michael Jackson (oh come on, don't you see the resemblance? pale skin, white even teeth, and invitations to kids to come hither?) than Marilyn Manson

cellphone suicide

2005-08-11T22:50:00.000+08:00

I know it. The 6610 wants to be let go. Today it jumped of its own accord into the trashcan under my workarea. I tried to find it for 10 minutes and when I checked if it could have fallen onto the floor, lo and behold, there it was. Sigh. I think this weekend I will bid it farewell and trade it in for a 6020.Last Song Syndrome : Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day

the search continues

2005-08-03T06:31:00.000+08:00

The house-hunting continues. Found a good one on T Street near the contractor's house and David's. The mother-unit will inspect later. Strange Indian landlords, but it's the cheapest 4-bedroom this side of the fringes of Makati. And a lot of storage space too for all our junk stuff. I've emptied half a cabinet and I've already filled a "travel box" (the one you can buy from SM at 69.75, sturdy

topsy-turvy

2005-08-01T07:00:00.000+08:00

Things are a mess right now. Literally and figuratively. Packing has started for the move to the apartment, because I have so much stuff (taking comfort in objects and all). A box of books and another box containing clothes and (memorabilia? knick-knacks?) and will be parked at the SO's house temporarily. The temporary living quarters will be quite cramped. Adding to that, the gutters in my pad

one day in hp

2005-07-24T04:47:00.000+08:00

Because the SO was meeting his friend at said friend's condo along Vito Cruz, we found ourselves at Harrison Plaza. I haven't been to this place in ages; the last two times were just at the Village Square's Seattle's Best (with Bespren J while she was studying for the US boards, and with G! on his birthday two years ago (has it been just two years?!) when I had just broken up with the SO and C!&G

sick again

2005-07-20T06:47:00.000+08:00

Sir Nick had ominous words during my going-away dinner at Zong a few weeks ago: "take care of your health." I thought that was a jibe at my constant sick leaves (which was to take care of my employment requirements at GeeksForHire). Well now it seems it was some sort of hex. I've been sick a whole lot more often now compared to before. Oh well. I hope it's not true that sickness is a

not incommunicado for long

2005-07-17T09:27:00.000+08:00

Somebody was bound to die, again. Once more, one of my favorite characters. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince started out sluggish, definitely, but momentum and tension built until that ending that left us shaking and teary-eyes. What can I say? Rowling has definitely left us hungry for more. Personally, Prisoner of Azkaban remains at the top of my list, but this story, with its romantic

incommunicado

2005-07-16T09:03:00.000+08:00

Between two birthday parties, overtime work, mom in the hospital and Harry Potter, I'm going to be pretty incommunicado this weekend. Meanwhile, here's some form of "deeper insight" into my personality based on my birthdate (yeah, duh):Your Birthdate: October 30Your birthday on the 30th day of the month shows individual self-expression is necessary for your happiness. You tend to have a good way

don't you worry 'bout a thing, baby

2005-07-12T06:37:00.000+08:00

One of the team leads over at GeeksForHire went impulse-buying and got herself a P910i free with a Globe G-Max plan. Myself, I've got an 800-peso plan that I maximize, although I don't think I would be able to handle the 1,200-peso plan. Got a Motorola E398 to go along with it.Got to thinking about how many cellphones I've had over the past few years. I started out with a heavy-duty batuta-like

new look

2005-07-10T08:29:00.000+08:00

And now I've had to go and change my template. Something was wrong with my old original template (huhuhu... two years old na yun!), pushing the text of the first post down below the sidebar. This new template is temporary although knowing me this will last for quite a while.Uh-huh, two posts in one day. Am I back or what? Hehehehe! I guess with everything that's going on in the world, our

hiatus

2005-07-10T06:32:00.000+08:00

The supposed "comebank" post was a week early. I just really had to greet the Ger-ber on this medium because of the, um, shared history (heh!). I've been told to stop and smell the blogs, er, roses every once in a while, so here this is. I haven't been able to go online for ages, but I'm going to try to do so more often.Things I did while on blogging hiatus:Started actually working for

to my first blog-friend

2005-07-02T09:21:00.000+08:00

Thought it was fitting that I post my "comeback" post on the birthday of the person who got me involved in blogging in the first place.Happy Birthday Ger!Last Song Syndrome : Same Ground - Kitchie Nadal

smokin', rockin' geeks

2005-06-17T00:20:00.000+08:00

I went a week without nicotine. It was a promise, that I would give it up, but I could not sustain it. At least I tried. The last time I supposedly quit, I was nicotine-free for three months. It was easy to not be around the smoking buddies at the time, but now that the SO is back in my life, it's harder to quit. And I actually experienced what seemed to be withdrawal symptoms. Sitting here now,