i remembered...

After a hundred years, I finally read A Walk to Remember, the novel that is. I finished it in a day. Then had the urge to watch the movie. I saw it like ages ago but I was quite young then. But even then I liked the movie. Cheesy? Yes... but still touching. And the soundtrack rocked! Now I saw it through different eyes. Everything had a whole new meaning! Still cheesy, yes! Really, I was balling my eyes out by the time Reverend Sullivan said "but she did. It was you." And even in the passing of years, the soundtrack absolutely still rocks!


*this song got stuck quite a bit... idk why*

Cry - Mandy Moore

I'll always remember
It was late afternoon
It lasted forever
And ended too soon
You were all by yourself
Staring up at a dark gray sky
I was changed

In places no one would find
All your feelings so deep inside (deep inside)
It was then that I realized
That forever was in your eyes
The moment I saw you cry

The moment that I saw you cry

It was late in september
And I've seen you before (and you were)
You were always the cold one
But i was never that sure
You were all by yourself
Staring at a dark gray sky
I was changed

In places no one would find
All your feelings so deep inside (deep inside)
It was then that I realized
That forever was in your eyes
The moment I saw you cry

I wanted to hold you
i wanted to make it go away
I wanted to know you
I wanted to make your everything, all right....

I'll always remember...
It was late afternoon...
In places no one would find...

In places no one would find
All your feelings so deep inside (deep inside)
It was then that I realized
That forever was in your eyes
The moment I saw you cry

personal...

was talking Scripture with my Mom (hmm) ...

... and this suddenly slipped out ...

... my own personal hellhole ... which I'm struggling to climb out of...

... that got her thinking ...

... ooops! my bad!

what's in your heart?

Inspired by Sunday's homily:

new look...

... for the blog at least.

I felt this urge to do a major change. With my whole life?... yes... working on it (but more on that later). Anyway, what better way than to start with the blog.

I had a tough time changing the layout. Not that I designed it or anything. My hands are too full for that right now, though... hmm... might give it a try one of these days. Taking the easy route, I grabbed one of the free templates that caught my fancy from the net, tried applying it several times. Grrr... I'm not much of a tech person so all those xml thingamajig was driving me insane. And the ticking clock reminding me it was waaaay past my bedtime wasn't helping. I was dizzy from lack of sleep but my alter-OC-persona won't let up.

Now, it's done... changed!

So how is it? It's quite muted, I know. Not the animated splash of color that I usually prefer. Maybe a reflection of my state of being at the moment.

I like it!

ugh... relationship...

I'm super naaaliw with this guy ---> gerald sarmiento. His blog is seriously downright personal, witty and carries my brand of chuvaness. lol.

This is one of his more serious posts... and dammit it struck a chord as you might very well know. =)


The Journey of Finding a Relationship
Our Relationship Choices

Before we embark upon the journey of finding the relationship that
is right for us, we may want to take the opportunity to refine our
concept of who we are and our ideas of what we want from life. That
way, we are clearer on the kind of person we want to attract into
our lives. Part of the journey of finding a mate is learning how to
become our own mate. When we can learn to meet our needs without
relying on someone else to complete us, we don't have to form
relationships from the space of needing our emptiness to be filled.
We can also discover our intrinsic value, separate from what someone
else might be reflecting back to us. Getting to know who we are and
learning to love ourselves creates a solid foundation of self that
we can bring to any relationship.

We are fortunate to live in a time when relationships can unfold at
a pace that is right for us and take unique forms. Friendship,
dating, open relationships, long term relationships, long distance
relationships, or committed relationships — we are free to choose
the kind of relationships that we want. If you want to be in
relationship, but haven't found the right one for you, remember that
the universe works in perfect order and, therefore, right now your
life is unfolding exactly as it is meant to be. Maybe all this time
has been part of your preparation period for meeting your intended
partner. Even the relationships in our lives that haven't worked out
as we had hoped serve us by teaching us to make better choices in
our next relationships.

Finding the relationship we want can come early or later in life. It
may even happen again and again in one lifetime. There is no right
or wrong for how to find a relationship nor is there a timeline that
you have to follow. Follow your heart, listen to your inner voice,
continue to become your own soul mate, and stay open to love. The
journey of finding the right relationship begins with being in right
relationship with yourself.

Potent, isn't it?

i totally agree...

got this from a friend...



I'm a girl..

Of course I want a fairy tale ending..

But I don't need a knight on a white horse..



I'd settle for a vampire on a shiny silver volvo. XD


oh yes, I most definitely would! ;P

that's what i love about ANC...

There used to be a time when my TV would only find itself beaming from this channel when a) there's a coup, b) i need a full coverage of a senate inquiry, c) anything really big that is of national concern. But for the past months it's become routine that as soon as Yannis is out the door on his way to school, my TV is set to ANC from News at 8 with Ricky Carandang (now Ron Cruz) to Mornings @ ANC, Cashflow (just pretending that I understand the tiniest bit about the stock market) and then back to the news for Dateline Philippines. Even if the tv is just set as background while I work, the mere constant talk may seem to much of an information overload. But I do enjoy it. Seeing that my day's work is more routine than anything, this gives me something to wrap my mind around.

And it's not just the news. You get all sorts of stuff. Mornings @ ANC dishes a mouthful for you to chew. Aside from the usual magazine talk show fare, the charisma that the mixture of the hosts exude, their amity and the plain fun that radiates from it all would gravitate you to tune in regularly.

All the exposure to media and the overflowing data it metes out have awakened the sleeping opinionated dragon in my head which have long been dormant. I am beginning to formulate my own views again and not just act like a sponge accepting whatever is thrown out my way. Second to that is my ability to express myself, which has been exponentially enhanced just by being open to all the commentaries, ideas, and information.

So it has been that the boob-tube has risen to become an educational and creative tool. Nice!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Yesterday, I took particular notice that the weather's a lot cooler. Even in the afternoon when it usually would be sweltering hot and terribly humid, the breeze was pleasantly chilly. The evening gust was enough to raise the hairs on my extremeties. Just when I decide to put on shorts and a lanky shirt as I went out of the house. But as always, I was too lazy to go for a change of outfit. Though that's an entirely different story. =)

Back to the breeze... it really does drive home the fact that Christmas is here. Though unlike last year when I was all absorbed in the chaos of holiday commercialism, this year is working up to be a lot lighter. Maybe due to the fact that I have considerably less money to fritter this time around... again, another story altogether.

With the fresh breeze gusting in, here's wishing that everything would be merry. And, keeping my fingers crossed and hoping I won't jinx it, I think it's shaping up to be.

photo courtesy of geraldsarmiento.blogspot.com

I'm not going to be swayed...

Well that's what I thought! I've always flat-out refused being dragged into the whole Twilight mania. I kept saying I'm just not into vampires and, though I've unabashedly patronized young adult lit, I just screamed I'm too darn old for this crap! I'm nearly hitting 30, thank you very much! But when I heard of grown-up women swooning over books written for teenage girls, hmm... it got me thinking.

Not til last month when Chrissie shoved a copy of Twilight into my fully loaded arm while shopping for stuff at NBS did I even consider reading the first of the saga. The movie was imminent she said. And I needed to get through the book if I were to watch it. That did it! Little did I know that once I dip my stubby little finger into this world that Stephanie Meyer created, there is no turning back. You just can't stay away from the passion and thrill of it. So now I'm hooked. I've marathoned, so to speak, through all 4 books in record time. Talk about zero sleep! Well, it helps when you're going through sleepless nights due to insomnia. I think I get as much sleep as Edward does. lol. Now better that I devour a book than stare at the ceiling til dawn, right?!Okay , so I'm not going to nit-pick the saga as it has already been minced so many times over. Suffice it to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it... the first one (Twilight) immensely... the succeeding 3 with varying degrees of satisfaction. Overall, the books are easy reads; not at all pretentious; emanating with immense passion that it was really hard to put it down until you're through. Stephanie Meyer is not the literary great of our generation but she did create a new genre for young girls. I don't think vampires with morals have ever been so palatable to teens as much as the Cullens have. And the crossover to adult following is astonishing. No wonder Meyers has been endlessly compared to Rowlings (not that anyone wants to hear any more of that *wink*).

And because I breezed through all 4 titles, I'm picking up the books again, intent on taking my pace and digest every detail. Nope, I don't think it's time to pack up and leave Forks just yet.

Twilight Movie rants and raves coming up... when I get around to it. =)

heart to heart...

and because i buy stuff at a whim...
... i got a hold of Kyla's new album Heart to Heart...


I've always enjoyed listening to her voice... from way back when she would constantly perform at every single occasion in our building. Well, come to think of it, she's probably one of just a couple of local solo artists that tickles my fancy in the least bit. The other being Sitti. Anyways, wasn't really planning on getting a copy. Just went with my sister to a record bar. And while she is sooo torn into being a mainstream album, i saw Kyla's. The song that gravitated me to it is "I'll Be Over You." Hmm... as long as I'm in my dismal doldrums, why not go all deep, right?! Ugh!

The songs turned out to be great background while bidding time. Not really the type for all out sulking. Guess it ain't my time to indulge my misery, eh! But it's all good. The sulking and the album, I mean.

hmmm. christmas!

generally, i so love christmas! but this song really strikes a cord... as if something's stuck in my throat... ugh! not that there's a particular person this applies to!!! i am so definite on that! just that... i kinda feel... lonely...

ugh! this is the result of a twilight book marathon! getting me all gooey and stuff! puff!






The fire is burning
The room's all aglow
Outside the December wind blows
Away in the distance the carolers sing in the snow
Everybody's laughing
The world is celebrating
And everyone's so happy
Except for me tonight

Because I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right
But then I miss you, most at Christmas time

I gaze out the window
This cold winter's night
At all of the twinkling lights
Alone in the darkness
Remembering when you were mine
Everybody's smiling
The whole world is rejoicing
And everyone's embracing
Except for you and I

Baby I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right
But then I miss you, most at Christmas time

In the springtime those memories start to fade
With the April rain
Through the summer days
Till autumn's leaves are gone
I get by without you
Till the snow begins to fall

And then I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right...
But then I miss you, most at Christmas time

quoted today #1

what's the grub? #7

16 October 2008

lunch...

corn kernels with cheese

look at the heapa cheese... tsk! tsk! tsk!

dinner...

lettuce wrap with roasted chicken, kimchi, yellow pepper

become my regular fare, eh...

what's the grub? #6

15 October 2008

breakfast...

white rice, sausage, kimchi

uh-oh! bad... processed and refined...

dinner...

arroz caldo, kimchi

not traditionally eaten together, but turned out quite good!

what's the grub? #5

13 Oct 2008

breakfast...

green leafy veggies, fish fillet, kimchi, red chilli paste 고추장 (gochujang), water

Not really your usual breakfast affair but still fills up you fuel bank just the same.

lunch...

ramyun, dry laver, water

First ramyun for the week (it's just a Monday anyway, hihi!).

dinner...

fish & tofu stir-fry (with lotsa onions), kimchi, gochujang, iced tea

This meal was really yummy! Aju mashissoyo!

Hmmm.. just noticed that this is my first post that has 3 full meals. Nice!

what's the grub? #4

12 Oct 2008

brunch ( at 2pm!)

cafe med's spicy porkloin with buttered rice

It's a Sunday... so what the heck! Load up the calories!

what's the grub? #3

11 Oct 2008

lunch...

ramyun, kimchi, iced black tea

Ugh! Not the healthiest menu, but hey, still yum! Who cares about the skyrocketing amount of sodium?!! (me! me! me! says a tiny little voice in my brain ---> eek! that kinda sound a little psycho! =P)

Kimchi was soo yum... from the friendly neighborhood korean grocery at escriva drive... i've missed this "homecooked style" of kimchi. The stuff you find in big supermarkets just don't compare.

what's the grub? #2

10 Oct 08

lunch/dinner...pho hoa fare ---> shrimp pomelo salad in vinegrette, fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce, iced tea

I'd like to think this is somehow healthy... XD

my man...

and his name is Kim Hyun Joong!

man... let me dig up my list from a few hundred years back...

1. gorgeous smile ( the kind that just melts you up!) ---> check!
2. that mysterious air about him ---> check!
3. lean, tall frame ---> check!
4. knows how to dance ---> oh definitely, check!!!
5. knows how to play the guitar ---> check!
6. can sing ---> yup, yup, yup!
7. romantic (but not the sappy kind) ---> check!8. a little bit on the quirky side ( my kind of humor) ---> check! 4d rocks!

oh man.. he's topped all of my list... now if only i were a few years younger... wahaha!


now, back from dreamland....

what's the grub? #1

these were my breakfast fares the past two days...

brown rice, bell pepper & onion omelette, iced black tea










brown rice, sweet & sour lapu-lapu with heaps of bell pepper and onion, black iced tea














only diff was the fish and the egg... everything else were exactly the same.

lunch... nearly negligible as i rarely eat at noon... dinner were all the same... miso soup!

ugh! let's see how i last!

blogthings part 3

You Probably Look Younger Than Your Age

You live a healthy lifestyle and know how to take care of yourself. You'll probably have a youthful glow for many years.

Do You Look Your Age?

You are a Rocker Girl!

If you don't have musical talent, you've got a talent for picking out great CD's. Music rules your life - and you've got the best MP3 collection of anyone you know. Many guys find you intimidating, but a select few think you're the catch of a lifetime. Start hanging out in more used record stores, and you'll find love with a fellow rocker!

What Kind of Girl Are You?

Your Life is 80% Green

You live a very green life, and you're aware of how your actions help the earth. Of course, it's hard to be totally green. But when you make a tradeoff, you know why you're making it.

How Green Is Your Life?

Your Japanese Name Is...

Misako Konjo

What's your Japanese Name?

You Are the Ego

You take a balanced approach to your life. You definitely aren't afraid to act out on your desires - even crazy ones. But you usually think first. Morals drive you as much as hedonism does. You've been able to live a life of pleasure... without living a life of excess.

Are You Id, Ego, or Superego?

What Your Favorite Color Green Says About You:

Balanced --- Relaxed --- Flexible Compassionate --- Philosophical --- Humble Loyal --- Inventive --- Unique

What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You?

Your Sensitivity Score: 59%

As far as sensitivity goes, you're a lot more in tune than most people. You can't help but be touched by what's around you - good and bad. But when things do get really bad around you, you are strong enough not to break down.

Are You Extremely Sensitive?

You Are a Night Person

For you, there's nothing worse than having to get up and moving early. In fact, you probably don't hit your peak until well after the sun has set. So if your struggling to make it on a normal schedule, realize it's not your fault. You just weren't meant to do anything during the day!

Are You a Morning Person or Night Person?

You Are 67% Tortured Genius

You are smart. Brilliant in fact. And while it's a blessing, it's also a curse. Your head is filled with everything - grand ideas, insufferable worries, and a good deal of angst.

Are You a Tortured Genius?

Your Life is Better Than 52% of All People

Your life is pretty average, with lots of normal ups and downs. You're on the way to having a better life, as long as you focus on what's really important. Remember to take the time to do the things that you like best, and let the little things slide. No one on their deathbed ever wished that they spent more time worrying or complaining!

How Does Your Life Compare?

blogthings part 2

You Should Date A Japanese Guy!

You're an interesting blend of traditional and modern And a Japanese guy is likely to be on your wavelength Maybe you'll show your love by dying your hair the same color Or get married in a traditional white kimono!

Which Foreign Guy Should You Date?

Your Intrapersonal Intelligence Score: 68%

Your Intrapersonal Intelligence is High You have a great understanding of who you are, and your place in the world. You know what path you're on. And you are excited about your future. You're always deepening your inner knowledge and introspection. And enjoying it every step of the way.

How Does Your Intrapersonal Intelligence Rate?

You Are 62% Creative

You are beyond creative. You are a true artist - even if it's not in the conventional sense of the word. You love creating for its own sake, and you find yourself quite inspired at times.

How Creative Are You?

blogthings

You Are Extremely Charming

When someone talks to you, they feel like they are the most interesting person in the world. And for you in that moment, they actually are. You truly care about the people you're around, and it's obvious to everyone who meets you. You are open, warm, friendly, and welcoming. You epitomize charm.

Are You Charming?

You Are Disturbingly Profound

You're contemplative, thoughtful, and very intense. Taking time to figure out the meaning of life is a priority for you. Because you're so introspective, you often react in ways that surprise people. No one can really understand how you are on the inside... and that disturbs them.

Are You Disturbingly Profound or Profoundly Disturbing?

What Laurice Means

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Your Friendliness Score is 74 (Friendly)

No doubt about it, you are a good friend and a friend to many. You're one of the first people your friends call when they have news. You are quite popular, and your circle of friends is always growing. And while you are always making new friends, you are careful not to leave your old friends behind. While you are a great friend, you're not perfect. Sometimes you slip a little. Make sure to listen to your friends and make time for them. Occasionally they feel a little neglected.

How Friendly Are You?

You See the World Through Blue Colored Glasses

You live your life with tranquility. You have faith that things will work themselves out with time. You judge all your interactions through the lens of hope. You try to get all the facts before forming your opinion. You face challenges with wisdom. You know that all bad things pass, and you have the confidence to see problems through. You see love as the utmost expression of trust. Your relationships tend to be peaceful and stable. At your worst, you can be cool, melancholy, and detached. You sometimes have to step back from emotionally charged situations. You are at your happiest when you are able to reflect and relax.

What Color Glasses Do You See the World Through?

You Are the Innovator

You're the type of person who is always a step ahead of everyone else. You thrive when you're experimenting with new designs, ideas, and attitudes. You are a creative person with many talents. You have to have artistic outlets in your life. You need to create - whether it's writing furiously or redecorating your home. If not, your life becomes chaotic. You tire of doing the same thing every day. You change your job, friends, and personal style often. You are at your best when you have a focus. If not, you develop a flaky artist's temperament.

What Role Do You Play?

You're Part Diva

You know that a girl's gotta work it to get her way in the world. And while you aren't about to throw a tantrum at every turn... You do amp up the drama when you know you need it. You mix charm, honesty, and kindness to get ahead.

Are You a Diva?

You Need to Grow Up a Little

You're definitely not a kid anymore, though sometimes it's hard to tell. Your life is somewhat adult, but chances are, you aren't really satisfied with it. Whether this means getting a better job or dumping a loser boyfriend... It's definitely time for you to start living a fully adult life.

Is it Time for You to Act Like a Woman?

You Are 47% Independent

Overall, you're a pretty independent woman. You don't follow trends just to fit in. You've got your own cool thing going on, though you sometimes still care too much about what other's think.

Are You an Independent Woman?

You Make a Great First Impression

You can handle almost any social situation with grace, even the tricky ones. Strangers often find you charming and interesting. You are often remembered fondly. Even if you're not naturally outgoing, you can make conversation with anyone if you need to. Whether you were born this way or had to work to get here, you are definitely charismatic. You're popular and well liked. People definitely look forward to being around you. Your social connections bring you a full and rich life. You understand how important it is to make a lasting impression.

What Kind of First Impression Do You Make?