Sunday, December 30, 2012

The Big Bang

We thought we'd end the year with a bang. Or something that actually has impact.

Albeit that the food giving my family and I did happened a good two days before the actual end of the year, I still consider it my year ender. It's nice to know that before the end of the controversial 2012, I have done something right.

For the food preparation, my mom cooked the spaghetti sauce while my yaya, Manang Boni, prepared the noodles. My cousin, Ate Crizza mixed the sauce and the noodles together in a massive container. The hotdogs were also cooked in bulk by Manang Boni, while the chicken was ordered from St. Martha's catering service. Lastly, the cupcakes were bought from Panaderia de Iloilo. Ate Nina and I then sorted the food into the styrofoam containers. (I have nothing to contribute to the cooking part sadly.)

The food giving itself was done around Iloilo City. We basically just drove around and gave the food to the street children, aetas, and other homeless people whom we passed by. The ironic thing is that we had a hard time searching for the less fortunate to dole out food to. It seems as though when you're the one looking for them, they go missing. This is as opposed to when you're simply walking down the streets, and some street children won't let you cross the street if you don't give them spare change.






This food giving though, made me realize just how blessed I am. Although I may be far from being Forbes material, I am a lot luckier than those people. Though we may have fed them for a single meal, it is not likely that for the rest of their days they would have their three meals.

But knowing that I've made other people happy, even for just a day, gave me a sense of ecstasy that money can't buy. There is no doubting the quote "to give is better than to receive," any longer.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

The New Ship(s)

1. Bunheads. It's most probably because I have this hidden (not-so-hidden anymore, I presume) desire of being a ballerina. And because I envy Sasha's body.

2. Jubilee and Stuart. If you've read Let It Snow, you would understand why. This is another perfect example of why I will never have my own love life because I'll expect our story to be something so intricately crafted and planned out by an unknown force. Fate brought them together by a snowstorm! And a train that got stuck! And a Pancake House! I expect no less from my own love story. And this folks, is how I'll end up alone for the rest of my life.

3. Dexter. No, not Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory. Although I have been worshipping him for his immensely clever mind. Going back on topic, though, I'm talking about Dexter from Sarah Dessen's book This Lullaby. And I would not ship him and Remy together because in my opinion, Remy is a cold and heartless bitch. Dexter, on the other hand, is not only a musician - which instantly adds to his hotness factor, but he also knows how to treat his girl. Yep, Dexter sets another high expectation regarding guys and yet another reason why I am obviously deemed to be forever alone.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Bitter, bitter.

I've just finished reading Let It Snow. While it was no surprise that the compilation was good as a whole, I was disappointed to find out that John Green's segment was the most dragging story out of the three. But maybe it was because it lacked the sappy-ness that I constantly search for in my Christmas reads. And yes, I do need the cheesiness factor in the books I read during the holidays because I have no love life to live out myself. So there.

It is, technically, already after Christmas - permission to be bitter has now been granted.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Bulleting Christmas

  • Attended Christmas midnight mass in Sta. Maria Parish
  • Ate a few different cakes for Noche Buena (No sotanghon, too mainstream. Kidding. We just didn't have time to cook.)
  • Got sent to sleep by two very sweet messages
  • Woke up at around noon on the actual 25th of December
  • Went to grandma and grandpa's house for Christmas lunch
  • Had the exchange gift thing with the Lopez clan
  • Since we all had to describe our secret pals with a noun or adjective, I was described as "Defensor-Santiago"
  • Yes, that crazy senator
  • My aunt defended that description, saying she meant only Miriam's intelligence aspect
  • Not sure if I should be offended or not
  • But I got cool new monochrome Keds anyway (Just what I wanted! *happy dance)
  • My colds worsened. Boo.
  • Went home and took a nap
  • Woke up to eat dinner and watch Breaking Dawn part 1 on Star Movies
  • Blogging (Blogged?)
  • About to get up and eat cake 
  • I am definitely gaining more weight this Christmas
  • Ending this post with a greeting to anyone bored enough to read my blog
  • "Merry Christmas!"

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Snippets

1. I really did like you. I didn't set out to hurt you or make you "fall" with no intention of catching you. In fact, I presumed it was going to be me playing the falling role. I also expected you to be the catcher (or the more likely non-catcher). But this time... we met halfway. You liked me, and I liked you. When you first expressed your feelings, I felt giddy. You were running through my mind all the time; you made me crave your presence. Like a bullet though, you moved at top speed - it really was too much, too soon. And you saying "You're mine", didn't really help your case.

So maybe I liked you, and still do probably, but not enough to allow myself to be in a commitment with you.

2. Pre-snippet note: This is a different "you" from number one.
Whenever we'd pass by each other in the hallways, or sit across each other in the living room of our dorm, or eat in the same cafeteria, we would rarely acknowledge each other's presence. That's probably why I was unquestionably surprised when you sent me a message on Facebook. You never told me what that "Lesh!" was for, and I never thought to ask for an elaboration.

I expected that exchange to be very short-lived. But somehow the conversation kept going on. And on. And on.  Now it seems that my days are rendered incomplete whenever you would fail to virtually communicate with me.

But I shouldn't overthink things. This is just a crush after all.

3. It's nice knowing that even after awhile of not seeing each other, my best friends and I can just pick up right where we left off. Although life is admittedly much harder when they're an outrageously expensive plane ride away from me most of the time.

My pretties, Ennah Faye and Maria Isabel. Mehehe.

No one brings out the crazy in me like these two. And the other Karat best friends, of course.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Mentally Unstable

There is something desperately and hopelessly wrong with me. I almost pissed my pants at the discovery of National Bookstore restocking the Stabilo ExamGrade sharpener that I've been dreaming about for so long now.


Who the frock actually gets excited about sharpeners? Sharpeners!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Flash forward to the 25th.

Christmas came early this year!

When I woke up today, my father gave me my first Christmas present this year in the form of the black Nike wallet that I've been pining for. Also, I got to see my best friend Ruod again! Of course we did what we usually do when we hang out - shop.

Ruod bought me my own copy of Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle for Christmas. (Super uber thank you, babycakes!) Strolling around SM City, we chanced upon country-themed notebooks. We each bought notebooks to turn into expense trackers, which I highly doubt I'll be able to update often. But it was after all something London-y, and my willpower just can't withstand the lure of Paris things.

Since all of SM City's restaurants were packed for lunch time, Ruod and I decided to transfer to Robinson's Place. All of the fast-food chains were packed as well, so we ended up eating in a relatively expensive restaurant - Afrique's. Although the bill burned a hole in my pocket, the food certainly was worth its high price.


My new babies for today:


In addition to the Paris notebook, I also bought myself that Beatles muscle tee. It isn't wrong to get yourself a Christmas present, is it? Is it?

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Look Up

This is an appreciation post for a number of things:

1. My new header.
- This is self-explanatory.

2. The creator of the header.
- Because my blog wouldn't look as badass as it does without her. The her? Abigail Gonzales Amon. Not only is she talented, but she's undeniably beautiful, smart, and funny as well. And I'm not only saying this because she made me A COOL NEW HEADER! (Also, that was a well-deserved capitalization.)

3. The click.
- Meeting Abby was one of the best blessings I've received this year. If in love, two people experience the "spark", in friendship I've experienced the "click" with her. (That was cheesy, wasn't it?) I could most probably credit our friendship to our insane obsession over books, same taste in music, OCD, and a passion for cute paper things.

But friendship goes beyond having the same interests. We obviously have different opinions on some things, like the very important issue that is Haylor. She will be rooting for Taylor all the way, and I - Harry. However, that did not stop us from continuously being friends. Thank God. And "The Hunger Games".

On a more serious note, however... I am grateful that I've actually found someone in college whom I could completely be myself with; someone that I can talk to about anything, and someone I would probably never run out of topics to talk about. And pertaining to the late night talks we've had, I'm also thankful that I've met someone who trusts me. Or am I just assuming? *snickers

Thank you for being there, Abby. Not just because of the header, of course, but for being one of the few people whom I can actually call a friend in college. My UP life wouldn't even be remotely as awesome without you.

I told you she's pretty. *wink
And see the shirt I'm wearing? She designed it as well. Respect.

But just so you know, Abby, if Taylor Swift writes a bad song about Harry Styles - I'm breaking up with you. Kidding! I love you, pretty girl. (Touchy-feely vibes.)

Monday, December 17, 2012

A dose of self-control.

The impulse to go to National Bookstore and buy new books is usually very hard to resist, but I've finally found a reason sensible enough to put a stop to my book-obsession urges. For awhile. I could never really stop being a bookworm.

The reason, by the way, is not because I'm low on funds - which I am. (Isn't it highly unfortunate that having no school would be synonymous to having no allowance as well?) I've managed and will manage not to buy new books this Christmas break because I've found that I still have a couple of books on my shelf that I haven't finished and haven't even cracked open yet.

Here are the seemingly untouched books on my shelf which I will find time to read this break:


And although I refuse to buy myself new books, I will not deny anyone who would like to give me a book. *insert awkward wink

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Throwback #1

Is it weird to feel so much attachment towards my braces? Okay, I am almost positive that it is weird. But I miss them. And I want them back. And for some reason, I had a little more confidence when I had braces. Not that they make me attractive or anything...


And quite undeniably, I also miss the gu(a)y beside me. See you soonest, Ruod.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Oh, bother.

What gift do you give the person you like that doesn't scream "I really frocking like you a lot" or "You are the beginning, the end, and the majority of my unorganized train of thought" or "Dammit, I miss you whenever you're not around - and that's this Christmas break"?

Hodgepodge

Why is it that when I actually have something to blog about, there would always be a hindrance that will force me to quench my thirst to digitally rant for a few hours or days? And yes, I am talking yet again about the so-called internet connection of our dorm. Also, my Mac is not responding. *insert tantrum

But now starting the actual post:

I cannot define this week in a lone adjective or noun. Before yesterday morning, I would've said that the week has gone perfectly. I've probably had only four classes, and it's not because I cut, but because our teachers didn't show up. And who doesn't like having no classes to attend?

Thursday night was also our dorm's Christmas party. Finally, a chance to let go of all the stress on the dancefloor! (Just kidding, I only danced to about five songs.) Jiggy and I were actually waiting for the meteor shower supposedly scheduled at one in the morning, thus, we were out in the "garden" most of the time.

At around 2 am, I saw my first shooting star. Ever. But it was after all a meteor shower, and I was lucky enough to have seen 26 shooting stars. But of course, those moments most likely had more impact because of the people I was with. Maybe someone in particular. Maybe it was the guy I was with for the most part of the stargazing.

Allow me to rewind just a bit. Our dorm had an exchange gift thing, and I received a book. You're probably expecting a lot more enthusiasm from me because of my deep obsession for books, unfortunately however, I already have a copy of the book my SP gave me. But I really do appreciate her effort to buy me a present. What I did though, was give the book to my roommate, Bea, since she collects the same series and didn't have that book yet. So I didn't get a gift that day, but I honestly thought it didn't matter, since I was actually having fun at a social gathering.

Pertaining to my thoughts on receiving no gifts... I was wrong.

As much as I like the presents, I also like... Okay, I won't finish that thought. Too cheesy. Anywaaay, at least I have a new London-y thing to add to my collection.

But as I've said, I cannot deem my week perfect. Because someone stole my wallet. And I know it wasn't just my carelessness that caused the disappearance of that wallet. My roommates' wallets were wiped clean of money as well. At least their wallets containing IDs, cards, and mementos were left behind. I was unlucky enough to lose not only money, but my ID and library card as well. *facepalm

I'll end this post here. I'm starting to feel depressed over the loss of my wallet again. (To the person who stole my wallet, just take the money - and even the wallet itself, but please, please return my IDs. Thank you.)

Currently abandoning you with an awkward picture of my very cute lantern for last night's UPV Lantern Parade. Which also was my first, by the way.


P.S. Sorry for all these feels. Have an emotional Christmas!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Musing

  • It's almost Christmas break! Frock yes.
  • Dang, I haven't saved enough money to buy gifts yet.
  • Wait, why do we still have a quiz on Thursday? Insert audible sigh.
  • I HAVEN'T STUDIED YET. PANIC PANIC PANIC
  • But I'm too lazy to study.
  • I just realized he touched me today. (Not in a sexual way. Ew.) Achhhh. Feeling giggly.
  • Now I'm thinking about his biceps. *facepalm
  • DAMMIT LESH, STUDY.
  • Why is the internet exceptionally slow right now?
  • Hey, it's Jed's birthday tomorrow.
  • Guess I won't sleep until 12 midnight.
  • So I should study to kill time, right?
  • But I'm too lazy!!!
  • Someone please help me stop procrastinating.
  • Ugh, shoot me.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Delirium 8th

When my mom told me I had to go to Robinsons' Iloilo with her today, I whined. I felt far too sleepy and tired to go anywhere. Also, at around 9 am today, I deemed for December 8, 2012 to be my very lazy day spent only in the confines of my bedroom.

But perhaps mothers do know best. Going to Robinsons today was nothing short of a blessing.

First of all, there was a new milk tea stand just outside my mom's clinic in Rob! I've never tried this brand, obviously, so I had to give it a try. It is milk tea after all. And yes, I do not regret buying that cup of caramel milk tea from Bubbatealicious. (Mang Tsaa is still my favorite, though.)


Secondly, my mom and I had a movie date. We watched Rise of the Guardians, and yes, I am in love with Jack Frost. I swooned the minute his beautiful graphic face flashed on screen. Sequel please!

Also, I was surprised at how clean and comfy the theater in Rob was. Good job renovating. *clap clap

Oh, those eyes. That hair.

Lastly, and probably the highlight of my day:


If you know me, you would know that baseball tees are my thing. And you would also know that I'm mentally dating all five members of One Direction. As you would expect, the fusion of my two favorite things made me such a happy kid.

Thank God my mom forced me to leave the house today. (Well, technically, it was yesterday. But still.)

"I've got gadgets, and gizmos aplenty"

It is indisputable that right now we are living in the so-called "digital age". When the question "What can't you live without?" arises, most people would answer their cellphones, or their iPads or any other gadget that's being hyped at the moment.

I, for one, am guilty of wanting to get my hands on the latest technological breakthroughs. Unfortunately, I am not filthy rich and cannot possess any gadget I want with just a simple swipe of the credit card. (I don't even have a credit card. *facepalm)

But here are my most loved gadgets - I'd bring them anywhere if I could.

Please forgive the bad picture. I'm not a photographer, and I just used my brother's iPod for the picture. Boo.

1. MacBook Pro 13"
2. Western Digital external hard drive - 400 gb
3. SanDisk USB - 32 gb
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0
5. Sun Broadband wi-fi thingy
6. X-mini portable speakers
7. Apple earphones with remote and mic
8. Keep It Clean: MacBook Cleaning Kit
9. the chargers for my laptop and tab, of course
10. an awkwardly tiny mouse

Notice the fact that there is no cellphone? I may have one, but I don't consider it to be a gadget I can't live without. I don't really like texting. That much.

*sidenote: This post is a What's-in-the-Bag post, without the bag. I have yet to find a bag that looks cool and would fit all of my loves.

*side note of the side note: I guess I should add "super cool bag that can fit all my gadgets" to my wishlist, huh?

Friday, December 7, 2012

That Wishlist

18-ish days 'til Christmas! And that means the good things are coming: an almost unlimited supply of food, gifts, Christmas money, vacation, and hopefully stress free days. Also, since I am a wannabe blogger... I'm posting a wishlist blogpost. Every blogger has this post. Or at least I think so.
  • anti-fingerprint screen protector for MacBook Pro 13"
  • Insurgent by Veronica Roth
  • Union Jack sweater
  • a pair of gold or silver Sperry boat shoes
  • new Keds sneakers/boat shoes
  • Polaroid camera
  • Let It Snow by John Green, Lauren Myracle and Maureen Johnson
  • another external hard drive
  • One Direction Take Me Home: Yearbook edition album
  • a guitar
  • a Nike wallet
  • ombre shorts
  • UP baseball tee
  • any baseball tee
  • a USB hub (My baby Mac only has two USB ports. Insufficient.)
  • blue hair dye
  • The Script concert tickets
  • a black Swatch wristwatch (Because my teal one died. Sobbing.)
  • a pair of grey Sanuk sandals
  • a box of red velvet cupcakes
  • good grades for the rest of my academic life - THIS ONE, PLEASE
  • my family's safety - AND THIS
  • my brother's height (Seriously, though.)
  • you you you
Admittedly, that last one was cheesy. But really. All I want for Christmas is you - and all those other things on the list. Thank you in advance, generous people!

All these feels.

They say expectation leads to disappointment. But I didn't expect, I hoped. And I've found out the hard way that hoping leads to something far worse than disappointment - hurt.

Or maybe I've only made this post because I'm having a chick flick marathon by myself right now and thinking, "Damn, why doesn't that happen to me?" That's it, right? Right? *wheezing into a paper bag due to hyperventilation because of over thinking recent events and now mentally slashing own wrists

Saturday, December 1, 2012

What I Miss

I guess I don't have what others would call a normal childhood. I've never climbed up a tree, or learned how to ride a bike, or took a bath in flood/rain water. Yep, those are downsides of having overprotective parents.

Albeit that most of my childhood was spent indoors does not mean I did not enjoy my days as an innocent kid who agreed to do anything provided there was a promise of a new toy involved.

A few things I miss about my childhood:
  • Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, Westlife and teenage Britney
  • The old Nickelodeon (the era of Hey Arnold, Rugrats, The Wild Thornberries, As Told By Ginger, The Amanda Show, All That, Drake and Josh, and Are You Afraid of the Dark?)
  • Collecting toys from McDonald's HappyMeals
  • Playing on the "super cool" slides in fastfood chains
  • Barbie movies - Yes, I'm lame and cheesy and girly. But mostly lame.
  • The old Disney sitcoms: Recess, Totally Spies, Martin Mystery, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Hannah Montana and Kim Possible(!)
  • Singing along to every word of the lyrics of High School Musical songs
  • Sweet Valley Twins, Boxcar Children, and Nancy Drew books
  • When school was so easy that there was no need to crack open my school books
  • When broken hearts were non-existent, and pain only equated to skinned knees or cut palms
And though so many people are criticizing my lack of a "good" childhood with outdoor, adventurous activities involved... I honestly wouldn't change a thing.