Respect.
It is inevitable that some of our opinions will vary.
I respect your point of view. You should respect mine too.
The Lady.
You can call me Irish. I blow my birthday candles every 9th of June.
I'm majoring in Psychology. I am extremely random -- extremely. My imagination runs wild almost all the time. I think shopping is the most therapeutic thing a girl can do.
I have a Starbucks-&-Caribou addiction. I tend to talk a LOT. I specialize in spacing out. Music is my valium. Sometimes I think I have ADHD.
Lately, I've discovered tumblr.com. Honestly, I like it better that blogger.com. With that said, I'm seriously thinking of transferring over there. :P
Though I might not shut down this blog just yet, I will be more active over there. If you have one, follow me.
One more thing, I'm putting up a forum for writers. It's free and hopefully user-friendly. It's not done yet, so if you visit, you can tell it's still a mess.. =___=
But, I dream a dream... a dream of uniting writers from various sites. For now, this dream is carried by a solitary feather. However, soon, the feathers will multiply and the dream will take flight. Take part in making this dream a reality. Feathered Pens.
Wahahahahaha shosyal. Parang commercial. ;D
Anyway, I'm looking for members and staff. I'm also open to suggestions of what boards to add, what services to offer, and other things that will distinguish the forum from others.
Hmmm.. that's it. If you have anything to say, drop me a line. Email? mwahugs!
My winter break.... Oh what happened to my winter break? I didn't even get to accomplish anything from my goal list. Although, I was able to update to "the point of no return" for Venice and Jerwin... heehee I can't believe how long I've been writing that fic. I can almost see the end now. ooohhh~ LOL
School is starting again tomorrow. Surprisingly, I'm a bit excited. You know how you always get that first day of school adrenaline rush... New classes.. New professors.. New classmates.. Eventually, it'll all get old and tiring; so I might as well feel the enjoyment while they're new, right?
On a more serious note, I ask for your prayers for my lola. My grandmother was admitted to the hospital for kidney infection. Although she's a strong woman, her age is still a factor.
Honestly, I can't recall too many "touching" moments with my grandmother. I moved in their house when I was in sixth grade. My parents were left behind in the province, while I stayed with my eldest sister and my brother in our grandparents' house in the city. I guess in more ways than one, I've spent most of my teenage years under the guidance of my grandparents.
I was a difficult child back then, especially in my high school years. I can recall this one event when my grandma forbade me to go out to meet my then-boylet. I was pissed as hell. However, my aunt helped me sneak out and I was still able to go out. It was a crazy night. LOL When I got back, I had a feeling my grandma knew I was gone... but she didn't say anything. She even offered me my dinner and asked how my "nap" was
I was rarely home... I was often out with my friends or my boyfriend. Even then, my grandparents were very patient with me. Now that I think about it, I probably was the most difficult grandchild they've had. I was an honor student. The teachers in my school were very fond of me. My group of friends were honors and role models. I was in good company. But all those things were overshadowed when I had a boyfriend. Really.. that year with that person was absolute trouble.
I don't regret the things I've done, but sometimes, I wish I saved my grandparents the embarrassment and the anxiety. Sometimes, I wish I could have done better. Now that I think about it, they were always caring and warm. I always knew I could go home and find peace after a hard day. My lola was strict, but she was really took care of me. My lolo was weird sometimes, but he always helped me with my Math homework, and he was funny.
When I go back to the Philippines.. I wish both of them will still be there. Maybe by that time, I'll be the grandchild that can bring them smiles instead of disappointment. I wish both of them will be healthy.
Hello, everyone! I didn't realize I haven't posted a thing yet for the new year. But I'm here now! Happy New Year~ ♥ How's the new year treating you so far?
Hmmm.. I feel like things aren't much different from last year. I'm still broke, boyfriend-less, and stressed out -- and school hasn't even started yet! When did life become so hard? -___- Sometimes I wish there's a pause button I can press, just so I can stop and think for a while. A restart button doesn't sound bad either. :P
Anyway, I'm just dropping by to say my greetings. Hmm should I leave something worthwhile anyway? heehee
Well, I found two videos that took my fancy. I haven't gotten over my 2ne1 fever yet. LOL Pardon the bias. hahaha
Here are compilations of Dara's Official Fanboys. heehee ^o^
Personally, I'm rooting for Wooyoung of 2PM coz he's so cute~ ♥ Minhwan of FT Island would be a close second simply because the kid got guts. LOL He left her three (if I'm not mistaken) video messages already. haha
I think I'll remember this Christmas fondly. It was wonderful. All the stress and panic from this week just evaporated. LOL
I did my Christmas shopping all in one go. It can definitely be called a "Last Minute Shopping Spree." hahaha December 24th... I had to work from 8 AM to 3:30 PM. The malls close at 6 PM. Right after work, I drove to the nearest mall, which was 30 minutes away, and rushed around to buy EVERYTHING. I didn't even have time to ponder whether the person will or will not like the gift. As long as it suits his/her personality, I took it. By far, that shopping spree was the fastest I've ever shopped. I was able to get gifts for my parents, my siblings, and some of my cousins in an hour and a half.
After that, I drove to Walmart to pick up a few more things. Early morning of December 24th, I finished doing a sort-of family tree. "Sort-of" because it only included me and 22 of my cousins (plus four spouses, a niece, and three nephews). I put pictures of our grandparents in the middle. It was supposed to look like a family tree, but give me a break. It was already hard enough acquiring everybody's pictures and maneuvering everything to fit in a tiny printable space. :P This idea just occurred to me three days before Christmas. I didn't have time to fully think it out.
Anyway, so I went to Walmart around 6 PM. I was so relieved to find the Photo Center still open when I arrived. I thought they were going to be closed because it was Christmas Eve... That would have sucked big time. Lucky for me, they were still open. :D
So I picked up the photo. I walked around Walmart to get a few more things (like paperbags and some food). I also bought a frame for the picture. I think I stood in the "Picture Frame" aisle for almost 15 minutes trying to debate which frame is the best fit. LOL
I went home, cleaned my room, took a quick shower, and then went downstairs to start baking my chocolate crinkles. I had to chill the dough for 4 hours, so I used that time to wrap all the gifts. Three and a half hours later, I finally had all the gifts wrapped. *(^o^)* By then, I could have gone downstairs and started the baking process... But because I lacked sleep from the night before and I had to wake up early for work, I was dead exhausted. I ended up sleeping on my bed. hahaha
I planned to wake up early the next morning to bake the crinkles... However... I really believe I should start being honest to myself: I am NOT a morning person. So instead of the pre-planned 7:00 AM wake up time, I woke up two hours later. Although 9 AM is already a miracle for me, it was still too late for the party. Guests were supposed to start arriving at 10:30. It takes me at least an hour to shower and get dressed... -___- You see my dilemma, right? :P
I only managed to bake one batch of the crinkles. Too bad coz they ran out pretty quickly. I didn't even get to eat one. Maaannnnn... -___- LOL
So anyway, the family Christmas party fared well. I shall never forget how we did the exchange gifts. LOL Because of some prior complications, the "kids" had to exchange gifts secretly. We didn't want any ill-feelings or awkwardness. So me and one of my cousins devised a plan to be able to exchange gifts, but at the same time, not be obvious about it. We concluded we'll do a "tap-drag-give-repeat" technique. It was mainly a "Chain Reaction" kind of thing. heehee
Ironically, the person I was doing the planning with turned out to be my Secret Santa! LOL We went up to my room, where she handed me my gift (Ate! I love the gift BTW. Thank you for the Guess purse. I love you~ T^T). We agreed to leave my camera in the room so people can take their own pictures. My entire family has this weird obsession with pictures. hahaha She went back downstairs while I stayed behind to straighten out my somewhat messy room.
Then, I had an idea. I put the picture frame (which was to be a gift to our grandparents) on my bed, and then beside it, I put two sheets of paper and a pen. I thought that since they were gonna see the picture anyways, I might as well make everybody a part of the gift.
When that was all set up, I went to the basement (where all the kids were gathered) and kidnapped my elf. :D I gave him his gift, and then the instructions: Approach your elf, bring him/her upstairs to give your gift, take pictures, and finally, write a short message for Lolo and Lola. Then the most important instruction: Make sure to be subtle. hahaha
It was fun watching people go upstairs, come back, then another pair will go... Surprisingly, the whole thing was subtle. I don't know if we were detected or not, but I think we did a good job. Hurray for you all, cousins! hahaha
Later on, my cousins and I went to Brunswick Zone to play lasertag. It was fun fun fun! I discovered that I have a knack of shooting targets on the spot. LOL My whole body still aches from that little game.. -___- I should probably start exercising more, right? :P The snow and the wind outside didn't help the aching muscles either. Walking from the exit to the cars.... Ahhhhhh!!!! O.O LOL
The finale is perhaps the most touching part of the day. We got back home starving and tired. We realized we haven't given the gift to Lolo and Lolay yet...
After much pointing and nagging, two of us finally decided to give the gift to Lolo and Lola. It took my cousin, my brother, and I quite some time to wrap up the gift. We wanted to see them open it up. So we brought it to them.. Although I did most of the work, I wanted to give the gift as a present from all of us. It would make it more special, don't you think so?
When they saw the picture, Lolo and Lola were so touched. I don't know what went on in their minds... It was a picture of all their grandchildren and great-grandchildren... Then we pointed out that there were two sheets of stationery attached in the back. Messages from the grandchildren, who were in the party, to the grandparents.
My brother and my aunt read the written messages to them because, apparently, our family also shares the trait of writing small. :P The messages were simple, like two or three sentences long. But, halfway through, Lola suddenly started crying. Ate Karen and I panicked as we searched for a tissue to give to her. O_O We found one just in time. LOL After a while, Lolo started tearing up too!
I was really astonished. They liked the gift so much. It made me feel warm and happy, you know? I thought they'd acknowledge the gift, but I didn't really expect them to actually love it. The picture's quality isn't the great. The frame isn't the expensive kind. The messages were on-the-spot and sudden... Even our gift-wrapping abilities were questionable. :D
But they loved it. They really did. Those tears and those heartfelt smiles made the long hours of searching for the right pictures of each and every person, the difficult positioning of the cropped photos, and the dilemma of choosing the perfect frame feel like nothing.
I'm just really glad I got to see my grandparents so happy with the gift that tears flowed down their faces. What can be better than that? (^-^)
I really had a very merry Christmas. I hope you did too!
Winter break is finally here! Rejoice~ Rejoice~ Ahhhh after the hellish torture and two-hour sleep this whole week... I'm so happy. T^T
So, because I suffered a great deal in school this semester, I'm planning to make my winter break as productive and fun as possible. I would have created a New Year's Resolution list, but I've long realized I never follow the list anyway. I stopped doing it when I was in third grade. LOL Instead of New Year's Resolutions, I decided to create a Winter Break Goal List instead. Unlike the resolutions, I don't have to wait til the new year. bwahaha I'm gonna start doing my goals as soon as possible! woot!
Winter Break Goal List
1. Finish .Doc Version of Stories The people asking for my copies of my stories have been steadily getting longer and longer. I'm starting to feel bad because I haven't had the time to actually re-type the stories in MS Word. Excluding from "Grow Old With You" and "Umbrella", I still have three stories to do. I appreciate the patience of the people who asked for copies. I know it's taking a while, but I promise I'll get the job done this winter break. I haven't forgotten your requests. Thank you for waiting.
2. Re-decorate My Bedroom It's been two years since we moved in this house, and even 'til now, the only furniture in my room is my vanity table. Nope, I don't even have a bed. I sleep on a couple of mattresses piled on top of each other. I was planning to buy a bed, but the mattresses became so comfortable, I failed to see the point of getting a bed. hahaha So maybe this winter break, I'll get some new furniture or something...
3. Start Composing Lyrics For Song in an Upcoming Story I'm really excited about this. This will be the first time I'm doing this. I hope it turns out well.
4. Scrapbooking No, I don't mean online scrapbooking. I'm actually thinking about taking this up as a hobby. I used to do a lot of artsy, creative things when I was young. I miss those times... So I thought maybe I'll take up scrapbooking. It won't be the same as actually drawing and painting, but it'll do. I'll start compiling pictures from long ago up to the present. Fun! o(^o^)o
5. Update "All Over Again" as Much as Possible I can actually see the end of the story. But since I haven't been able to update lately, I haven't been able to progress towards that "end". If I'm lucky, maybe I'll finally reach the climax of the story. I'm excited!
Hmmmm I guess that's it for now. Maybe I'll come up with something later on. Let's just hope I achieve those goals during my break.
Oh! Have you done your Christmas shopping yet? *(^o^)* Christmas is just around the corner~
I don't remember when was the last time I sported bangs.. But here I am, got them bangin' bangs! I like it. The funny thing is, when I first saw the "finished product", the first thing that came to my mind was, "Ooh.. I look Asian" then I got confused. I've always looked Asian. Duh. LOL
Now on to the real WTH post.
So I've read this article in allkpop about G-Dragon possibly in big trouble.. I normally don't comment on showbiz issues, but this one is just plain dumb.
G-Dragon's first solo album was hit with an age restriction. If you're under 19 years of age, sorry, you can't buy the album. In particular, the songs "Korean Dream" (featuring my lover, Young Bae) and "She's Gone" (featuring Kush) were slapped with a Restricted label (meaning, it's not suitable for children).
I really find it ironic that they didn't mention "Breathe", which is obviously a sexual song. "You and me hardcore right now || Til you say no more" See?!? How can they choose to ban "Korean Dream" over a song with that kind of lyrics?
So, back to the issue...
Officials are now in frenzy because G-Dragon performed the two restricted songs in his Shine A Light concert. Being the idol that he is, of course most of the concertgoers were teenagers -- ages varying from 12 and older. I can't really comment on the restricted songs since I can't find anything wrong with the lyrics. I don't understand why they're banned.
The "Breathe" stage isn't helping things either. Honestly, when I saw pictures of the controversial stage, even I went "WTF?!?" After seeing a fancam of the performance though, I thought it wasn't that bad.... probably because I'm old enough to see a sexual scene and I live in the US, the land where mainstream songs and videos are consisted of sex, drugs, and cussing. It'll be weird if a song on the radio is clean of those so-called controversial issues.
So, they're now "investigating" GD's concert. If the court rules against my favorite male leader, allkpop reported that G-Dragon will have to pay a fine of almost $200,000 and his work will no longer be available to anyone. I'm thinking this means that he can't compose and/or perform anymore.
He would have to move to another career? That'd be a huge shame. Personally, G-Dragon in one of those rare young talented artists. He sings, raps, composes, produces... Name it, he can do it.
and Big Bang!!!! What will happen to Big Bang?!?!?! Without the leader. Without the other rapper. Without the friend. Without the hyung... NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
I love Big Bang. I don't want them to be another 2PM, whose leader (Jay) was driven away as well. Big Bang is still at the peak of their fame. They still have a lot they can do, a lot to prove..
Mr. Dumb Officials, please don't take the Kwon Leadah away from us.
I sure hope this whole thing will blow away soon -- with as less damage as possible.
I think I was in 3rd grade when this song came out. ABS-CBN would play the video every afternoon right after the 3:oo PM prayer. After the song, they would go on to the afternoon cartoons that, if I remember right, include Peter Pan, Blue Blink... This was before animes like Slam Dunk or Ghost Fighter became a huge thing. (Am I giving away my age with the things I'm saying right now?) The first time I heard the song, I fell in love with it. Aside from my fascination that an All-Star Cast sang it, the message behind the song is really heartwarming.
Anyway, the first snow fall of the year occurred two days ago. Fortunately, although some of it stuck to the ground, it didn't accumulate to inches of deep, white, annoying blanket of coldness. Seeing the snow, however, woke me up to this fact: Christmas is coming. Although winter doesn't officially start til the 21st, in my mind, snow = Christmas. I love Christmas. Especially when I don't have to work Christmas day. I love opening presents. I love waking up in the morning and remembering that allmost people in my family tree will be coming over.
Especially this year. I know it's not much, I still have a number of cousins out there in the world who won't be here with us, but two of my cousins from California and one more (and his girlfriend) from the Philippines will be spending the holidays with us. I absolutely love (mini) family reunions~ ♥
However, because I unearthed that ancient song, it got me to reminisce about past Christmases. I miss the Christmas in the Philippines, where as soon as the months start to end with -ber, the countdown for Christmas day begins. The carolers will start singing in front of your gates. I remember we would panic looking for coins all over the house to give to those kids. I always wanted to try caroling with pots and bottles as instruments. I'm kinda sad I never had the chance to do it. :P
Then, everywhere you go, they'd be putting up lights and Christmas decorations -- as early as September. Even with the poor economy and the poverty, houses will be filled with lights and Christmas cheer. The Christmas spirit lasts for as long as five months(starting from September, all the way until January). Five months of festivity, who wouldn't want that? o(^o^)o
Schools celebrate Christmas parties. Ahhhhh I miss those days~ The thrill of having and being a Secret Santa. Of course, I also loved how I always had more than one Secret Santa. bwahahaha Aside from the official one (aka the one who actually got my name from the raffle), there were always gifts waiting for me in my locker. Those Secret Santas had always remained "anonymous". Whoever you are, I want to take the opportunity to say thank you for all the love. hahaha
I remember jumping from one class to another just so I can have a variety of food to eat. You know how sometimes one class has a dish that your class doesn't have... Lucky for me, I have friends from each and every class, so I get to satisfy my cravings (and catch a quick glimpse of the hotties from every class. Merry Christmas to me! hahaha) Yes.. I miss high school Christmas parties....
There's also the "Simbang Gabi". I mean, the real "Simbang Gabi", where you have to wake up like 4 in the morning to go to mass. If you complete the nine-day dawn masses, it is believed that you'd get a special wish granted. I never found out if that's true. In my entire life, I only managed to attend one of the nine-day masses. That was in my sophomore year in high school... I remember very well, aside from it being my sole attendance in the traditional mass, I went with my then-boyfriend -- I couldn't believe I was out that early with that person. It was also the first and only time I had Puto Bumbong(is that how you spell it?=__=) and Bibingka.
One of my most missed Christmas tradition is Noche Buena. The night of the 24th is when the family gathers in my grandparents' house for the gift-giving and holiday eating. There was always ham and my grandmother's special pot roast. My cousins and I would line up to receive envelopes of cash from our grandfather. You have to be very patient while you stand in line waiting for financial blessings. It was fun.
Then, by midnight, you'd start texting people "Merry Christmas". Of course you have to be fast because the cell sites would be incredibly busy, and you don't want your texts to be stuck in traffic. I would always take note of how much balance I still have on my prepaid phone. I knew I could text this many people, but I also knew if I send the texts fast enough, I could always send a few extra more greetings than my balance would have otherwise allowed. It's all on how fast you press "send". haha
Sigh. I miss those past Christmases. Although it's still fun, Christmas here in the States is not the same. There are no Christmas parties in schools, no Noche Buena, no pots-and-bottles carolers, and "Simbang Gabi" only occurs in a handful churches and it starts at 7 -- at night.
Christmas decorations come up only in December and are taken down before New Year's. The Christmas spirit doesn't even start til around mid-December. And-- And-- Christmas is only celebrated on the exact date, December 25th. Just one day. It's just your luck if you happen to have work on that particular day -- like what happened to me last year. Do you know how extremely frustrated I was to be working on Christmas day?!?
Good thing this year is different. I shall enjoy my Christmas day this year! Hallelujah! I wouldn't even care if it snows non-stop Christmas day. As long as it doesn't snow on the 24th and the 26th, since I'd be working and I have to drive on those days. :P
If given the chance, I would love to celebrate Christmas again in the Philippines. Just once. Airline tickets are unbelievably expensive. I can't afford to go back every year. Just wait until I marry a billionaire who will give me a private jet, then okay, I'll be in the Philippines every Christmas season. bwahahaha
I shall end my reminiscin' here. It's been a long post. O__O I'll be back some other day -- if I survive the last two weeks of school. I swear, as much as I love thinking that school would only be two more weeks, I hate doing a mountain of essays, final exams, papers.. Ahhhhh!!!! I need to catch up with my schoolwork so bad. Now isn't probably the best time to reminisce about Christmas. -__- Sigh...
Everybody, enjoy the holiday festivities though! In case I fail to get out of this semester alive, enjoy it for me! bwahahaha v(^o^)v
Although, I was able to update to "the point of no return" for Venice and Jerwin... heehee I can't believe how long I've been writing that fic. I can almost see the end now. ooohhh~ LOL
New classes.. New professors.. New classmates.. Eventually, it'll all get old and tiring; so I might as well feel the enjoyment while they're new, right?
I moved in their house when I was in sixth grade. My parents were left behind in the province, while I stayed with my eldest sister and my brother in our grandparents' house in the city. I guess in more ways than one, I've spent most of my teenage years under the guidance of my grandparents.
I was an honor student. The teachers in my school were very fond of me. My group of friends were honors and role models. I was in good company. But all those things were overshadowed when I had a boyfriend. Really.. that year with that person was absolute trouble.
Rejoice~ Rejoice~
I would have created a New Year's Resolution list, but I've long realized I never follow the list anyway. I stopped doing it when I was in third grade. LOL
Nope, I don't even have a bed. I sleep on a couple of mattresses piled on top of each other. I was planning to buy a bed, but the mattresses became so comfortable, I failed to see the point of getting a bed. hahaha So maybe this winter break, I'll get some new furniture or something...
I used to do a lot of artsy, creative things when I was young. I miss those times... So I thought maybe I'll take up scrapbooking. It won't be the same as actually drawing and painting, but it'll do. I'll start compiling pictures from long ago up to the present. Fun! o(^o^)o
I'm excited!
I like it. The funny thing is, when I first saw the "finished product", the first thing that came to my mind was, "Ooh.. I look Asian" then I got confused. 
I've always looked Asian. Duh. LOL
"You and me hardcore right now || Til you say no more" See?!? How can they choose to ban "Korean Dream" over a song with that kind of lyrics?
I don't understand why they're banned.
After seeing a fancam of the performance though, I thought it wasn't that bad.... probably because I'm old enough to see a sexual scene and I live in the US, the land where mainstream songs and videos are consisted of sex, drugs, and cussing. It'll be weird if a song on the radio is clean of those so-called controversial issues.
I don't want them to be another 2PM, whose leader (Jay) was driven away as well. Big Bang is still at the peak of their fame. They still have a lot they can do, a lot to prove..
Am I giving away my age with the things I'm saying right now?) The first time I heard the song, I fell in love with it. Aside from my fascination that an All-Star Cast sang it, the message behind the song is really heartwarming.
Especially when I don't have to work Christmas day. I love opening presents. I love waking up in the morning and remembering that 
The carolers will start singing in front of your gates. I remember we would panic looking for coins all over the house to give to those kids. I always wanted to try caroling with pots and bottles as instruments. 
I'm kinda sad I never had the chance to do it. :P
Of course, I also loved how I always had more than one Secret Santa. bwahahaha Aside from the official one (aka the one who actually got my name from the raffle), there were always gifts waiting for me in my locker. Those Secret Santas had always remained "anonymous".
You know how sometimes one class has a dish that your class doesn't have... Lucky for me, I have friends from each and every class, so I get to satisfy my cravings (and catch a quick glimpse of the hotties from every class. Merry Christmas to me! hahaha) Yes.. I miss high school Christmas parties.... 
That was in my sophomore year in high school... I remember very well, aside from it being my sole attendance in the traditional mass, I went with my then-boyfriend -- I couldn't believe I was out that early with that person. It was also the first and only time I had Puto Bumbong (is that how you spell it? =__=) and Bibingka.
It's all on how fast you press "send". haha
There are no Christmas parties in schools, no Noche Buena, no pots-and-bottles carolers, and "Simbang Gabi" only occurs in a handful churches and it starts at 7 -- at night.
Do you know how extremely frustrated I was to be working on Christmas day?!?
I wouldn't even care if it snows non-stop Christmas day. As long as it doesn't snow on the 24th and the 26th, since I'd be working and I have to drive on those days. :P
Just wait until I marry a billionaire who will give me a private jet, then okay, I'll be in the Philippines every Christmas season. bwahahaha
Now isn't probably the best time to reminisce about Christmas. -__- Sigh...