Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Movie Magic
This past month I watched films about:
Widows - TV 5
Los Angeles
Grifters - rental
Memory Implants - rental
Infidelity - Belgian Film Festival
Immigrants - Belgian Film Festival
Internet Dating
Identity Crisis *written in French*
A jack of all trades - CineManila
Another immigrant story - TV 5

I posted my reviews on my other blog. Just click on the movies if you want to read them. If you rather not, then fine, whatever!
I am not in a good mood because blah blah blah and more blah!
Argh never mind!

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Smiley
Yehey!!! One of my favorite rock bands, BON JOVI is releasing their new album, next month! I saw the video of their first track on MTV. The song entitled "Have a Nice Day" is catchy. Quite reminiscent of their popular old hits. It features a smiley face that spreads across the whole city.

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Take a look around you,
look it's what he sees.
We're living in a broken
home of hopes and dreams,
Let me be the first to shake a helping hand.
Everybody, pray enough to take a stand,
I knocked on every door,
on every dead end street,
Looking for forgiveness,
what's left to believe?
Ohhh, if there's one thing I hang onto,
It gets me through the night.
I ain't gonna do what I don't want to,
Im gonna live my life.
Shining like a diamond,
rolling with the dice,
Standing on the ledge,
show the wind how to fly.
When the world gets in my face,
I say, Have A Nice Day.
Have A Nice Day.

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Optical illusion
Lufthansa 747-400 and a United 757-200 are on a simultaneous landing approach on the parallel runways 28L and 28R at SFO.
Real runway separation is 225 meters. Due to the telephoto distortion, the Jumbo 747 being 3 times larger than the 757 and being behind it, gives us this fantastic optical illusion that they are flying inches from each other!

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Saturday, August 27, 2005

It's 1:29 AM
Have I been online for 15 hours? Yes
Was I able to get any work done? NO
Did I blog hop like a rabbit? Yes
Did I reply to all my emails? Yes
Did I download more Rockstar mp3s? Yes
Did I watch trailers of upcoming movies? Definitely.
Am I wasting too much time online? Absolutely Not.

I am an internet junkie.
I am proud to admit it.

But even junkies need their rest.
I better log off before I get sore eyes.

Good Night, Bonne Nuit, Magandang Gabi, Bonne Noit, Buenas Noche! =)

Friday, August 26, 2005

The week that was
Monday - Dad's 69th birthday
We all had sumptuous Chinese food at Shanghai Bistro in Greenwood City, Libis. We feasted on boneless lemon chicken, beef with broccoli, salt & pepper fried beancurd, assorted seafood soup, shark's fin with shredded chicken soup, Singapore style noodles and jellyfish with century egg. Coffee with dessert was at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf also in Libis.
Then it was over to Edsa Shangri-la Plaza to watch the 5pm show of "Must Love Dogs" To cap the evening, we had Italian fare at Trattoria Gourmet. Their fettucine with shrimps & scallops is to die for.
So yummilicious!!!

Tuesday - Obnoxious Jerk Day
I met a friend for lunch so we could update each other on our lives since it has been ages. To my surprise, she brought along a guy she wanted to set me up with. The guy was polite at making small talk. But after my friend returned to her office, things got ugly. He turned into this moralising, ultra righteous, obnoxious jerk. Tearing to pieces every moral fiber of my being, making rude remarks about my lifestyle. He maligned me being single at my age, for not wanting to be a mother, that I would never be a complete woman. It wasn't pleasant at all. I tried to reason out. I tried to defend myself. It was futile. I was only stressing myself out. You would think that your friends of all people would know what kind of guys you are attracted to. But NO! They insist they know what's best for me. Total exasperation!
In order to calm myself down, I watched another film with subtitles on the last day of the Belgian film festival. So the day wasn't completely ruined for me. Thank God!

Wednesday - Rockstar: INXS Day
With only 7 contestants left, the heat is on. Jordis totally murdered Aerosmith's "Dream On". Mig's original composition "Do or Die" sounded like a Bon Jovi song. Deanna's rendition of her own composition was soulful. Marty with his manic, screaming version of "I, Alone" was freaky. JD's "Cold as Ice" was a bit flat. Ty (with back up vocals from Suzie, Jordis & Deanna) dancing to "Proud Mary" totally rocked. But my favorite was Suzie's version of "Start me up" by the Rolling Stones. I notice she is getting better each week.
The bottom 3 episode was very emotional since all of them are good in their own right. I was sad to see Deanna go, I loved her husky deep voice. It should have been Jordis.


Thursday - Shopping Spree Day
It wasn't about me, ok? I was just tagging along with my sister who really needed to shop for corporate wear. She currently got a big project which entails her to shuttle between Davao and Manila. We proceeded to Glorieta, going through all the shops like a whirlwind. Next stop, SM Makati. Last opportunity, Landmark because it was getting late. By the end of the day, I ended up buying 2 blouses. My sister bought 3 pairs of shoes. It's funny really, I wasn't going to buy anything. I only wanted to watch more foreign films at Greenbelt. She, on the other hand, already has a lot of shoes we are running out of space for them. But it sure felt good to burn money like there was no tomorrow. Therapeutic. Pure stress reliever!

Friday - All quiet on the homefront Day
My sister left for Davao this morning. Thus I'm all alone here. I will TRY to get some semblance of order to this chaotic place. Then TRY finally to get some work done today and over the weekend. "TRY" being the imperative word here.
Oh check this out - the Chicken Little trailers. Ain't it the cutest thing ever? =)

Monday, August 22, 2005

To the world's greatest Dad!
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Daddy!

Love you to bits! =)

Sunday, August 21, 2005

"What we imagine is order is merely the prevailing form of chaos." Kerry Thornley
Everything is in a state of disarray.
Scattered things all in a heap of organised mess.
It's been a bit hectic since Friday.
I can't find things.
I don't remember where I misplaced them.
But amidst the chaos comes delight.
My sister returned from her working trip to Davao with a pasalubong for me. So I'm happy! =)

Made in Davao

Friday, August 19, 2005

Can I just say?
That if you are not really into foreign films then for the love of God please don't watch one.

Seriously!

Yesterday, I was in an empty cinema watching one of the films featured in the Belgian film festival.
Suddenly, someone's cellphone rings and the jerk proceeds to talk at the top of his voice. He narrates to the caller:
"I'm watching a boring film with subtitles. I think it is going to end soon because nothing is happening. It is about this woman whose husband is cheating on her with her sister. She is a martyr for being such a fool."
I swear that is what he said on his cellphone.

Gosh!

If you have nothing better to do with your time, please don't ruin my movie viewing experience. Please don't watch a foreign film. Just to prove to your friends that you are "cultured".

Frankly, you are a rude, uncultured, unrefined human being.

Ok I've said my piece.
I'm off to watch another film with subtitles.
I hope NOBODY ruins it for me, today.

Thursday, August 18, 2005

"I invented Post-it"
Ok well I didn't! I was just quoting that hilarious line from the Romy & Michele's High School Reunion movie. But I discovered that you can actually use those cute little yellow notes on your desktop. I mean virtually not literally pasting them on your monitor. Just download the software from their website. You can avail of the free trial version. And voila, you have instant virtual Post-it reminders on your desktop. If you spend all your waking hours on the computer like I do, it is very convenient!


my Post-it Desktop

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

My thought for the day
My plan to set up a rendezvous is an exercise in futility. Frankly, men are taxing my patience! Why on earth do I even bother??? Why oh why oh why??? Grrr!!!

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Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Interesting stuff
Well, at least for me it is.
Now that I'm done with work for this month, I got more time to surf the Internet for websites which won't fry my brain cells. I chanced upon the second Tribeca short film competition sponsored by Amazon.
Check out the past winners of the contest. My favorites are Jihad quite timely for September 11 and Dysenchanted which show that life is no fairy tale even for storybook characters.

If you are into those personality tests that abound online, take this one. I did mine a few months ago and redid it today. My drawing is terrible though but it is all for fun and not to be taken seriously. My results revealed:
You drew the pig toward the middle, you are a realist.
Facing left, you believe in tradition, are friendly, and remember dates (birthdays etc)
With many details, you are analytical, cautious, and distrustful.
With 4 legs showing, they are secure, stubborn, and stick to their ideals.
You drew small ears, you are an OK listener
The length of the tail indicates the quality of your sex life. You drew small tail!


Now if you are in the mood for inane mindless fun, take a look at this one. You do need Quicktime installed to view the clips. Most of them are actors but reading the situations which made them shed tears is funny.

Monday, August 15, 2005

Gifts
Being one of the most indecisive persons on this earth, I have a difficult time coming up with items to give as gifts.
This month I had to find suitable gifts for my father and the son of a good friend.
So far the gift basket for my dad consists of:
1. A DVD of this film.
2. A VCD of the original version of this movie.
3. A Philips shaver.
4. A cute "I LOVE YOU DAD" plaque
5. A jokes booklet "What you didn't know about retirement"
I'm still planning to add more into the basket

Next - a gift for a 1 year old boy.
Toys? What if he harms himself with them?
Coloring Book? His short attention span would lose interest.
Clothes? I don't know his size.
Books? I don't think he can read yet.
A little pillow? What color?
Baby towels? How many?
It was getting late, my feet were killing me and my head was starting to ache so I settled for a mere card. Now I have to decide how much to enclose inside the card.
P200? P500? or P1,000?
Monday Madness
This week's questions are all about you! Nothing personal; just for fun...
1. On what day of the week were you born?
Saturday

2. Do you look forward to birthdays?
Oh absolutely

3. How do you usually celebrate your birthday?
Lunch out then watch a movie

4. Do you like surprises?
NO

5. Has anyone ever thrown you a surprise party?
No because they know I don't like surprises!

6. How many family and friends' birthdays can you remember right off the top of your head?
I remember them all - it is just the way I am =)

7. Do you send cards to your family and friends on their birthday?
I send them e-cards, SMS messages as well

8. What kind of cake do you like?
Mocha cake

9. What kind of ice cream goes best with it?
I love chocolate ice cream so no question about that whether it blends with the cake or not.

10. When is your birthday? (You don't have to share the year with us if you answer this question.)
October 19, 1968 - I was never embarrassed to reveal the year maybe because I don't look my age? =)

Saturday, August 13, 2005

FF on a bright Saturday AM
Appetizer
Did you sleep good last night?
Oh yes I did, I promptly fell asleep the minute my head hit the pillow. Now that is a very rare occasion. I even had a pleasant dream which explains my smile this morning. Too bad it was merely a reverie.

Soup
What is your current computer desktop image?
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Desert Flowers on the east side of the Carrizo plain, in the Temblor Range (about 50 miles due west of Bakersfield, California)

Salad
When was the last time you planted something, what was it and where did it go?
If I remember correctly it was some time in April or was it May? Several flowery shrubs at my parents' humble abode right below the front window. They are now in full bloom.

Main Course
What's your favorite condiment?
Mayonnaise

Dessert
Share a quote that you like, for whatever reason.
"At times, life never seems to be the way we want it, but we live it the best way we can. There's no perfect life but we can fill it with perfect moments."

Friday, August 12, 2005

"This is how you remind me of what I really am"
All those rock songs on Rockstar: INXS is rubbing off on me, in a good way!
My windows media player is blaring with:
Suzie McNeil - Losing My Religion
Nirvana - Lithium
JD Fortune - California Dreamin
Creed - With Arms Wide Open
Nickleback - Remind Me
Bo Bice - Vehicle
Doobie Brothers - Long Train Running
Tonic - If You Could Only See
Ashlee Simpson - Pieces of Me
Liz Phair - Why Can't I?
Joss Stone - You had Me

It puts me in an upbeat mood.
It motivates me to strive on.
To work faster 'cause I have 3 more assignments to go.
I want to get them done by this weekend.
So I'll be free for the rest of the month.

I like it L-O-U-D.
As in my heart is pounding fast ... L-O-U-D.
As in the speakers are blasting ... L-O-U-D.
As in missing your stop coz the jeepney driver didn't hear you shout "Para" ... L-O-U-D.

I'm so happy 'cause today
I've found my friends ...
They're in my head
I'm so ugly, but that's okay, 'cause so are you ...
We broke our mirrors!
Sunday morning is everyday for all I care ...
And I'm not scared
Light my candles, in a daze
'Cause I've found GOD
Hey, hey hey


Yes it was very loud indeed!
I didn't hear the doorbell when the DHL guy came to deliver a package, this afternoon.
I didn't hear the cordless phone ring.
I was totally absorbed with my work.

Life is bigger
It's bigger than you
And you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
Oh no I've said too much
I set it up
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my Religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try


But alright, yes, ok I will tone it down a bit now. After all, it is already 3:30 AM! Teehee =)

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Blah
I liked my old template but it looked strange when the background picture won't load properly. So voila I had to scout for a new one, right away. I need to tinker with it more but I got tons of assignments I need to deal with first. For now, this will do! =)

Monday, August 08, 2005

"Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs" Susan Sontag
This site features really beautiful images of landscapes, I've ever seen. All of them taken by Erik Gauger who narrates about his numerous trips around the world.

The Curious Lake of Baja Norte Mountains
Curious Lake of Baja Norte Mountains


The Loneliest Road


Bombay Beach, California
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You might also want to read this article in this week's Time Magazine about interesting travel guides online.
Book Meme c/o Toni
Number of books on the shelves:
Over 100 scattered in shelves in my room, my sister's room, the hallway while the rest are at my parents' house.

Those that I own/ bought:
Too many to count!

5 last books that I bought:
1. The Exile - Allan Folsom
2. The Body Artist - Don Delillo
3. Veronika Decides to Die - Paul Coelho
4. The DaVinci Code - Dan Brown
5. Angels & Demons -Dan Brown

Book/s I'm reading now:
I can't make up my mind which one to delve into.
My choices are either this, this one or this book.

Last 5 books read:
1. The Exile - Allan Folsom
2. Have a Nice Day - Dennis Bloodworth
3. The Global Soul - Pico Iyer
4. The Runner - Christopher Reich
5. The Brotherhood of the Rose - David Morrell

Books I'll cherish:
1. The Global Soul - Pico Iyer's amusing anecdote of people who continually search for a place to call 'Home'.
2. Home Leave - Libby Purves who coined the term 'Diplobrat'.
3. Almost Heaven - Marianne Wiggins Hauntingly beautiful love story.
4. A Cup of Comfort for Women - Short inspirational stories.
5. Webster Dictionary - When I was reading "Have a Nice Day", it was peppered with words which drew a complete blank. It came in handy to have a dixtio right there on my bed's panel. Instead of getting out of bed to access this site, online which believe me I did a lot in the distant past. Then totally get engrossed online and forget about the book! =)

Sunday, August 07, 2005

"7" on August 7
Seven things that scare me:
1. Cockroaches
2. Failing health of my loved ones
3. Death
4. Clowns
5. Ghosts
6. Mascots
7. Horror movies

Seven things I like the most:
1. Chocolate ice cream
2. Books
3. Watching movies
4. Traveling
5. My family
6. Scented candles
7. Listening to music/songs

Seven things important in my room:
1. My computer
2. The fax machine
3. A Canon printer
4. Book shelf
5. The scented candles
6. My bed
7. Straightening iron for my hair

Seven random facts about me:
1. I don't like eating in dark or dimly lit restaurants.
2. I eat popcorn only before the movie begins, I stop eating to focus attentively to the film.
3. I have a US $ bank account.
4. I have awful penmanship.
5. I like bright red nail polish for my toes.
6. I am a soup person.
7. I like my picture in my current passport.

Seven things I plan to do before I die:
(a tough one because I don't really plan that far ahead)
1. Soak in a jacuzzi.
2. Go to New York City for my 40th birthday.
3. Ride a hot air balloon.
4. Visit Portugal
5. Explore Australia
6. Cruise along the Pyramids
7. Frolic in Spain

Seven things I can do:
1. Speak French (Ok I stutter nowadays but still)
2. Listen when you need someone to talk to
3. Be really patient
4. Sing in the shower not at karaoke bars
5. Sleep all day because I can and I want to
6. Write really long emails
7. Sit in a lotus position while working in front of my computer

Seven things I can't do:
1. Swim
2. Drive
3. Bike
4. Eat ampalaya, papaya and balut
5. Open my eyes underwater
6. Go shopping for shoes because they don't have my size
7. Speak Japanese

Seven things I say the most:
1. Gosh
2. Really?
3. Owwws?
4. What tah?
5. Merde
6. Wtf
7. Whatever

Seven things that attract me to the opposite sex
1. Honesty
2. Wit
3. Sense of Humor
4. Intelligence
5. Good conversationalist
6. Kind hearted
7. Passionate

Seven Celebrity crushes:
1. John Vause
2. Edward Burns
3. Josh Holloway
4. Jon Stewart
5. Rob Thomas
6. Dave Navarro
7. Johnny Depp

Captain Jack Sparrow

Saturday, August 06, 2005

Take it easy!
Whew so that was pretty brutal. Complete bed rest did the trick, I feel so much better now. =)

So far:
1) I've finished reading "THE EXILE" (fascinating!)
2) I have done 2 out of 8 assignments for this month.
3) I emailed ER about potential date with M.
His advice => 'Go for it'

I have to:
1) Finish the rest of the assignments/projects.
2) Buy a gift for my father's birthday. (August 22)
3) Buy a gift for a friend's son who celebrates his first birthday (August 20) I can't believe it has been one year!
4) Set my derma appointment. My skin suffered a lot.
5) Go for a hair protein treatment.
6) Find time to read 2 books. Which one to read first?
Gore Vidal's Washington D.C or Irving Stone's The Agony and the Ecstasy.
7) Pay the bills.
8) Diet so I don't look like a beached whale.
9) See AT LEAST one foreign movie from CineManila.
10) Set the rendezvous with M. I haven't even asked for his cellphone number, yet! Yes, call me a prude but I usually wait for them to give me their numbers. I'm getting older with every minute ticking by so I reckon I need to make the first move, right?

It seems the list is endless. Whenever I get weary of my routine, I simply peek out the window. The view which greets me every single, precious day makes me smile as I chant:
Take It easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own
wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
don't even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand
and take it easy


A room with a view

View from my 12th floor unit

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Doozy
As much as possible I try to resist the urge to turn into a pill popping babe. But when I felt like pulling every single strand of my wavy hair out due to a terrible toothache, I surrendered.

Monday - I was totally drugged with pain killers to numb the ache.
Yesterday - I woke up, toothache was gone BUT menstrual cramps took over. The first time in ages, I was actually happy 'it' finally decided to show up after quite a delay. Phew what a relief. Je suis pas enceinte, quel bonheur!!!

So popping 500 mgs of Ponstan continues.
I'm heavily medicated and I look like something the cat dragged in so I think it is wise I just lie down and get lost in a sordid tale about the re-installation of a Russian Tsar in "The Exile".

Never mind that ...
  • I have a Monday deadline (I'm a last minute kinda gal when it comes to my work, anyway)
  • Johnny Depp with his weird costumes and funny one liners is waiting for me to feast my eyes on his Chocolate factory.
  • Or that Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle and a strong ensemble cast are "Crashing" at the cinemas.
  • I had promised ER I would be online to chat with him after being AWOL from Mirc for 10 days 3 hours 45 minutes & 25 seconds.
  • I finally got an email from someone who has agreed to go out with me. (meet ME for real)


  • They can all wait. Frankly, I feel like I am being sucked dry by a very hungry vampire! Lord, have mercy!