A Year-Ender Survey
1. What did you do in 2004 that you'd never done before?
I had a facial

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't keep them and I won't make any for next year!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My friend Carr

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. What countries did you visit?
Singapore and Thailand

6. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
Sex

7. What date from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 8, 2004 - I broke up with Iyad
April 11, 2004 - Easter Sunday my father suffered a mild stroke

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Hmm I have no idea

9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't think of them as failures just charge them to experience!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just the occasional sniffles

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Some device which irons my hair straight LOL

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My sister for pursuing her Masters in International Relations

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A friend who keeps borrowing money from me

14. Where did most of your money go?
trip to Singapore & Bangkok

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The trip because my father was well enough to travel with us after his mild stroke

16. What song will always remind you of 2004?
"The Reason" - Hoobastank

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
I. Happier or sadder? sadder
ii. Thinner or fatter? thinner
iii. Richer or poorer? poorer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Dating

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastinate

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Heard Mass at 10pm Christmas eve
Then pigged out and got drunk.

22. Did you fall in love in 2004? I love someone but I'm not in love with him

23. How many one-night stands?
None

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Amazing Race

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No

26. What was the best book(s) you read?
The Day after Tomorrow - Allan Folsom; Angels and Demons - Dan Brown;
Light at Dusk - Peter Gadol; The Brotherhood of the Rose - David Morrell

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Patricia Kass

28. What did you want and got?
an out of town trip for my birthday

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Before Sunset

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On my 36th natal day, I was at Caylabne Bay Resort
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I had someone I could confide to in real life

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
Always in jeans and t-shirts

34. What kept you sane?
Chatting with E

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Hugh Grant

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The death of Yasser Arafat - I don't know why!

37. Who did you miss?
Iyad

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Dennis

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004:
Love is like a butterfly.
The more you chase it, the more it eludes you.
But if you just let it fly, it would come to you when you least expect it.
Love can make you happy but often times it hurts,
it's only special when you give it to someone who is worth it.
So take your time and choose the best.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Close your eyes so you don't feel them
They don't need to see you cry

Vindication
Alrighty then so this article proves I'm not crazy! Phew!

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women who are distraught after breaking up with a romantic partner show brain changes that are not seen in women less upset by a romantic rift, researchers report.

Specifically, women who said they were particularly upset about the breakup showed greater decreases in brain activity in brain regions associated with emotion, motivation and attention while thinking sad thoughts about their former partners.

Emotion, motivation and attention are "all factors that go awry in depression and now, it appears grief as well," Dr. Jeffrey P. Lorberbaum told Reuters Health.

"We speculate that brain regions involved in emotion, motivation and attention regions are impaired with severe grief," said Lorberbaum, at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

These findings may provide clues to how the brain processes extreme sadness, and how that sadness can sometimes lead to depression, he added. "If we can first understand the brain basis of grief then we eventually might be able to help those who are disabled by grief, as well as understand how depression gets triggered."

In the American Journal of Psychiatry, Lorberbaum and his colleagues suggest that depression may sometimes occur when the brain becomes unable to properly handle sadness, separation or grief.

To investigate further how the brain responds to grief, the investigators performed brain scans on nine women dealing with feelings surrounding a breakup that occurred within the previous 4 months, involving a romantic relationship that lasted at least 6 months.

All of the participants were having trouble getting over the relationship, the authors note -- perhaps feeling as if they can't get the person out of their head, or still feeling sad.

During the study, the researchers noted women's brain activity when they thought sad thoughts about their former partner and compared it to the activity seen when they thought neutral thoughts about a person they had known for the same amount of time.

Immediately after the breakup, all women said they had experienced some symptoms of depression, although most added that the symptoms had started to fade after 2 weeks. At the time of the study, only one person was suffering full-blown depression.

Lorberbaum and his colleagues found that women who were grieving the most from the breakup showed the greatest decreases in brain activity in brain regions associated with emotion, motivation and attention while thinking sad thoughts about the ex-partner.

Additional research is needed to shed light on how normal sadness, grief and depression are related, the authors note.

SOURCE: American Journal of Psychiatry, December 2004.

Angst of an insomniac couch potato
Usually the highlight of my day would be unwinding in front of the TV absorbing whatever tickles my fancy.
On Tuesdays, my mindframe is set on Sex and the City.
Last night I was very keen on watching the first part of the series final episode.
A few minutes into the show, pfffft the TV goes blank.
Thinking my fat ass had accidentally switched the TV off, I grabbed the remote to change channels.
Horror of horrors ... all the channels were gone.
Hyperventilating I waited a few more minutes in case it was just a glitch.
Panicking since it had been already 10 minutes, I rushed upstairs to call the lobby and was informed the whole building was now TV cable less.
I tried calling Home Cable's 24 hour hotline but the line was busy.
My next option was to call my parents to check if their cable was off too but it was already late and I knew they would be in dreamland by then.
So yeah I missed seeing Mr Big.
I missed watching Carrie frolicking in Paris.
I missed viewing Paris, my favorite city in the whole wide world.
I must now wait for the rerun which according to the website is early morning Friday (New Year's Eve)
I was livid, I was pissed
But it was still too early for an insomniac to go to bed.
So I was forced by my sister to join her in viewing all 3 installments of a movie I didn't really give a damn about.
But she insisted that since I was into computer codes and programs ... I COULD appreciate it.
So I ENDURED almost 6 hours of The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions!!!
So although I did find the stunts and all those CGI enhanced sequences quite impressive, I still cannot understand the whole premise behind it.
Sci-fi has never been my genre of movies.

Oh I just checked the telly ... Guess what?
We still don't have cable!
So I'll end this post by quoting the Merovingian(Matrix Reloaded):
"I love French wine, like I the French language. I have sampled every language, French is my favorite. Fantastic language. Especially to curse with. Nom de dieu de putain de bordel de merde de saloperie de connard d'encule de ta mere. It's like wiping your arse with silk. I love it."

I'm cursing Home Cable to high heavens!

An inspirational quote
Everybody Knows

You can't be all things to all people.
You can't do all things at once.
You can't do all things equally well.
You can't do all things better than everyone else.
Your humanity is showing just like everyone else's.

So?

You have to find out who you are, and be that.
You have to decide what comes first, and do that.
You have to learn not to compete with others,
Because no one else is in the contest of being
YOU.

And then?

You will have learned to accept your own
uniqueness.
You will have learned to set priorities
and make decisions.
You will have learned to live with your limitations.
You will have learned to give yourself
the respect that is due.
And you'll be the most unique
and happy human being.

Always Believe

That you are a wonderful, unique person.
That you are a once-in-all-history event.
That it's more than right, it's your duty
to be who you are.
That life is not a problem to solve,
but a gift to cherish.
And you'll always be able to stay one up
on what used to get you down!

Hello good morning happy day
Hello good morning happy day
the sun shine is peering through my window.
Hello ... Hello ... Happy Day!

Yes bright and cheerful morning to one and all.
Surprise surprise I'm up early today!

Mornings like these I get sentimental and over emote.

But first I uttered a silent prayer for all those people misplaced in Real Quezon after the devastating typhoons.
The people who perished in that earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia.
The people who were caught in those towering tsunami waves in Sri Lanka, India and Thailand.
I hope before the year ends, we will be spared from the wrath of Mother Nature.

Then I was grateful:
that Christmas went by without any incident.
that I had food to feast on.
that I had wine to drink.
that I have shelter.
that I had good friends greet me.
that I received e-cards.
that I got SMS from people I haven't heard from in ages.
that I have Mirc.
that we do not really get what we want but life is still good.

Just so grateful.

Quotable quote
In this joyous season of merrymaking and endless parties, remember this:
"Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator."

Although it's been said many times many ways
Merry Christmas to YOU

Hahaha ... hohoho ... hehehe

Get Your Own Christmas BlogCard Here!

A change of heart
I was cooped up in bed during the weekend nursing a terrible cold so it was time I head out! So I did, yesterday.
Despite a running nose and a sneeze here and there I pushed myself to endure traffic and went ... tada .... Shopping!
My main target was the Glorieta, Landmark and Greenbelt area. But being stuck on Ayala Avenue for almost 45 minutes dampened my sister's mood so I said let's go to Edsa Shangri-la instead.
Wise move since it wasn't crowded nor jammed as we anticipated.
So we ended up buying
1. A Philips cordless headphones for Dad.
2. A gift certificate from Nail Bar + an Estee Lauder perfume for mom.
3. 4 kg dumbbells for my sister ... Don't ask me why!
That's what she wanted ok?
4. Naturally I couldn't go home empty handed for myself and despite the late hour (it was already 9:15pm by then) I bought this from Marks and Spencer.
Even though no one will see it ... the mere fact that I'm wearing it ..... would definitely uplift my spirits and make me feel sexy! *Winks*

Thirty things
1. last person you wrote a letter to:
I enclosed a letter in the Christmas card I sent to E

2. sport you would least play:
Ping pong/table tennis because I have a very poor eye to hand coordination especially if the ball is that small. But I did ok with tennis.

3. last movie you watched:
"Birth" - dark theme of reincarnation but Nicole Kidman's acting is superb as usual.

4. what do people first notice when they see you?:
Hmmm I guess my height ... I'm too short :D

5. do you like peanut-butter?:
I used to love it when I was a kid now I can't stand the taste! LOL

6. last person who texted you:
My friend L who wanted to borrow money YET AGAIN! Argh!

7. do you read comics:
Not really I just browse through it when I read the newspapers

8. how pretty/handsome are you?:
I'm just cute!

9. do you like earthquakes?:
Hell no! Especially since I started living in this condo unit. It freaks me out when the building sways!

10. worst nightmare?:
When I was about 12 I dreamt that my mother was drowning in a river and I couldn't save her. I woke up in tears.

11. most beautiful place you've visited?:
Paris for its museums, the Eiffel Tower, its churches and its little cafes

12. wanna be a celebrity?:
Not at all. I prefer to be a private and ordinary person.

13. do you like surveys?:
Evidently yes since my blog is full of them.

14. most people would describe me as:
Highly opinionated and argumentative when I feel passionate about a subject. But I do come across as aloof and snobbish.

15. one thing you hate about yourself:
I'm extremely lazy

16. vegetable you hate:
Asparagus

17. you like to go out to a grocery with...?:
My sister because she just goes straight to the items we need to buy and not loiter around wasting time.

18. favorite person in the world?:
My sister

19. can you dance?:
I like to think I do fairly well on the dance floor although I haven't danced in ages!

20. favorite past time?:
Chatting

21. are you happy?:
Right now I'm sick and I feel terrible.

22. do you believe in God?:
Yes

23. what is the worst rumor you've heard about yourself?:
It seems that certain friends of my ex ex believe that I abandoned W and thus he has now ruined his life. To set the record clear, I didn't but they would believe anything!

24. what is the most stupid thing you did for the person u love?:
It wasn't stupid at that time but now I believe that flying for 9 hours to see him just to spend a week together wasn't worth it.

25. are you in love?:
No

26. what is your greatest asset?:
My mind

27. what time is it?
9:02 PM

28. aside from answering this survey, what else are you doing?:
Downloading more mp3s, emailing, reading the Philippine Inquirer website and online banking to check my dwindling funds.

29. first thing to do when you wake up tomorrow?:
Have something to eat then take medicines for my cold

30. where are you right now?:
At home in my bedroom

3 things
3 Names You Go By:
1. Daphne
2. Daph
3. Lau

3 Screennames You Have:
1. Softpetal
2. Palmie
3. Daphne68

3 Things You Like About Yourself:
1. I remember all my friends' birthdays.
2. I'm not brand conscious.
3. Being single doesn't bother me.

3 Things You Hate/Dislike About Yourself:
1. I'm lazy.
2. My height (I'm too short!)
3. I'm not ambitious.

3 Parts of Your Heritage:
1. Filipino.
2. A diplobrat.
3. Unique surname.

3 Things That Scare You:
1. Death of my parents.
2. Cockroaches.
3. Being alone.

3 of Your Everyday Essentials:
1. Contact lenses.
2. My vitamins.
3. A shower.

3 Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. Underwear
2. Blue shorts.
3. Cream tank top.

3 of Your Favorite Bands/Artists (at the moment):
1. Nickleback.
2. Patricia Kass.
3. Amr Diab.

3 of Your Favorite Songs at Present:
1. You remind me - Nickleback
2. My Grown up Christmas list - Kelly Clarkson.
3. All I want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey.

3 New Things You Want to Try in the Next 12 Months:
1. Go out of town even if it is only within the country.
2. Be more sociable.
3. Wear more mini skirts.

3 Things You Want in a Relationship (love is a given):
1. Intimacy.
2. Sense of Humor
3. Emotional Intimacy.

Two Truths and a Lie: Which is the lie? Guess in the Comments.
1. I have a step sister.
2. I had a miscarriage.
3. I like pistachio ice cream.

3 Physical Things About the Opposite Sex (or same) That Appeal to You:
1. Eyes.
2. Smile.
3. Facial hair like a goatee or a French beard but not moustaches.

3 Things You Just Can't Do:
1. Whistle.
2. Commit to a long term relationship.
3. Eat asparagus.

3 of Your Favorite Hobbies:
1. Watching movies.
2. Chatting.
3. Reading.

3 Things You Want to do Really Badly Right Now:
1. Find out if certain rumors of my ex ex are true.
2. Something I rather not mention out loud.
3. Sleep.

3 Careers You're Considering:
1. Interior Design.
2. Fashion Coordinator.
3. Travel Consultant.

3 Places You Want to Go on Vacation:
1. Spain.
2. Portugal.
3. France.

3 Kids Names:
1. Daniella Marie.
2. Carlo.
3. Sabina.

3 Things You Want to Do Before You Die:
1. Find my soul mate.
2. Travel more.
3. Visit New York.

Greeting cards have all been sent
Yes I've mailed the real ones through snail mail.
Only thing left are the e-cards, which I'm hoping to do this weekend. When I still have time to really sit down and scout through all the websites. We all know how tedious that task can be.
But I like doing it to spread the Yuletide cheers.
Oh I just received my first Christmas e-card from my 'sis' best friend, Donna. Woohoo I'm smiling.
For me it's the thought that counts.
Simple things make me happy.
I took a break from downloading foreign songs and instead searched for Christmas carols through this program. Then I burned them onto a CD and listen to it constantly.
I didn't do any Christmas shopping for myself or anyone for that matter, this year.
I'm broke and I didn't want to start the New Year penniless.
So that should serve as a warning for you ... do not get me to be the godmother of your kids. I'm terriiibly kuripot (cheap)!
But I've already bought the food though.
They are all stored in the ref.
I'm just waiting for Christmas to get here already so I can binge. I still have the sniffles thus I've lost my appetite. I've lost weight (at least that's what I keep telling myself) so my stomach is all set for pigging out. Bring it on!
It seems I'm in for a more solemn Christmas this year.
Despite unfortunate events in my life this year like my father suffering a mild stroke and me being single (yet again), I am still very grateful for the blessings showered upon me and my family.
So let me end by posting the lyrics of my favorite Christmas song, this year.
It's a lovely song and I sincerely wish for it not only during the Holidays but eternally.

My Grown up Christmas list.
Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree

Well heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth
(there'd be)

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up christmas list.

Theater Thursday
Week 30 - That's a wrap.
We've come to the end of another year, almost.
So it's time to pick the best (and worst) of 2004.

1) Which movie do you think was THE BEST of 2004? The worst?
The best - "The Passion of the Christ".
The worst - "King Arthur"

2) If you were handing out the Oscar's this year, who would pick as Best Actor and Actress. Name the actor/actress and the film.
Best Actress - Nicole Kidman for "Birth"
Best Actor - Jim Carrey for "The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"

3) The category is 'best film of 2004'. There are 5 nominees. What 5 movies would be on your list.

"Before Sunset"

"The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"

"The Passion of the Christ"

"The Village"

"Birth"

BONUS) Is there a movie coming out in the upcoming year that you're excited to see? If so, what is it?
"Finding Neverland"

"I'm not on steroids"
That was a fairly amusing exchange between Hayden and Bolo in this week's episode of the Amazing Race.
I don't like Hayden but I find Bolo quite interesting.
I mentioned in a previous post that I'm rooting for them.




But now I've lost my respect for her.
She is such a spoiled brat and a bigot.
I believe that bigotry stems from the fact that some people are just plain ignorant about other cultures. But still it doesn't mean you can just go around making racist remarks such as "It smells like the sewers here", "third world ghetto" or that "Africans are so poor yet they breed and breed" or something to that effect. I can't remember really because I was wincing and squirming everytime Kendra opened her mouth to speak.
Berlin was a lovely place to race through. I always remember Germans as being quite friendly people and they do help you out when you ask them for directions. Also the fact that most of them do speak English helps a lot. The Detour was interesting to say the least. Beer or Brats. Roaming around a brauhaus chugging beers to the local folks seemed like fun. On the other hand, making those bratwurts at that meat factory got my mind roaming with perverted thoughts. But this is a decent blog so I won't mention what I was really thinking about! *Grins*
Of course an episode of Amazing Race won't be complete without Jonathon lashing at his wife. True enough, he lived up to his reputation as a jerk! Gosh someone please strangle that guy already. Sadly, Don & Mary Jean got eliminated this week. At least they got to travel and they seem to genuinely enjoy the race and were not too obsessed about winning. Oh and yes the Brandenburg gate is a great monument as depicted on the show. Only thing is when I was in Berlin (March 2001) it was undergoing massive restoration so I wasn't able to get up close and personal. Good thing it was featured prominently as this week's pit stop.

Great Ads

 

Outlast, outwit and outplay
Another Survivor season comes to an end with Chris winning a million dollars.
He was the one who should have been voted out first for fumbling at the immunity challenge for the Lopevi tribe. He was the last man standing among a strong alliance of women. Yet despite all his lies and his backstabbing, he wins the game!
Impressive really. But I'm glad he won. :)
So until the next installment of Survivor begins next year, this time at the beautiful islands of Pulau. I'll miss seeing Jeff Probst's khaki outfits and his dimples. But I will wait patiently!

*Updated on Dec. 19*
According to this article Jeff is now dating Julie from Survivor: Vanuatu. Well well!
Maybe I should join a reality show as well to find romance.
Yeah right, wishful thinking. :D

TV Fare
I caught the cast of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason on Oprah tonight. I cannot believe how thin Renee Zellweger looked and I think the dark brown hair suits her. She said she is sporting it for her new movie, Cinderella Man. But I thoroughly enjoyed the witty remarks of Hugh Grant. He is so funny in his Brit sort of way, I always swoon and drool everytime I see him getting interviewed on talk shows.
Here are some of his quotes from the show:
Hugh Grant, who plays Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, says, jokingly, he enjoyed the aftermath of his role in Bridget Jones's Diary.

"It did a lot of good for me personally, actually," Hugh says. "A whole slew of women who used to despise me for being a sort of Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes suddenly looked at me with new eyes. Previous to that my fan base had been over-50s. Then, after Daniel, a few younger women were prepared to like me. I quite like him for that reason."

Hugh also joked about his feelings about having children. "I think with the right-sized children in the right clothes by my side I think I'd look great."

But seriously: "I do quite like that idea. I have a lot of 'lost soul' friends whose souls were saved by having children. They suddenly got nicer and, you know, actually wanted to live for another 30 years."



courtesy of Oprah.com

Lasts
1. The last movie you watched?
::: National Treasure (at the movies)
::: Adaptation (Lifestyle channel)

2. The last TV show you watched?
::: Gilmore Girls on Studio 23

3. The last song you heard?
::: "How you remind me" - Nickleback

It's not like you to say sorry
I was waiting on a different story
This time I'm mistaken for handing you
a heart worth breaking and I've been
wrong, I've been down,
been to the bottom of every bottle
these five words in my head
scream "are we having fun yet?"

4. The last thing you bought?
::: food at the Salcedo Weekend Market

5. The last place you went to?
::: Salcedo Weekend Market

6. The last food you ate?
::: Leche Flan

7. The last thing you heard from your parents?
::: "Good night girls!"

8. The last thing you said to your parents?
::: "Good Night"

9. The last thing you said to one of your friends?
::: "I need to get going"

10. The last thing you read?
::: Time Magazine

Who was:

1. The last person you called?
::: My mother

2. The last person who called you?
::: Iyad

3. The last person you texted?
::: Dennis

4. The last person who texted you?
::: Dennis

5. The last person who said good night last night?
::: My dad

6. The last person who said I love you to?
::: Iyad (10 months ago)

7. The last person you hugged?
::: my sister

8. The last person/people you saw on TV?
::: the Gilmore girls

9. Do you believe that love is forever?
::: Hmm no

10. Do you get hurt by people easily?
::: Yes

11. Do you believe that all people are generally good at heart?
::: Indeed

12. Can you be anyone you want to be?
::: I can try

13. Do mean people make you sad?
::: Nope

14. Does ice cream make you happy?
::: Extremely

15. Do you sing in the shower?
::: Yes

16. When it rains, do you like to splash in the puddles?
::: No way!

17. If you see a cute guy walk down the street, do you smile and tell him that he's cute?
::: Nope

18. Do you notice when people have pretty eyes?
::: Yes

19. Have you ever cried at a movie?
::: Yes

20. Is it cute when old people are holding hands?
::: Very

21. Are you a happy person?
::: Most of the time yes

22. Do you tend not to worry even when you know something bad is about to happen?
::: I worry all the time

23. Is it okay to cut off barbie's hair?
::: I don't really care

24. Have you ever laughed so hard that your stomach hurt?
::: Good Lord, Yes

25. Are you slightly lazy?
::: I'm very lazy

26. Do you like to drive with the windows down..
::: I don't drive

27. Are you in love?
::: No

Yummy treats
Do you live near Makati?
Are you the type that doesn't cook?
Yes that's me.
I recommend you take a stroll over to the Salcedo Weekend Market.
It is located at Tordesillas corner Leviste Streets in Makati.
It's open on Saturdays only from 7am - 2pm.
I finally made my way there this morning.
Boy was I, happy! Yes food makes me happy. :D
I bought dinuguan, lengua, kuchinta, pulo puto, some organic veggies such as cauliflower, radish and okra.
Grilled boneless bangus & sinaing na tulingan for my folks.
Naturally bought sapin sapin & leche flan for desserts.
Then went all the way to the hills to feast on them for lunch at my parents' place.
We were all so full that we had to drink tons of peppermint tea!
I intend to go again next weekend. :)

An observation
Is it just me or have you noticed there are fewer people at the malls doing their Christmas shopping this year?
I mean today is already the 9th of December yet when I went to Megamall at 4pm there were still alot of parking spaces.
The mall wasn't crowded at all.
I guess most people realize that it is a bit callous to celebrate when the rest of the country is still reeling from the devastation we experienced from the typhoons.
I think it is admirable when companies decide to forego of their annual Christmas parties and donate the funds to those who need it the most.
On the other hand, I squirm whenever I open the society pages of the newspapers and see the elite and socialites parading in their full regalia partying like there is no tomorrow.
Oh well. I guess to each his own pleasure!
As for me well I don't really do any Christmas shopping. The only things I buy are for the noche buena feast. Standard fare like keso de bola, ham, ensaymadas for Christmas breakfast and sweets.

Movies
I know I did say in one of my earlier posts that I wasn't going to watch the latest Nicholas Cage starrer. Well guess what? There I was on the 3rd floor of Megamall and my choices were "Birth", "Alexander" and "National Treasure".
So I assigned each of them a number, wrote it on a piece of paper and drew out one. Tata! National Treasure won! Yes I actually did that. LOL It was a pretty exciting movie. I liked its tales of hidden codes, maps and secret societies.
They also showed the preview for the following films:
Shall we Dance? ==> Richard Gere is yummy!
"Meet the Fockers" ==> Ben Stiller cracks me up!
Ocean 12 ==>This picture is self explanatory!

Survey says!

LAST MOVIE YOU SAW IN A THEATER:	Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW:	The Runner by Christopher Reich
FAVORITE BOARD GAME:	Scrabble
FAVORITE MAGAZINE:	Time Magazine
FAVORITE SMELLS:	Scented candles
COMFORT FOOD:	Kit Kat
FAVORITE SOUNDS:	Wind chimes
WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD:	Regrets
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING:	if i have emails
FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE:	Jollibee
FUTURE CHILD'S NAME:	n/a
FINISH THIS STATEMENT: "IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY, I WOULD":	travel alot
DO YOU DRIVE FAST:	No I don't drive
DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL:	No
STORMS -- COOL OR SCARY:	Cool
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR:	n/a
FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK:	Gin & Tonic
FINISH THIS STATEMENT,'IF I HAD THE TIME, I WOULD LOVE TO':	Travel
DO YOU EAT THE STEMS OF BROCCOLI:	No
IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY COLOR, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE:	Red
GLASS HALF-EMPTY OR FULL:	Half full
HOW MANY CITIES/TOWNS HAVE YOU LIVED IN:	Manila, New Delhi, Brussels, Singapore, Dubai
FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX:	My room
FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH:	Tennis & Soccer
WHAT IS UNDER YOUR BED:	Dust
TOILET PAPER/ PAPER TOWEL--OVER OR UNDER:	Under
CREATE YOUR OWN! - or - GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!

Christmas Challenge Meme Questions Week 2
c/o of Michael
I hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas challenge. It's Wednesday and that means it's time for some new meme questions...
It seems as if every recording artist under the sun records at least one Christmas song. For some, that song can define a career such as Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" or Elmo and Patsy's "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer." There's a holiday song for everyone--from the serious music of cantadas to the comedy stylings of the Bob Rivers Christmas albums. This week, we'll take a look at the music that surrounds the festive holiday season.

1. Do you have a favorite Christmas song? If so, what is it?
Yes, John Lennon --- So this is Christmas
2. List your top five Christmas albums/CDs. (or you can go with songs, if you want) a. Jose Feliciano - Feliz Navidad
b. Brenda Lee - Rocking around the Christmas Tree
c. Mariah Carey - All I want for Christmas is You
d. Band Aid - Do they know it's Christmas?
e. Boney M - Mary's Boy Child
3. Is Christmas music played too much/not enough/just about right? Explain.
Well if you live in the Philippines, they start playing them in September so I guess it is too much. So by December you have Christmas carols oozing out of your pores.

4. Were you part of any holiday themed Christmas pageants growing up? If so, please tell us about one that is particularly memorable or stands out. Parents--tell us about one that your children have been involved in or will be involved in this year.
Ok this is like an embarrassing moment but what the heck I will mention it. I was one of the angels guarding the manger during a nativity play in one of the Christmas parties for the Embassy staff. This was way back when I was about 8 years old in New Delhi, India. I was wearing all white and the wings on my back were so heavy and kept falling off my tiny shoulders. LOL

BONUS - Is there just one song that you want to hear every year that really makes it feel like Christmas? If so, which song is it? Are there are any special instruments involved? (For example, I love to hear Carol of the Bells played by a handbell choir).
It's the most wonderful time of the year.Because it really is! :)

A week of "firsts"

"You know you sincerely love someone when you want them to be happy, even if their happiness means you're not part of it". First time since I met E that I haven't chatted with him since Friday. I had to take a break from him because my heart bleeds whenever he talks about the women in his life.

First time for me to go to Robinson's Pioneer (Sunday). It looks like a nice place to hang out in. But the best part is that it is conveniently located near my residence. Simply down the street.

First time for me to watch a movie at the relatively new cinemas of Edsa Shangri-la Plaza. (Monday) The P120 (matinee show from 1pm - 4pm) was worth it. Wow the place rocks. Wide screen, great sound system, reserved seating and the seats are big and comfy.
I watched "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason". Hilariously funny and a feel good movie. I love it when she said at the end of the movie "I truly believe that happiness is possible... even when you're thirty-three and have a bottom the size of two bowling balls." So there's still hope for me huh? A 36 year old with the same bottom size! Yeah right, whatever! (insert sarcastic grin here)

Today is the first year anniversary of my blog! So that's 365 days of endless yapping, ranting, rambling and pondering! I honestly doubt I would stop blogging any time soon!

Thank you for the music
And a million thanks to the ever adorable E for introducing me to this software program. I can now download songs I've always wanted to listen to again.

So far I've harvested the following songs:
1. Patricia Kass - "La Vie en Rose"
2. Nana Mouskouri - "La Paloma Blanca" and her duet with Julio Iglesias "Se Que Volveras".
3. Julio Iglesias - "Guantanamera" and "Vaya Con Dios"
4. 2 versions of "Comme D'Habitude" by Claude Francois and the kings of Rai (Algerian) music Khaled, Rashid Taha & Faudel.
5. Michel Sardou - "En Chantant"
6. Alain Chamfort - "L'Amour en France"
7. Amr Diab duet with Angela Dimitriou - "Eleos"
8. Amr Diab - "Noor El Ein"
9. Herve Vilard - "Nous"
10. But my favorite is an ensemble of some of the best singers in France like Lara Fabian, Anggun, Patricia Kass, Johnny Hallyday to mention a few singing

"Sa Raison Etre"
Elle en a vu de toutes les douleurs
Elle est revenue de tant de combats
Elle a tellement tendu son coeur
La ou d'autres ont baisse les bras

Elle dit qu'apres certains regards
Les mots deviennent derisoires
On fait les choses parce qu'elles s'imposent
Sans se demander pourquoi

C'est peut-etre
Une goutte dans la mer
C'est peut-etre
Une goutte d'eau dans le desert
Oui mais c'est sa raison d'etre
sa raison d'etre

Oh, elle en a essuye des yeux
Elle en a baisse des paupieres
Oubliant meme que le ciel est bleu
A tant se pencher dans la poussiere

Elle dit qu'on peut toujours trouver
Des excuses pour ne pas bouger
Elle, elle prefere encore se taire
Et faire ce qu'elle a a faire

Oh, elle en a brise des silences
Pousse des cris contre les murs
Avec pour echos l'indifference
Et des rancunes encore plus dures

Car aujourd'hui, si l'existence ici
Ne se limite qu'a la survie
Il faut savoir qu'une aile de papillon
Peut tout changer pour de bon

What she lives for (Sa raison d'etre)
Lyrics and Music Lionel Florence / Pascal Obispo
Translation : Nathalie Leviol

She saw all kind of pains
came back from so many fights
She held out her heart
where others just gave up

She says after some looks
words become useless
you do things because they're just obvious
without asking questions

Ooohh it may be
Oh it may be
a drop in the sea
Ohh it may be
yes it may be
a drop of water in the desert
yes but that's what she lives for
what she lives for
yes but that's what she lives for
what she lives for

oh she wiped many eyes
she closed many lids
forgetting that the sky is blue
by bending so much towards dust
she says you can always find
oh reasons not to do anything
she'd rather remain silent
and do what she has to do

Oh she broke many silences
screamed against walls
and indifference echoed
and even tougher resentment
'cause today if life here
is only limited to survival
you must know that a butterfly's wing
can change everything for good

Cheerios!
Yipeee yes I'm way ahead of schedule!
Because normally I would get in the 'mood' December 8 onwards.
But this morning, I started decorating my place with garlands, lights and Christmas decors. I still have to set up the mini tree but surely I'll be done by this weekend.
I also decided to change the lay out of my blog to commemorate the season. Cute isn't it???
Hopefully this would lift up my spirits a bit and not let SAD (seasonal affective disorder) creep up on me again this year.
Alright I better continue with the decorating before I get too lazy!
Happy weekend! :)

Getting to know all about you!
I copied this from Jax
Indulge me and let me get to know you some more.

1. What kind of music do you listen to? Why?
2. What's your number one favorite movie (of all-time)? Just one!
3. What's your favorite city? Why?
4. Where would you like to go to next? Why?
5. What is your favorite quote?
6. Describe your typical day.
7. What is your passion in life?
8. How many kids do you want? Have you named them already?
9. Do you have any addictions? To what?
10. What is your ultimate favorite book? Why?

My answers:
1. What kind of music do you listen to? Why?
I listen to a wide range of songs from the oldies to the latest tunes on the radio. I also like listening to Spanish, Arabic & French songs.

2. What's your number one favorite movie (of all-time)? Just one!
"City of Angels" because he gave up being an angel just to be with her. Yet it doesn't end happily since she dies. I like it because it is realistic in the sense that we don't really get what we long for in life.

3. What's your favorite city? Why?
Paris! I love the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, Le Louvre and all the other museums and the cuisine. But mostly just sitting in a quaint cafe to watch life go by and people watch.

4. Where would you like to go to next? Why?
Spain and Portugal. Simply because I've never been there.

5. What is your favorite quote?
"There is a tomorrow and the best is yet to be. And somewhere in the world, I know there is a place for me"

6. Describe your typical day.
Check my emails, shower, run errands, meet clients if need be, home, dinner, watch tv, go online to do some work, chat, sleep.

7. What is your passion in life?
Traveling is my passion!

8. How many kids do you want? Have you named them already?
No kids for me, thanks!

9. Do you have any addictions? To what?
Yes, I'm addicted to chocolates, chatting and movies.

10. What is your ultimate favorite book? Why?
Almost Heaven" by Marianne Wiggins. It moved me beyond words. It was poignant and the author was vividly graphic in her details.

OK yalla it's your turn! Come on now, don't be shy! :)

Great bales of hay!
The moment I saw that the teams in the Amazing Race were in Sweden, I knew they had to feature IKEA. I love that store.
Their largest branch in the world is in Stockholm. Holy Cow I could spend days in that store. I definitely can assemble that desk with my eyes closed. Me being the DIY gal in this family.
I always knew Sweden was a beautiful country but watching it on the show made me more aware of just how picturesque it is.
But that last roadblock was something else!
Rolling through bales of hay to find the next clue is sheer madness.
I felt so sorry for Lena & Kristy that they weren't lucky enough to find it.
But hats off to Lena for persevering and not giving up for 8 hours!
They were a dynamic duo. Too bad they got eliminated.
I admire Don & Mary Jean for being the oldest team yet they are full of energy and have such strong will power!
But I'm actually rooting for Freddy & Kendra. I don't know why. I guess I just like their chemistry.

Something to start a brand new month with!
1. Where were you an hour ago?
Here at home, chatting with E

2. state your full name?
Daphne Laura P. Q

3. do you like your name?
Yes except when people mispronounce it

4. can you remember what you did on the first day of school?
Hmmm probably cried my eyes off

5. what are you going to do first thing tomorrow?
Check my emails then take a shower

6. what did u feel upon receiving surveys like these?
I like answering them

7. at what age you first learn to use a pc?
20

8. do u think u could live without a pc?
no.

9. do you feel lonely right now?
yes.

10. have you ever eaten any exotic food?
no, i'm not brave enough

11. What was your last illness?
is menstrual cramps an illness?

12. do you like listening to rap music?
No

13. have you ever thought of driving the train at MRT?
nope

14.what did you do last November 1 2003?
went to Loyola to visit my grandparents tombs

15. which do you prefer? sunny or rainy days?
rainy days.

16. when was the last time you browsed the bible?
Oh geeez probably when I was in grade school.

17. Do you have a pet?
No

18. What is the brand of your first wristwatch?
A mickey mouse watch, I forgot the brand

19. Look to your back, what do you see?
my bed and the aircon

20. what can you say to your friends?
May God bless you all always!

21. Do you sing while taking a bath?
yes

22. What is the last dream you remember?
I was somewhere where it was freezing cold and snowing hard and I was truly happy

23.what do u usually do if ur mad?
I talk to my friends

24. do you agree on the saying to forgive is to forget?
no

25. can you ride a bicycle?
no

26. last thing you held before using the computer?
the remote control

27. Where is that place you always dream of?
Paris where I wake up each morning and I see the Eiffel Tower from every room in my apartment

28. When was the last time your tears fell?
when my father suffered a mild stroke

29. What will you do after this?
sleep