So Close Shoes

Remember Shu Qi and the famous white pair of pointy shoes? If one watched So Close, it was the pair that she used in the first scene. Such a deadly weapon. A couple of years back, when that kind of shoes was beginning to be trendy, I had a pair that was cream colored. The really pointy one (which retired a few months ago)...my officemates used to tease me that everytime they see me wearing the shoes, they are reminded of that particular So Close scene. (Naku, wish ko lng I log that mile-long legs of Shu Qi) Paano naman, I was the only one daring enough to wear one in the office. Keber ba nila!


Just a few hours ago, I was reminded of that pair...because I am actually wearing one so similar. It was Ley who pointed out, "Uy, So Close na sapatos yan ah!" Then, I realized, " Oo nga no."

Its pointy. With heels. And colored white. But not as deadly.

Thanks Shirl!

reviving BROWNMAN

We just bought the "Steady Lang" CD of Brownman Revival. After a long wait! Nagka album rin sila. It is not the PNE with funny lyrics songs type…not even remotely close to the Wolfgang sound. Brownman depicts summer, laidback lifestyle and the beach. Makes u wanna dance, I tell you. And please, don’t mistake them for brownbeat all stars. Wala si myra doon. And it’s an all-male group. 9 males total, plus Jotay of course.

They used to cover bob marley’s songs – buffalo soldier (with dino in his pseudo cig props) and get up stand up. They graduated from these and started singing their original lintik (which I first heard way back in one of those UP Fairs I attended).


I still remember the first time I saw them performed. It was during the World AIDS Day one rainy December 1999 in the QC Hall Sunken Garden (which got elevated over the years). Shirl and I were there to watch parokya perform (we were suckers for free gigs and since we just lived nearby – aka tandang sora) yet we stayed there til it rained. We were impressed the first time we heard them. Cool music for a rainy cold night, huh?


We even got to talk to Dino Concepcion (he used to have that short haired preppy look pa) after their performance. Shirly was still in showbiz then thus her power to approach any new talents and give them her business card for some booking (if ever). To make the story short, even brownman’s shadows didn’t appear on hardhat. But then, shirly got dino’s landline, and even got to talk to him, once. Hehehe


Look at them right now, they got a music video for their cover version of ehead’s Maling Akala. Dino doesn’t sport that preppy look anymore and we don’t recognize dennis (aka eileen’s crush dati) na. but the music is still the same. As we listen to their album, shirl and I just close our eyes thinking we are somewhere where the sun is shining brightly, sands on our feet, sound of waves nearby while drinking some shake.

Addicted to Water

	The look of summer.How I miss it. I got this from the US Billabong website...actually, I downloaded all their campaign ads. Man, it is not even past Xmas and I am wishing that summer is here. So much for our plan of going to Puerto Galera once a month. Or trippin down Coron before the year ends. Or visit the tarsier in Bohol using the Palakbayan package.

As of now, I'll just contend with myself staring at the blue waters of the quicksilver classic screensaver. Who knows, the feel of summer might just be around November. Right, Shirl?

Broke, but Happy (?)

Feel a bit groggy right now. Wish I can just lie down and take a 10-hour sleep for the rest of the day. Which is very impossible to happen.


My oh my! Wish it were a weekend, but then I had to report to work on a Saturday too. Want to drink coffee – the real brewed one, pero I can’t indulge myself in that for now. Too many crises (read: financial – what else?) at home and in my personal expense. Ayan, gastadora kasi. Better review FJC’s book para matauhan naman ako. I’m like that girl in the Shopaholic series, though I don’t have a credit card. I even miss Genmaicha tea at CBTL. I haven’t even bought that cheap Lyons lemon-flavored tea, replacing my Burke and Twinings green tea concoctions. I miss dinner at A Veneto, Mr K, Bellini’s and even at Jollibee! Also, I miss watching the movies at Gateway, last movie Love and I saw was the advanced screening of “Must Love Dogs”. Such a shame for someone who considers herself a movie buff. I haven’t even realized that I missed “The Longest Yard”, “Cinderella Man”, “The Skeleton Key”, “Dukes of Hazzard”, “Elvis has Left the Building”…and the list goes on and on. Such a deprived cineaste.


It is during those times that you’re really broke that you crave for things you simply cannot have. Sounds like my lovelife too J Wawa naman!


Craving for coffee has not stopped. No choice, but to reach for that instant coffee. Have to wait until I get home to again use our coffeemaker with the last of our free Starbucks beans, and rummage of what’s left in the fridge.


Hay, taghirap na talaga.



`STF

Love, Actually!

Got this from Aves. We sure can relate in one or two things from this, and even learn some pointers too...It's indeed L-o-V-e!

`STF

****

When you think of your past love, you may view it as
a failure. But when you find a new love, you view the
past as a teacher. In the game of love, it doesn't
really matter who won or who lost. What is important
is you know when to hold on and when to let go! You
know you really love someone when you want him or her
to be happy, even if their happiness means that you're
not part of it. Everything happens for the best. If
the person you love doesn't love you back, don't be afraid
to love someone else again, for you'll never know
unless you give it a try. You'll never love a person
you love unless you risk for love.


Love strives in hurting. If you don't get hurt, you
don't learn how to love. Love doesn't hurt all the
time. Though the hurting is still there to test you,
to help you grow. Don't find love, let love find you.
That's why it's called falling in love because you
can't force yourself to fall. You just fall. You
cannot finish a book without closing it's chapters. If
you want to go on, then you have to leave the past as
you turn the pages.


Love is not destroyed by a single failure or won by
a single caress. It is a lifetime venture in which we
are always learning, discovering and growing. The
greatest irony of love is letting go when you need to
hold on and holding on when you need to let go. We
lose someone we love only when we are destined to find
someone else who can love us even more than we can
love ourselves. On falling out of love, take some time
to heal and then get back on the horse. But don't ever
make the same mistake of riding the same one that
threw you the first time.


To love is to risk rejections, to live is to risk
dying, to hope is to risk failure. But risk must be
taken because the greatest hazard in life is risk
nothing! To reach for another is to risk involvement,
to expose your feelings is to expose true self, to
love is to risk not to be loved in return. How to
define love: fall but do not stumble, be constant but
not too persistent, share and never be unfair,
understand and try not to demand, hurt but never keep
the pain.


Love is like a knife. It can stab the heart or it can
carve wonderful images into the soul that always last
for a lifetime. Love is supposed to be the most
wonderful feeling. It should inspire you and give you
joy and strength. But sometimes the things that give
you joy can also hurt you in the end.


Loving people means giving them the freedom who they
choose to be and where they choose to be. For all the
heartaches and the tears, for gloomy days and
fruitless years, you should give thanks, for you know,
that there were the things that helped you grow.
loving someone means giving him the freedom to find
his way, whether it leads towards you or away from
you.


Love is a painful risk to take but the risk must be
taken no matter how scary or painful, for only then
you'll experience the fullness of humanity and that is
love. Only love can hurt your heart, fill you with
desire and tear you apart. Only love can make you cry
and only love knows why. If you're not ready to cry,
if you're not ready to take the risk, if you're not
readyto feel the pain, then you're not ready to fall in
love. There was a time in our lives when we became
afraid to fall in love coz every time we do, we get
hurt, then I figured that's why it's called falling in
love.


When you decide to love, allow it to grow. When you
promise to love, refuse to let it die!

Reel Life

Another week ahead. Just the other night, I was watching Survivor:Guatemala comfortably at home. Yesterday, we were doing these chandelier earrings and bracelets. Now, I am back at pounding the keyboard, answering queries, finishing what has to be done with my part of the project (it is still a very looong way, baby). Hay, kung meron lang sana to look forward to this Monday. Look at Shirl! hahaha

Last Friday, Mikey, Baby, Shirl and I met and our chitchat turned towards lovelife. Looks like mabubuwag na talaga ang WNG. Kumbaga, I think I'll get to win the 1M bucks (that is if Mikey beats me of having an SO first!). How time flies, I (and Ellaine) used to be the odd girl out since I was the MNG pero now, I am giving Bridget Jones a run for her money. Ni Daniel Cleaver, wala nga eh. Hmm...Daniel Cleaver (mukhang magsesecond thought ba?)...

The pressure is not that intense. Sometimes, I get to feel it but I just divert my attention to other things. Mind over matter lang. I know, this is just a roadblock. Or a detour. Am I going to finish the race? I know, I'll have my pitstop someday.

Does my lovelife sound like a reality tv show?

Panicky Monday

What a way to start my week, no internet here at the office. ISP was down. And even our office bank Metrobank was offline. Aargh! What a great way indeed to start my work-week.

Internet connection was restored around 11 AM, so imagine panic time! And I had 100+ emails in my inbox (spam mail included) and 3 urgent matters. Aargh! I was a little amazed with the to-do things/agenda for the day.

I’m taking one day at a time, so I’d better take a deep breath and just relax. As one boss asked us, “do you still have your sense of humor intact?”

We’re trying to, dammit! Hehehe!
I'm preparing for a long day ahead. Paul, rescue me!


***


Weekend was uneventful. Love and I just went on with our cottage industry. Check out our new website, and the new designs too:
http://weekends.multiply.com/

Tinodo na namin to, kina-career na talaga.


***


Monday has passed by already, and I still have piles of docs on my desk. I need a bigger desk, as one boss commented. I definitely need it, and maybe a bigger salary too? I'm such a slave.


Arrgh! need to work my butt off already! SOS!

WeekEnds @ Work

Our favorite past time. Our weekend gimmick for more than a month now. Bye bye to malls and movies. Hello to Quiapo, Carolinas and extra moolah (which isn’t yet realized). Maybe in 3 months’ time, pwede na mag-mall ulit, and splurge on something. For the meantime, we need to work overtime (read: more than 6 hours for 2 days) to work on our designs, and keep our customers happy. Hopefully, we can have consignments for the bazaars everywhere. That just means a lot of work for us too. Back-breaking, “eye-popping” (hehehe…literally…sasakit mata sa kakatusok ng mga beads) and neck-aching labor for us.

`STF

HBD Mikey

To our muse at WNG, who is always the life of the party...it is now your turn to be the STAR of the party. The person where the words "dull moments" don't exist in his vocabulary, the friend you can always depend on--from shallow talks to who's gonna sing "bongga ka day" to money matters .

Mikey is always a breath of fresh air – our Ate, our confidante, our financier sometimes, our chef, our adviser.

To Mikey – happy ___th bday! May you have more deals to come, more gifts from boylets to open and more showers with men. ;-)

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU

Though i may be not a Mariah Carey fan, this song sure hits me...Hehehe...
Baka naman, isang bloke na naman ako ng yelo ngayong Pasko...Ouch, what a tragedy!

***

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true...
All I want for Christmas
Is you...

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you...
You baby

I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Baby all I want for Christmas is you
You...

All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need -
won't you please bring my baby to me...

Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh I just want him for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is
You...

All I want for Christmas is you baby... (repeat)

BaD dAy

Been glued to MTV to catch a video of this song. Very hopeful, and kinda cute too. Check out the graffiti exchanges they shared. :-)
Daniel Powter isn't bad at all. We all have gone through this feeling, I know.

BAD DAY

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carryin' on

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oh.. Holiday..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day

let's go babes!

to the person who starred in the commercial with the abovementioned line (which eileen and shirly best impersonated way back)...the object of my obsession a long time ago...the guy i looked up to (literally and figuratively)...richard anthony mora tizcon (mr. velvet touch with shell jersey #10 (or #11 in purefoods), happy birthday! 6 years na naman agwat natin :)

c",) lobster

Musings for the Day

This is one of the nerve-wracking days I have. Having to wait for replies to the email blast I did yesterday. Yes, that email (as some of you have received it and read it here too). It’s not that easy being rejected, I tell you. Is this a successful venture or what?
Hah! I’ll give it a week, and hey, guys, don’t be too shy to place your orders. Sige na nga, me tawad pa yan. Basta magparamdam muna kayo…
I don’t have a career in sales, or even entrepreneurship. Puro pa rin ako presyong kaibigan.


***

I’ve also sent out invitations to our membership for a 9-11 buffet brunch this Sunday at the club of one of our sponsors. It’s been 4 years since that incident happened in NY. I was still at NCI that time, and watched the news over CNN. I was working overtime with Lalaine trying to work on our FS. See? I can also be an accountant. Well, NCI taught me a lot of things, and I got to know a lot of wonderful people.

***


Got a bit sidetracked this morning when I received an email from Hi5, and he invited me to his network. And you thought Friendster is the most popular networking site. Well, well, he still remembers me. Will I reply or not? I still dunno. No time to ponder on that tough. I will give it another week – maybe he’ll send me an impossibly good email. I doubt it.

For the meantime, I don’t have to sulk on this. Maybe Hi5 just sent this invitation to all his contacts. Fat chance!

***

Today is my long-time friend Katrina's birthday. Wow, it's been more than 2 decades that we’ve been friends. Wow, see how time flies. And of course, tigulang na pod mi. We had our ups and downs. We were penpals (di pa uso ang email non – wala pang internet sa Butuan actually) when were in high school. Syempre, she’s a math whiz kaya she left Butuan to conquer other geniuses at Pisay Davao. We got together when we were in college, dormmates pa. Sad to say, we didn’t belong to the same barkada but we had our moments together. Old friendships definitely don’t die. College graduation came, and we were on separate ways again. Without a miss, she has a Christmas gift for me when I come home for the holidays, and she patiently listens to my ranting/raving/ranting again about my so-called career, BF and what-have-you’s.

KAT, happy birthday! I know this may not the best birthday you have this year, but I wish you strength, happiness and a good life ahead of you. Thanks for being a dear friend to me.


`SF

Separated at Birth

Last Sunday, we watched the Hollywood Dream. Some parts of it, that is. This is a reality tv ala Starstruck but instead of teenagers without any acting experiences doing the challenges - it is composed of veteran or not so new personalities known in local showbizlandia or stage. Like any other reality tv, me navovote-out (although there is not "I'll go tally the votes" line ni Jeff Probst or Tyra Banks saying "you're still in the running to become America's next top model). Alas, the person who was handed out his passport was Juddha Paolo. At first, when he got this testimonial/farewell speech, I was thinking, "hmmm, he looks familiar. There is someone I know that looks like him." Shirly confirmed my observation the following day. Sabi niya, "Alam mo, kamukha ni mistercokelight si Juddha Paolo. Baka sa buhok lng (or the lack of it)." Natuwa naman ako...at least, from Jay Durias, naging kamukha na ni Hotta-hotta guy. Or baka bigla-genic lng un?

@@@

A funny thing happened yesterday when I was about to call UPLB CFNR yesterday. Alex handed me the number without the area code. Syempre, nalito ako. It is 049? 042? While thinking hard about the area code, Ley arrived. We were talking and talking at ang linagay ko na area code - 045. Then I realized..."oops, mali to ah." So I called Ley's attention and confirmed with her that 049 is Laguna's code. Our next exchange was:

Love: "Alam mo ano linagay ko? 045!"

Ley : "Pampanga un ah. Tatawagan mo ba si ex?" (referring to my exflame)

Love:"Iba na area code noon...country code nga, iba na rin."

Alex:"Bakit, sino tatawagan mo, si D$%on?" (Ley's ex dyowa who is based in Pampanga)

I chuckled. Ley blushed.

@@@

Of donuts, insomnia, EwAN, AM rush and impeachment

Finally, Gonuts Donuts has pastillas de leche donuts on sale last night at 8. Wow, it surely was a miracle. I’ve been craving for those donuts, but I‘m always disappointed because they’re always not available. I guess it was my lucky night. Of the 6 in a box, I ordered 4 PDL donuts. Hah! See how Love and I are “hayok” over them. Luckily, we had the toughest control not to devour them all – it was such a challenge. We still have 3 leftovers for today. Looking forward to a donut this lunch then.

***

I again woke up at an ungodly hour last night – 1:07 AM to be exact. Now, I’m an hour earlier with my usual jolt-y wake-up call. Maybe it was the heavy rain, or the thunder, or the lightning – or all of them. The good thing, I was in my emoting mode. I just reached for a book – a crappy romance novel on my bedside – and read it until I fell asleep again. Which did happen after a few minutes. A nice thing for me. My sleeping disorder has somewhat “improved”.

***

I’m a bad Ewan fan, but sorry, I missed his latest movie – “Valiant”. He did the voice for the movie’s main character. His recent roles are child-friendly – “Robots” and now, Valiant. I saw him in one of his interviews saying that he also wants his children to watch his movies, and to relate to them. How fatherly of him. Mahal ko na naman sya. His wife Eve is very lucky to have him. Compared to best friend Jude (yes, that Jude Law) I think he’s the more loyal and devoted one.

***

Thanks to internet radio, I just caught last 5 minutes of RX’s Morning Rush. Yeah, I know you this too – you know, the Chico-Delamar show. Thanks to www.eradioportal.com I can now change radio stations. I guess I just miss being in radio.

I’m not really a Chico-Delamar fan, but I was hoping I could still catch Brad Turvey deliver the news. Sexy voice + cute face is a rarity among “radio jocks”, I tell you. Of course, there are exceptions to this, like myself and my past crushes.

***

The latest news from Philstar:

Pro-administration legislators were still ahead in votes Tuesday in Congress' plenary meeting whether to adopt the House justice committee report dismissing the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Arroyo.

As of 10:40 a.m., solons favoring the report numbered 101 against 28 who voted against it. Four congressmen had abstained.

Wala na talagang pag-asa ang bansa natin sa mga trapong ‘to. Edsa 3 na! I’m ready for another long walk at EDSA. ‘**** ina sila!


`SF

Beaded business

Hey, just to make we got all areas covered, I’m posting this email I sent to my friends. Just in case some of you haven’t read this, yet. We’re still waiting for your response.


***
Dear Friends,


No, just wait, this is not spam mail. Please read on…


We mean serious business, though we only work on WEEKENDS.
We offer a basketful of beads and trinkets. Wearable beads for family, friends and of course, you. Play Santa without the hassle, just let us do the work for you.


Unique designs to choose from. For a sample of these designs and their prices, please visit:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ubetkeso/my_photos
We also customize pieces, according to customer's taste.


For orders, contact us at ubetkeso@yahoo.com or text 0920-9053983, or you can simply reply to this email. (Terms: Free delivery within Makati CBD, COD payments. We offer discounts for a minimum order of 6 pieces.) Or, this is a perfect excuse for us to meet again, and be updated with our what-have-you’s.


And hey, I expect generous orders from you guys! Thank you for your attention on this.


-Shirley

Over-blog(ged)

Parang gusto ko lang mag-blog all day today. It’s as if I don’t have a long list of to-do’s for the day, pero parang I started work on the wrong foot. Nainis ako sa isang staff ko – nag busy-busy-han kunyari, and not even acknowledging my requests for to-do through YM. Mababaw na reason actually, pero hey, we need to prioritize what we’re doing here, and I’m the boss…hehehe…Well, the bossy nature in me is showing today.
PMS maybe? Hope not.

***

E-heads Anthology CD has been on heavy rotation these days. Can’t access www.eradioportal.com today kaya I’m back to Ely’s singing on my speakers (though a little muted so as not to disturb peace in the office).
Big Boss is away on a holiday, but he’s been replaced with, not 1, but more than 5 bosses nagging me. That’s the exciting part of this job. Have to deal with bosses with equally different personalities and management styles.
But who says I can’t handle them all? I’ve been here for 2 years already, and still no nervous breakdown. So far, so good – I think.

***

I call this article Over-blog, parang E-heads’ Overdrive. Mag-bo-blog ako buong maghapon. Aargh! Wish I could really do that! But…I need to pay the rent, phone bills, laundry, my bro’s allowance, medicines, food / resto hopping, my shopping, business (i.e. beads), movies, and other gimmick! Not in that particular order really!

***

My mind is still in jumbled thoughts right now. Too many thoughts – nakakagulo! I just so wish I will have less-frenzied day today and the rest of the week, which I doubt it.

Anyway, back to work now. Need to prepare for today’s dreaded 2 PM meeting for our 9-11 event this Sunday. Hay, ipapasa na naman yan lahat sa akin. After all, I am a SuperWoman! Wish ko lang!


`STF

Sun. AM

Inspired by another song – Sunday morning (Maroon 5) but not really the thought of this blog. But hey, I could use a few lines from this song:

Sunday morning, rain is falling
Steal some covers, share some skin
Clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable
You twist to fit the mold that I am in
But things just get so crazy
Living life gets hard to do
And I would gladly hit the road, get up and go if I knew
That someday it would lead me back to you
That someday it would lead me back to you


My Sunday mornings are spent having video marathon. I’m a light sleeper, so I usually wake up at 7 AM, even on weekends. Pwera na lang kung nalango ako on a Sabado night, pero minsan lang ang nangyayari yan.


Just like yesterday morning, while the rest of the household (i.e. Lovella) was asleep, I popped on “Raising Helen” on video. Another romantic comedy to tickle me. This has been on my overdue movies-to-watch list. Kate Hudson has been a fave, after her Almost Famous fame. Though I didn’t watch her latest movie “Skeleton Key” – not my stuff really. “Raising Helen” is an eye-candy – with cameo appearances of Paris Hilton, Hector Elizondo, and DH’s Felicity Huffman (in less than 5 minutes of exposure in the movie). Of course, John Corbett is such a delight. Di naman sya ganon ka-cute pero OK na rin. I’m still loyal to Ewan.


After that, Love joined me for Vin Diesel’s boobsy role in “The Pacifier”. It’s not so him, but the movie was funny, and “refreshing”. Feel-good movie lang, and mababaw, which is good for Sunday mornings.


Sunday morning came and went (along with my usual 30-minute telebabad with the gang from home), - did the groceries, went back to our beading session (which lasted for 4 hours and deprived Love of her siesta), and took a few winks before eating dinner, and finally agonizing over another workweek ahead. Ang bilis naman ng araw! Sana Saturday na ulit…


`STF

2 AM

It’s like that Matchbox 20 song (before Rob Thomas went solo), “It’s 2 AM, I must be lonely” Wait, the song is 3 AM, not 2 AM. But anyhow, this best describes what I have been going through lately.


Yes, I have this 2 AM wake-up call. Not really wake-up call, but a sudden getting out of Dreamland when the bedside clock strikes 2 AM. I dunno why. Maybe my body clock dictates it, or maybe I’m just not into that deep sleep…yet. And in about 4 hours’ time, I have to wake up again and get ready for the battlefield. Even though I’m in the middle of a dream (good or bad, doesn’t matter) I wake up at 2 AM. Arrgh!


My thoughts are also in activation that time. Wish I can turn on the PC and write down my thoughts, but PC at home is still busted. And of course, I might be tempted to sign in to YM…and you know what will happen next if he’s online that time too.


This has been happening for the past 3 weeks or so, I guess I’m not yet used to not turning in until 2 AM. Old habits die hard, as they say.
Wish I can just kick this habit...and him.

`STF

Hes Nt Jst In2 U

HE’S NOT JUST INTO YOU. These are painful words, but most often than not, very real words. They knock us out of our own dreamland where guys treat us like a queen, the only queen in their lives. Which is not always the case. He’s not just into us sometimes. Or most of the time. So beware!



(From the excerpts of the bestseller He’s not that Into You”)
Warning: this is a long reading material, but it’s worth all your time. You can empathize in at least 2 of the instances given. As a “victim”, I am compelled to share it with my fellow victims. Victims who fall prey to our predators, i.e. men.


Many women have said to me, "Greg, men run the world." Wow. That makes us sound pretty capable. So tell me, why would you think we could be incapable of something as simple as picking up the phone and asking you out? You seem to think at times that we're "too shy" or we "just got out of something." Let me remind you: Men find it very satisfying to get what they want. (Particularly after a difficult day of running the world.) If we want you, we will find you. If you don't think you gave him enough time to notice you, take the time it took you to notice him and divide it by half.

The "Maybe He Doesn't Want to Ruin the Friendship" Excuse

Dear Greg,

I'm so disappointed. I have this friend that I've known platonically for about ten years. He lives in a different city and recently he was in town for work, so we met for dinner. All of a sudden it felt like we were on a date. He was completely flirting with me. He even said to me, as he was checking me out, "So, what, you're working the whole 'model thing' now?" (That's flirting, right?) We both agreed that we should get together again soon. Well, Greg, I'm disappointed because it's been two weeks and he hasn't called me. Can I call him? He might be nervous about turning the friendship into romance. Can't I give him a nudge now? Isn't that what friends are for?

Jodi


Dear Friendly Girl,

Two weeks is two weeks, except when it's ten years and two weeks. That's how long ago he decided whether or not he could date a model or a girl who looks like one. Can you be a pal and give him a nudge? Nudge away, friendster — but watch how fast that nudge doesn't get a return phone call. And if your dinner/date did feel different to him, it's been two weeks and he's had time to think about it and decide he's just not that into you. Here's the truth: Guys don't mind messing up a friendship if it could lead to sex, whether it be a "(expletive) buddy" situation or a meaningful romance. Go find someone that lives in your zip code who will be rocked to the core by your deep conversation and model looks.

I hate to tell you, but that whole "I don't want to ruin the friendship" excuse is a racket. It works so well because it seems so wise. Sex could mess up a friendship. Unfortunately, in the entire history of mankind, that excuse has never ever been used by someone who actually means it. If we're really excited about someone, we can't stop ourselves — we want more. If we're friends with someone and attracted to them, we're going to want to take it further. And please, don't tell me he's just "scared." The only thing he's scared of — and I say this with a lot of love — is how not attracted to you he is.


The "Maybe He's Intimidated by Me" Excuse

Dear Greg,

I have a crush on my gardener. He's been potting the plants on my patio. It was hot, I saw him without his shirt on, he was hot, and now I'm hot for him. I brought out some beers and we talked. I think he wants to ask me out but is afraid, because he is my hired man. In this situation, can't I ask him out?

Cherie


Dear My Secret Garden,

He's capable of asking you out. Haven't you ever seen a porno? Hope he gets there before the pizza guy. But seriously, if he didn't pick up the vibe after the beer garden, it has nothing to do with you being his big boss lady. Time to stop and smell the bad news: He's just not that into you.

Let me say it again, sexual harassment rules and workplace memos notwithstanding, a guy will ask out a woman of higher status if he's into her. He might need a little more encouragement than normal, I'll give you that. You might have to lead Johnny the Office Boy or Phillipe the Exterminator to water, but you better not help him ask you out. Once again, ladies, a wink and a smile will do it.

By the way, why are you dating the exterminator?

Just kidding, he's a good guy.


The "Maybe He Wants to Take It Slow" Excuse

Dear Greg,

There's this guy who calls me all the time. He's recently divorced, and in AA. We got back in touch recently, had lots of phone calls, and then hung out twice in one week and it was real cool. No flirting or making out or anything, but fun. Since then, he calls me all the time but doesn't ever suggest we see each other in person again. It's like he got scared or something. I would understand if because of the divorce/alcoholic/starting-a-whole-new-life stuff he wanted to take things slow. But he still calls me all the time to have long heart-to-heart talks. What the hell should I do with this guy?

Jen


Dear Pillow Talk,

Sadly, not wanting to see you in person is massive as far as dating obstacles go. And as far as the recently divorced/newly sober/starting-a-new-life parts, blah blah blah, I'm getting sleepy, it's hot, I'm going down for a nap. When I wake up from that nap I'll probably thrill to the news that your friend is taking control of his life. You, however, will still not be going on a date, because despite all your excuses for him, he's still not asking you out. Now, if you're a person who enjoys a slightly satisfying phone relationship, talk on! But at this point it seems like he's just not that into you. Be his friend if you're at all interested on that level, but move your romantic inclinations onto a more suitable future husband.
If a guy truly likes you, but for personal reasons he needs to take things slow, he will let you know that immediately. He won't keep you guessing, because he'll want to make sure you don't get frustrated and go away.


The "But He Gave Me His Number" Excuse

Dear Greg,

I met a really cute guy at a bar this week. He gave me his number and told me to give him a call sometime. I thought that was kind of cool, that he gave me control of the situation like that. I can call him, right?

Lauren


Dear Control Freak,

Did he give you control, or did he just get you to do the heavy lifting? What he just did was a magic trick: It seems like he gave you control, but really he now gets to decide if he wants to go out with you — or even return your call. Why don't you take Copperfield's number, roll it in a newspaper, pour milk in it, and make it disappear.

"Give me a call." "E-mail me." "Tell Joey we should all hang out sometime." Don't let him trick you into asking him out. When men want you, they do the work. I know it sounds old school, but when men like women, they ask them out.


The "Maybe He Forgot to Remember Me" Excuse

Dear Greg,

Okay, Greg. Listen to this one: I was at a conference for work and met a guy from another branch of my company. We hit it off immediately. He was just about to ask for my number, I swear, when the Big Blackout of 2003 happened. In the mayhem, I didn't get to give him my number. I think the Big Blackout of 2003 is a good enough excuse to call him, don't you think? It's only common courtesy for me to check up on him, right? If I don't call, he's probably going to be all sad thinking that I'm just not that into him.

Judy


Dear Judy Blackout,

The city blacked out. He didn't. You said you work for different branches of the same company. Certainly he wouldn't have to break a sweat to scroll through the company staff roster or interoffice e-mail listing to find you. And should he not be as resourceful as you are...I imagine that he has a mother, sister, or female friend that could show him how, if he was really interested.

P.S.: Shame on you for using an eastern seaboard disaster as an excuse to call a guy up.

Have faith. You made an impression. Leave it at that. If he likes you, he'll still remember you after the tsunami, flood, or Red Sox loss. If he doesn't, he's not worth your time. Know why? You are great. (Now, don't get cocky.)


The "Maybe I Don't Want to Play Games" Excuse

Dear Greg,

This is dumb. I know you're not supposed to call guys, but I call guys all the time because I don't care! I don't want to play games. I do whatever I want! I've called guys tons of times. You're such a square, Greg. Why do you think we can't call guys and ask them out?

Nikki


Dear Nikki,

Because we don't like it. Okay, some guys might like it, but they're just lazy. And who wants to go out with Lazy Guy? It's that simple. I didn't make the rules and I might not even agree with them. Please don't be mad at me, Nikki. I'm not advocating that women go back to the Stone Age. I just think you might want to be realistic in how capable you are of changing the primordial impulses that drive all of human nature.

Or maybe you're the chosen one.

Men, for the most part, like to pursue women. We like not knowing if we can catch you. We feel rewarded when we do. Especially when the chase is a long one. We know there was a sexual revolution. (We loved it.) We know women are capable of running governments, heading multinational corporations, and raising loving children — sometimes all at the same time. That, however, doesn't make men different.




GREG, I GET IT! By Leslie, age 29

Greg! I get it. I went to this party and I met this guy. We started talking immediately by ourselves, off in a corner. He asked if I was single and seemed pleased when I said I was. Whenever we split up to talk to other people, or to get drinks or whatever, he always kept his eye on me. It was really cool. I was all excited and fluttery with that "Oh my God, I think I just met someone!" feeling. He didn't ask for my number, but we know lots of people in common, so I thought he was just playing it cool. He never called me! And you know what? Normally I would call our mutual friends and start fishing and trying to figure out what happened and maybe try to find another way to see him again. But instead, I'm just going to move on! Who cares what his deal is. He's not asking me out, so why should I start obsessing over him? I'm just going to go out tonight and try to meet someone else.
In the end, I hope I can be like Leslie, free to move on, and ready to shout: “Next please!”


`STF

wEDDING TaLkS

Christmas is just around the corner. Hay, another malamig na Pasko for me. Almost 4 months to work on that “All I Want for Christmas is You” drama. Hay, mukhang di na naman ako aabot. My personal timeline that I should get my wedding preparations going by this year, pero wala pa ring nangyayari. Been holding that off for the past 3 years, actually. Well, single life isn’t that bad at all, I tell you. At least, I can still buy and do the things I want in my life. And not have to deal with the petty LQ’s and the complex nature of men. Hay naku!

***

Over lunch today, we shared our personal crises, i.e. our respective lovelife. I was just a listener. I think it’s not yet the right time to voice out my own crisis. As Agnes said, it’s the vicious cycle – the girl falls in love, the guy finds another one, the girl finds out and wants out, the guy woos her back, the girl gives in, and they’re at it again, and then back to no. 1. Grabe! Lucky me, the cycle is over for me. Hopefully, I’d be back in circulation in no time, but not in that vicious cycle.

***

Got to chat with Rayson this morning. It’s been a long time since we last talked. I’ve been in my sumbong mode with him. And he just said: Di naman talaga ako boto don eh”. It was good for me then huh? Definitely.


I assume that he’s busy with his wedding preparations. I just wish that we can still make time and visit him in SG before he officially ties the knot. I’m gonna miss the single RL when that time comes.


And speaking of bachelor friends, another friend is actually “on cue” to march down the aisle. It’s been the batch news for almost a year, but we all hope it will push through, the soonest. The dilemma – big or small church? Simple answer, but let’s leave it to the lovebirds.


Another batchmate is also in the preparation stage for the wedding. Come December maybe Dins? Hope I can make it to this much-awaited wedding in Bxu.And oh, I almost forgot that my high school friends Emmy and Wilbert tied the knot too. Separately, that it. Ems is now happily settled in the Land of Milk and Honey, and Bert is satisfied with married bliss with his Jessie.

College friend Avril is also getting hitched, with her Patrick in the land of Swiss Miss.

Seems like lahat sila nagpapasakal, este, nagpapakasal na ah! Huli na naman ako sa byahe nito.

***

From Christmas talk to wedding agonies…well, what else is new with me now? Nothing really.

rum cola stories

last weekend can be dubbed the the rum-rootbeer series. as a welcome for mitzi who arrived from germany and post MA grad party for shirly, the tropa (aka Authority) had a tapok-tapok at home. With Shirly's ever famous pasta, my menudo (which actually tasted and looked like menudo) and shrimp rolls (harina rolls?), the tropa had no qualms of eating everything laid on the table.


over ginebra premium and sarsi root beer, green tea and pineapple juice, everyone had something to say about germany, ferragamo, world youth day and every one's lovelife. everyone present was all ears while mitzi was recalling how she met federico, the mamang sorbetero (he is actually an italian delegate for the wyd). we kept on teasing her that maybe this is the one. 2 hours seated side by side on a plane on the way to italy? how lucky can one get. it didn't hurt that our friend got his email ad and actually has a pic! too bad, di ata uso ang friendster sa italia.


after an exchange of theories on the whereabouts of the other invited friend, the subject of the theories arrived. With his special friend, of course. the group talked on how to spend xmas vacation in the province. obviously, i can't butt in since i am not their kababayan. adopted child lng ako. but hey, i can say that i have been to places in their province they haven't heard of. hahaha yabang.


topic shifted from italia to weddings. oops. have we just been alienated? there is nothing wrong with wedding talks - everyone has a say on it. but the way it was discussed that night...the group dispersed like hurricane Katrina just hit the Philippines.


since mel wasn't around the first night, the tropa had a second wave the following night. shirl's pasta was ever present. instead of menudo, we had cp adobo and chicken barbeque. yummy, one may say. add a dash of sambos and silvanas. sarap!
obviously, mel was on the hot seat. you just can't imagine how many times mel p.i. - ed us. but it was fine. we were used to the bantering of mel and wilbert over how to court a girl eppy. my golly, wilbert should publish a book on how to melt a girl's heart. for someone so kengkoy and boisterious, he is one romantic guy. jessie is so lucky.


as for mel...we should have known earlier when he said he watched "d anoders." just a comment - i was a paying moviegoer when i watched super b with someone a long time ago. talagang walang pinipili. go figure.


this will forever be stamped in my kukote - mel getting drunk. laglagan na to.
it was a great tapok tapok. one hell of a weekend.

Incommunicado

After almost a week without communication, I am back! First, our server in the office was down. Then, our pc at home also broke down. Add the latest news - I lost my mobile fone. This week is really an interesting one.


Just imagine, no one buzzing me, I don't have any idea if someone hollered at the tagboard and no more sound of Mundian (aka ginebra jingle) and Californication everytime my fone has an incoming call or message. It is nice to be detached from the cyber world once in a while, I tell you. Pero wag ka, para ring akong hayok(?!) every time I see a connected pc. As for the mobile fone- hmm not really. Unless mistercokelight sms-ed me.


Basta right now, the server's up (obviously, I can blog, eh). I have a temporary number and fone (thanks, shirl!). I am very much satisfied. Wag lng masira ang tv.

",) lobster

:: right now i am:: hungry

:: excited about :: desperate housewives marathon tomorrow

:: im thinking of :: how to sell the beaded bracelets we made