Everyone thought I was kind of different today. Maybe it's too much excitement over my new guitar. Or maybe it's too much excitement over my latest Photoshop discoveries. I don't really find anything offensive in people commenting about my weirdness. In so many ways, I admit to being quite eccentric. But maybe I was too hyperactive today that it was too obvious not to be noticed.
I kept singing songs that Ramiele Malubay sang on American Idol. How can I not? I just saved all her songs in my MP3 player. My favorite is Ramiele's version of the Heart original Alone. The studio version is far better than the one she did live. I can't blame the girl though. She was sick when she sang it. Also in my list is her version of the Beatles' classic I Should Have Known Better. I love love love it. I breathe it! Sometimes I'd find myself stomping my feet to the beat, and dancing till I could utter the same words and profess my love for crushie.
Huwaaat?! Crushie...again?! What can I do? I see him all the time. Kasalanan niya. Pinanganak kasi siyang cute eh! Hala! Naloka na naman si Karen. Haha!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Photoshop and a Guitar
For the first time in weeks, there are significant things that I'm so excited to work on. First, I badly need to learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop 7.0 and I want it now! I think this madness about learning Photoshop started ever since I saw an officemate create a collage of our boss' pictures. As I was watching my officemate do it, at the back of my mind I was thinking, 'I can do that too.'
The next day, I asked dear bro if he had any Photoshop software since he's the most technically-inclined in the family. He owns all these computer cd softwares about practically anything you can think of. I knew he had it and then and there I pleaded that he install it or I'll die of excitement.
For two days now, I've been spending most of my time reading online tutorials about the basics of Photoshop. I'm learning little by little. Ultimately, I want to be really good with it and create my own designs.
The second thing I wish to do and which I almost didn't see coming is to learn to play the guitar. Play the guitar? Yeah, I might have said in one of my earlier posts that I was greatly inspired by Mr. Big guitarist Paul Gilbert but it never really came to me that I'd have another shot at learning what I failed to learn as a kid.
This afternoon, I purchased an acoustic guitar which I never planned to buy in the first place. It was my brother who offered to lend his money so I can buy anything I wished to have. I was literally facing a music store as he gave me the opportunity to choose and I've been staring at the guitars on display for God knows how long a time. So I told him that I wanted a guitar. He liked the idea. Voila! In less than a few minutes, I found myself holding my very first guitar.
Will I learn to play it? That's a question that lingers in my head now. I've been surfing online for basic guitar lessons but I really think it would be better to learn from an expert, first hand. That would have to wait because first, I have to pay for my bro's money and second, I'll need a lot of money to pay for an expert's fee.
Right now, the best I can do are: muster the chord chart, learn how to strum, practice, practice, and practice...then I'll be fine. I'm not aiming at becoming a guitar god. I know my limits. It's just really a personal desire of mine to at least learn a song or two that I could play decently.
By the way, I have a name for my guitar. Have any guess what it is? Clue. It's my crushie's name. Wow. Am I really that obsessed? Haha. Maybe. Wait. Obsession is bad. No way!
The next day, I asked dear bro if he had any Photoshop software since he's the most technically-inclined in the family. He owns all these computer cd softwares about practically anything you can think of. I knew he had it and then and there I pleaded that he install it or I'll die of excitement.
For two days now, I've been spending most of my time reading online tutorials about the basics of Photoshop. I'm learning little by little. Ultimately, I want to be really good with it and create my own designs.
The second thing I wish to do and which I almost didn't see coming is to learn to play the guitar. Play the guitar? Yeah, I might have said in one of my earlier posts that I was greatly inspired by Mr. Big guitarist Paul Gilbert but it never really came to me that I'd have another shot at learning what I failed to learn as a kid.
This afternoon, I purchased an acoustic guitar which I never planned to buy in the first place. It was my brother who offered to lend his money so I can buy anything I wished to have. I was literally facing a music store as he gave me the opportunity to choose and I've been staring at the guitars on display for God knows how long a time. So I told him that I wanted a guitar. He liked the idea. Voila! In less than a few minutes, I found myself holding my very first guitar.
Will I learn to play it? That's a question that lingers in my head now. I've been surfing online for basic guitar lessons but I really think it would be better to learn from an expert, first hand. That would have to wait because first, I have to pay for my bro's money and second, I'll need a lot of money to pay for an expert's fee.
Right now, the best I can do are: muster the chord chart, learn how to strum, practice, practice, and practice...then I'll be fine. I'm not aiming at becoming a guitar god. I know my limits. It's just really a personal desire of mine to at least learn a song or two that I could play decently.
By the way, I have a name for my guitar. Have any guess what it is? Clue. It's my crushie's name. Wow. Am I really that obsessed? Haha. Maybe. Wait. Obsession is bad. No way!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Though I've always fancied watching Sleepy Hollow, I cannot for the love of God, do it now. Not in this time of the night. Not with me and only me watching. I fear I might dream of the headless horseman and that would be horrendous! I'll probably have the strength to watch it on Saturday noon, when my movie buff bro challenges me to another dvd/vcd marathon that he faithfully does every weekend. But until then, I'll forget about the dark, scary mood that is in Sleepy Hollow. Oh but wait, it wouldn't hurt if Johnny Depp would make a special appearance in my sleep. Oh, I love the man!
Wala lang...
Feel like being cheesy again. Pardon me. I'm a little bored...Or could it be, I'm in my usual hopeless romantic mode again? Hate myself :(
1. Where were you THREE hours ago?
* office
2. What do you think of your LAST kiss?
* with my cute little kitten Yoorin? haha...it was wet and wild. haha!
3. Are you wearing SOCKS right now?
* no
4. When was the last time you went out
of country?
* never pa
5. Have you been to the M0VIES in the
last 5 days?
* yep
6. What did you see?
* horton hears a who! - ang cute ni horton at nung emo kid na si jojo...
7. What was the last thing you had to
drink?
* coke
8. What are you wearing right now?
* sando and skirt
9. What was your last purchase?
* vcd copy of legally blonde, sleepy hollow and the great raid
10. Last food you ate?
* tinola
11. Who was the last person you talked
to on the phone?
* daddy
12. Have you bought any clothing items
in the last week?
* yup
13. Do you have a pet?
* cats and dogs
14. What did you do last night?
* nood ng batman begins
16. If you could be anywhere you want
where would it be?
* batanes or france
17. What is the last thing you
purchased online?
* none
18. One thing you hate about yourself?
* yung pagiging geeky in front of my crushie
19. What’s your favorite soup?
* mushroom
20. Do you miss anyone?
* sobra!
21. Last movie you saw?
* batman begins
22. What are your plans for the day?
* today? gabi na eh, baka for tomorrow? wala naman...
23. Did you have fun today?
* sobra!
24. Who is your last text message from?
* jancel
25. Were you an honor roll student in
school?
* elem days
26. What do you know about the future?
* nada
27. Who was the last person you rode
in a car with?
* mariel
29. Do you have a tan?
* nope
30. How old do you want to be when you
have kids?
* shakz, pwede na ngayon. haha...
31. Did you meet anyone new today?
* nah
32. Do you have any tattoos or
piercings?
* sa tenga lang syempre yung piercing para sa hikaw...pero tattoo? no way!
33. How do you like your soda?
* cold
34. Do you like hot sauces?
* super
35. What are you doing tomorrow?
* stare at his lovely face, nyahaha!!!
36. What day is tomorrow?
* wed
37. What is your current mood?
* kilignez
38. Why?
* this feeling, this feeling...i don't know!
39. Do you remember the first person
you ever kissed?
* haha...my parents? romantic kiss? wala pa :(
40. Do you have a crush on anyone
right now?
* i guess it's more than that
41. If you could be on a TV show,
which one would it be?
*lonely planet
42. Why?
* gusto kong mag-travel at ma-explore ang iba't ibang kultura ng mga lugar na pupuntahan ko.
43. Have you ever watched a movie and
just “had” to do what they did?
* nah. life is more complicated than fiction
44. Do you have a “face” you make in
the mirror?
* marami, maarte ako eh!
45. Ever use someone else’s toothbrush?
* never
46. Do you like/love the person you
got this survey from?
* yes, she's my friend eh...
47. Can you whistle?
* nope! but i wish i could!
48. Can you wiggle your ears?
* this one, YES! haha, weird ko ba?
49. You have a song that comes on that
you just “have” to turn up and sing to?
* yes, i wanna be with you
50. Who are you thinking about right
now?
* si crushie, obvious ba?
1. Where were you THREE hours ago?
* office
2. What do you think of your LAST kiss?
* with my cute little kitten Yoorin? haha...it was wet and wild. haha!
3. Are you wearing SOCKS right now?
* no
4. When was the last time you went out
of country?
* never pa
5. Have you been to the M0VIES in the
last 5 days?
* yep
6. What did you see?
* horton hears a who! - ang cute ni horton at nung emo kid na si jojo...
7. What was the last thing you had to
drink?
* coke
8. What are you wearing right now?
* sando and skirt
9. What was your last purchase?
* vcd copy of legally blonde, sleepy hollow and the great raid
10. Last food you ate?
* tinola
11. Who was the last person you talked
to on the phone?
* daddy
12. Have you bought any clothing items
in the last week?
* yup
13. Do you have a pet?
* cats and dogs
14. What did you do last night?
* nood ng batman begins
16. If you could be anywhere you want
where would it be?
* batanes or france
17. What is the last thing you
purchased online?
* none
18. One thing you hate about yourself?
* yung pagiging geeky in front of my crushie
19. What’s your favorite soup?
* mushroom
20. Do you miss anyone?
* sobra!
21. Last movie you saw?
* batman begins
22. What are your plans for the day?
* today? gabi na eh, baka for tomorrow? wala naman...
23. Did you have fun today?
* sobra!
24. Who is your last text message from?
* jancel
25. Were you an honor roll student in
school?
* elem days
26. What do you know about the future?
* nada
27. Who was the last person you rode
in a car with?
* mariel
29. Do you have a tan?
* nope
30. How old do you want to be when you
have kids?
* shakz, pwede na ngayon. haha...
31. Did you meet anyone new today?
* nah
32. Do you have any tattoos or
piercings?
* sa tenga lang syempre yung piercing para sa hikaw...pero tattoo? no way!
33. How do you like your soda?
* cold
34. Do you like hot sauces?
* super
35. What are you doing tomorrow?
* stare at his lovely face, nyahaha!!!
36. What day is tomorrow?
* wed
37. What is your current mood?
* kilignez
38. Why?
* this feeling, this feeling...i don't know!
39. Do you remember the first person
you ever kissed?
* haha...my parents? romantic kiss? wala pa :(
40. Do you have a crush on anyone
right now?
* i guess it's more than that
41. If you could be on a TV show,
which one would it be?
*lonely planet
42. Why?
* gusto kong mag-travel at ma-explore ang iba't ibang kultura ng mga lugar na pupuntahan ko.
43. Have you ever watched a movie and
just “had” to do what they did?
* nah. life is more complicated than fiction
44. Do you have a “face” you make in
the mirror?
* marami, maarte ako eh!
45. Ever use someone else’s toothbrush?
* never
46. Do you like/love the person you
got this survey from?
* yes, she's my friend eh...
47. Can you whistle?
* nope! but i wish i could!
48. Can you wiggle your ears?
* this one, YES! haha, weird ko ba?
49. You have a song that comes on that
you just “have” to turn up and sing to?
* yes, i wanna be with you
50. Who are you thinking about right
now?
* si crushie, obvious ba?
Saturday, March 22, 2008
MIDDLE NAME GAME
It's harder than it looks!
Use the 1st letter of your middle name
to answer each of the following... They
have to be real places, names,
things...
nothing made up! Try to use different
answers if the person in front of you
had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use
your name for the boy/girl name
question.
1. Middle name?
--> Ibarra
2. Famous artist/band/musican
--> Indigo Girls
3. 4-letter word:
--> Idle
4. U.S state?
--> Illinois
5. Boys name:
--> Ivan
6. Girl name:
--> Irish
7. Animal:
--> Ibon
8. Something in the kitchen:
--> Icepick
9. Reason for being late?
--> Ipit sa traffic
10. Body Part?
--> Ilong
11. Drink?
--> Iced tea
12. Something you shout?
--> I rab yu!
13. Something you eat?
--> Isda
Use the 1st letter of your middle name
to answer each of the following... They
have to be real places, names,
things...
nothing made up! Try to use different
answers if the person in front of you
had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use
your name for the boy/girl name
question.
1. Middle name?
--> Ibarra
2. Famous artist/band/musican
--> Indigo Girls
3. 4-letter word:
--> Idle
4. U.S state?
--> Illinois
5. Boys name:
--> Ivan
6. Girl name:
--> Irish
7. Animal:
--> Ibon
8. Something in the kitchen:
--> Icepick
9. Reason for being late?
--> Ipit sa traffic
10. Body Part?
--> Ilong
11. Drink?
--> Iced tea
12. Something you shout?
--> I rab yu!
13. Something you eat?
--> Isda
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Recently, I found out the possibility of turning this high school kind of infatuation into an idol-crazed obsession. Am I getting demoted this early? Now I really have to stop this or I'll end up being literally a fan. And I must get rid of the intelligence service before I turn into a full-fledged stalker. Or am I stalker already? Oh no...Eeeeeeeks!!! No!!!!
I absolutely believe
"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being in love which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two."
--- Captain Corelli's Mandolin
--- Captain Corelli's Mandolin
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Bored
When I start answering this kind of stuff, it only means one thing…I’m bored. Geez. Hate it.
- Ang immature ko, hay….
2. Dapat gawin pag nalulungkot?
- Mag-videoke hanggang sa mamalat
3.Motto mo about LOVE?
- One of my favorite lines from The Bible:
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
4.Favorite food?
- Kare-Kare
- Home
6.What's the title of the song that's
stuck in your mind??
- The Long and
7.Pangarap mong summer get-away trip?
- Puerto Galera
8.Isang bagay na hinding hindi mo
tatanggihan?
- Dress
9.Masayang libangan kapag umuulan?
- Mag-draw
10.Isang bagay na pag-iipunan mo nang
husto?
- Yung magiging family ko. Positive dv?!
11.Gagawin mo sa susunod mong birthday?
- Libre family at yung iba kong officemates (dapat!)
12.Hindi mo makayanan o matagalan?
- Init, Crowded na lugar
13.Gusto mong panoorin sa sine?
- The Dark Knight
14.Do you love cooking?
- Sooobra!!!!
15.Paano ka ma-badtrip?
- Tatahimik, pag di na ma-contain ang inis, dadada na ako.
16.Matagal ka ba maligo?
- 30 mins max
17.kumakain ka ba ng vegetables?
- Of course
18.Tamad ka?
- Ehem, guilty!
19.sino palagi mong kausap sa phone?
- Wala.
20.sino palagi mong ka-text?
- Wala rin.
21.sino ang kasabay mong umuuwi?
- Mariel, officemate ko.
22.Are you a busy person?
- Medyo
23.What/who do you hate most?
- Wala.
24.What (who) makes you happy?
- Family, friends, God, Si Crushie
25.if given a chance to have one wish,
what wud it be?
- To fulfill my lifelong dream of making it as a scriptwriter at isa ko pang dream is to get married and start my own family, complete with adoring kids.
26. why?
- feeling ko kasi I’ll be a good mom and wife, I will try to actually…
27. In love?
- The man that I like, we're not even friends so I really don't know how he's like. Maybe I am in love…or maybe it’s the idea of being in love that I’m in love with. I'll probably know if we ever become friends. It's either I'll confirm it in my heart that I really love him or I'll realize what I have for him nothing but infatuation.
28. 10 yrs from now, what wud u be?
-
29. song that best express what
feeling ryt now?
- I Wanna Be With You – I really want to be with him…
30. is there any person that you miss?
- Yes!
31. what makes you really angry?
- Nothing in particular
32. gusto mong gawin ngaun?
- Sleep, Eat
buhay mo, ano un?
- College days
34. mabuti ka bang kaibigan?
- I’d like to believe so.
36. kaya mo bang gwin lahat para sa
love?
- Yung makabubuti, pero kung masama ang magiging effect, I won’t do it even if it’s for love. I’ll still use my head of course…
37. all tym favorite song?
- Something New in My Life
38. chocolates or ice creams?
- Ice Cream
39. sino gusto mo makausp ngaun?
- My brother
40. anu gusto mo sbhn sa mga nagbbsa
nito
- Thanks for reading.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Though most of the time
I ignore you,
It doesn’t mean
I don't like you.
Though each time
Our paths cross
I fail to acknowledge you,
It doesn’t mean
I don’t accept you.
It’s hard enough
To control this feeling,
So difficult
To hide this longing.
Do you know that
Each time you pass by
A part of me
follows you?
Do you know that
Everytime I look away
It's my heart
I'm really giving away?
To control this feeling,
So difficult
To hide this longing.
Do you know that
Each time you pass by
A part of me
follows you?
Do you know that
Everytime I look away
It's my heart
I'm really giving away?
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Just Blabbering...
My Saturdays are usually boring. Yes, I love to stay home and rest without having to worry about work. It's just a whole lot better if I'm able to make use of some free time doing significant things. I sometimes feel like wasting my time doing nothing. Or if I ever start doing something worthwhile, more often than not I'd find myself heading the path to procrastination.
Today was a little different. My brother and I went to the moviehouse to watch 10,000 B.C. and it was...good. I was entertained, but it's not something I would rave about after watching. Anyway, after the screening, we headed to the foodcourt and had our lunch. Looking around, I see couples both young and old eat together and have fun. It made ponder again: When will I ever find my significant other? Will our love last? Will my husband be just as sweet as the men I see? Or will I be a good spouse?
So many questions. None could be answered at the moment. How on earth is that possible? Everyone treats me like I'm the baby in the family. I seldom go out. I rarely socialize. I never get to meet many people and that's frustrating because for the love of God, I'm old enough to have my own family.
Anyway, after having lunch, we headed home. I got so lethargic that I slept for more than three hours in the comfort of my bedroom. When I woke up at around six in the evening, I felt the urge to watch a film again.
The next film: Sixteen Candles.
I remember watching this film when I was younger. Molly Ringwald is the quintessential 80s teen icon. I loved her in Pretty in Pink. But then, Molly's role as Samantha Baker in Sixteen Candles has got to be my favorite character. In so many ways, though I'm not sixteen anymore, I feel like I do get dorky at times especially around the guy that I like. Proof that I have not totally matured yet. Or maybe, I'm just a child at heart. It's better to think of the latter.
Okay, so after watching Miss Molly, I went on to surf the net to find out what people thought of the film. They mostly had good to great remarks. I didn't realize it had such huge following. It's a cult classic, in the same vein as my other favorites, Some Kind of Wonderful and Pretty in Pink. John Hughes is a genius!
Finally, after much surfing about films of the 80s that sort of reminded me of my youth, another aspect of my yesteryears came to mind. Music. I remember the very first album I bought. It was in cassette format. Goodness, that was ages ago. Mr. Big's Bump Ahead was my very first album. I had it in '93. Actually, I wanted to buy the Lean Into It album because I loved To Be With You a lot. Unfortunately, it was out of stock in the record bar I inquired from. But hey, Bump Ahead was just as good. That was when I wanted badly to learn to play the guitar which I regretfully never did.
Guitar, guitar, guitar. I did remember a guitar god in Paul Gilbert. I had a thing for him back then, but he always came second to my ultimate rock hottie, Eric Martin. Anyway, I searched for some Paul Gilbert stuff and I'm surprised to know that he did a cover of the Spice Girls' 2 Become 1. Wow, he's amazing! I've been watching his videos on youtube and if I'm accurate, he's even better now.
Which leads me to the last topic in this endless post: Paul Gilbert has tinnitus. What is Tinnitus if one may ask? As defined in Answers.com:
"Tinnitus is hearing ringing, buzzing, or other sounds without an external cause."
This is interesting because for more than ten years now, this buzzing sound in my left ear has been bugging me and I didn't know how to call it. I merely attributed it to getting partially deaf, but the buzzing sound I didn't know what to call. At least now, I'm aware of it. I have finally resolved a mystery. I have tinnitus in my left ear. Should I be proud of it? No! But somehow, I'm less stupid now.
Whew! So many things happened in a day. The climax has to be the tinnitus revelation. I wonder what will be revealed to me next Saturday...I hope it's not something scary or I'll freak out. Haha.
Today was a little different. My brother and I went to the moviehouse to watch 10,000 B.C. and it was...good. I was entertained, but it's not something I would rave about after watching. Anyway, after the screening, we headed to the foodcourt and had our lunch. Looking around, I see couples both young and old eat together and have fun. It made ponder again: When will I ever find my significant other? Will our love last? Will my husband be just as sweet as the men I see? Or will I be a good spouse?
So many questions. None could be answered at the moment. How on earth is that possible? Everyone treats me like I'm the baby in the family. I seldom go out. I rarely socialize. I never get to meet many people and that's frustrating because for the love of God, I'm old enough to have my own family.
Anyway, after having lunch, we headed home. I got so lethargic that I slept for more than three hours in the comfort of my bedroom. When I woke up at around six in the evening, I felt the urge to watch a film again.
The next film: Sixteen Candles.
I remember watching this film when I was younger. Molly Ringwald is the quintessential 80s teen icon. I loved her in Pretty in Pink. But then, Molly's role as Samantha Baker in Sixteen Candles has got to be my favorite character. In so many ways, though I'm not sixteen anymore, I feel like I do get dorky at times especially around the guy that I like. Proof that I have not totally matured yet. Or maybe, I'm just a child at heart. It's better to think of the latter.
Okay, so after watching Miss Molly, I went on to surf the net to find out what people thought of the film. They mostly had good to great remarks. I didn't realize it had such huge following. It's a cult classic, in the same vein as my other favorites, Some Kind of Wonderful and Pretty in Pink. John Hughes is a genius!
Finally, after much surfing about films of the 80s that sort of reminded me of my youth, another aspect of my yesteryears came to mind. Music. I remember the very first album I bought. It was in cassette format. Goodness, that was ages ago. Mr. Big's Bump Ahead was my very first album. I had it in '93. Actually, I wanted to buy the Lean Into It album because I loved To Be With You a lot. Unfortunately, it was out of stock in the record bar I inquired from. But hey, Bump Ahead was just as good. That was when I wanted badly to learn to play the guitar which I regretfully never did.
Guitar, guitar, guitar. I did remember a guitar god in Paul Gilbert. I had a thing for him back then, but he always came second to my ultimate rock hottie, Eric Martin. Anyway, I searched for some Paul Gilbert stuff and I'm surprised to know that he did a cover of the Spice Girls' 2 Become 1. Wow, he's amazing! I've been watching his videos on youtube and if I'm accurate, he's even better now.
Which leads me to the last topic in this endless post: Paul Gilbert has tinnitus. What is Tinnitus if one may ask? As defined in Answers.com:
"Tinnitus is hearing ringing, buzzing, or other sounds without an external cause."
This is interesting because for more than ten years now, this buzzing sound in my left ear has been bugging me and I didn't know how to call it. I merely attributed it to getting partially deaf, but the buzzing sound I didn't know what to call. At least now, I'm aware of it. I have finally resolved a mystery. I have tinnitus in my left ear. Should I be proud of it? No! But somehow, I'm less stupid now.
Whew! So many things happened in a day. The climax has to be the tinnitus revelation. I wonder what will be revealed to me next Saturday...I hope it's not something scary or I'll freak out. Haha.
The foreword to my fiction - What's new?
Another foreword. Well, at least I have three chapters finished. I'm just not willing to post all three here. This one would be enough. Anyway, I'll delete it sooner or later, just need to psyche myself up in making newer chapters. Geez. I'm a lazy ass.
Foreword
Friday, March 07, 2008
That Someone
While I find it amusing that a guy could muster some strength to call me "honey," it is equally disturbing to hear such being uttered by someone I'm not even remotely attracted to. It's not that I'm choosy or that I set very high standards for a partner. It's just that, I did not reach this age to settle for just anyone who shows up at my doorstep.
Social status is not even in question as long as a guy sets his goals and works hard at achieving them. Looks may seem to be a factor but I've been infatuated with "unconventionally" attractive men in the past. Intelligence is important, but it would be a bonus if he's smart as well. The most important quality for me though is pureness of heart. When someone just overflows with kindness and sincerity, all the inadequacies take a backseat.
I want to meet someone I can truly share my life with, who will stick with me at my best and at my worst, who will love and accept me for who I am. In return, I will be there for him, to love and support him all the days of my life. I want to share his dreams and celebrate with his every victory. In defeat, I will stand by his side and raise up his morale, for that's what being in a relationship is for -- that two people in love should bring out the best in each other.
Social status is not even in question as long as a guy sets his goals and works hard at achieving them. Looks may seem to be a factor but I've been infatuated with "unconventionally" attractive men in the past. Intelligence is important, but it would be a bonus if he's smart as well. The most important quality for me though is pureness of heart. When someone just overflows with kindness and sincerity, all the inadequacies take a backseat.
I want to meet someone I can truly share my life with, who will stick with me at my best and at my worst, who will love and accept me for who I am. In return, I will be there for him, to love and support him all the days of my life. I want to share his dreams and celebrate with his every victory. In defeat, I will stand by his side and raise up his morale, for that's what being in a relationship is for -- that two people in love should bring out the best in each other.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
On me, not on my craft
It has always been easy answering personal questions with each bible study that's held in the office. This afternoon was rather unusual. Hazel, our spiritual counselor asked, "What is the biggest struggle that you have now and what could be God's message in putting you into that difficult situation?"
Nobody dared to answer. I'd usually take the initiative and lobby myself to express my thoughts. For the first time, I didn't know what to say. Really, I didn't know what to answer. Hazel somehow managed to squeeze out some ideas from my faint clouds of thought.
I wanted to speak about my non-existent love life, but that would be so petty. Still, I wanted to be true. True to myself and ultimately, true to the Lord. Yes, I'm struggling with a strong liking for someone of the opposite sex. And that I do get...disoriented every time he passes by. I get weak that sometimes I feel like I'm Superman and he's my kryptonite. But there is another side to it which is way more complex than mere infatuation for someone.
Some three years past, I've been trying to finish a script which I had long wished to enter into a scriptwriting contest. I have the idea. In fact, I finished it all up in my head ages ago. But translating it into words has been my biggest problem. Though I'm working full-time, I try to write at night, before going to bed. I type endlessly until I get sleepy. But my lazy, fickle mind can sometimes lack intention and drive.
Last December, I was intent on completing it. It didn't seem quite an impossibility because I had no worries then. All I ever desired for is to keep doing what I love doing and if I ever achieve success in doing it, I'd be the happiest person. So I had set my dream one more time...Not until I developed this crazy liking for someone. And the dream was nowhere in sight again. No matter how I try to motivate myself, I can't continue with the script anymore.
So there, I had to tell Hazel that this "inspiration" thing instead of helping me, has been causing my creative juices (or whatever is left of it) to set into oblivion. Not that I don't like the feeling of being inspired. But I need to have focus. I need to see the important. Every time he's around, I lose my mind. I need the Lord to help me overcome this feeling, for I know if there's really nothing...it will be gone soon.
What could God be teaching me? I couldn't answer. Hazel was just as puzzled as I was. Still, I managed to analyze things and now before going to bed I finally realized this: Maybe I haven't been taking risks at improving what I believe I'm good at. Maybe I've become so lax and complacent that I stopped growing. Maybe, blaming a frustrated romance is just a way of denying the true problem. I've been trying to overshadow fiction with my personal struggles. The focus has shifted on me, not on my craft.
Nobody dared to answer. I'd usually take the initiative and lobby myself to express my thoughts. For the first time, I didn't know what to say. Really, I didn't know what to answer. Hazel somehow managed to squeeze out some ideas from my faint clouds of thought.
I wanted to speak about my non-existent love life, but that would be so petty. Still, I wanted to be true. True to myself and ultimately, true to the Lord. Yes, I'm struggling with a strong liking for someone of the opposite sex. And that I do get...disoriented every time he passes by. I get weak that sometimes I feel like I'm Superman and he's my kryptonite. But there is another side to it which is way more complex than mere infatuation for someone.
Some three years past, I've been trying to finish a script which I had long wished to enter into a scriptwriting contest. I have the idea. In fact, I finished it all up in my head ages ago. But translating it into words has been my biggest problem. Though I'm working full-time, I try to write at night, before going to bed. I type endlessly until I get sleepy. But my lazy, fickle mind can sometimes lack intention and drive.
Last December, I was intent on completing it. It didn't seem quite an impossibility because I had no worries then. All I ever desired for is to keep doing what I love doing and if I ever achieve success in doing it, I'd be the happiest person. So I had set my dream one more time...Not until I developed this crazy liking for someone. And the dream was nowhere in sight again. No matter how I try to motivate myself, I can't continue with the script anymore.
So there, I had to tell Hazel that this "inspiration" thing instead of helping me, has been causing my creative juices (or whatever is left of it) to set into oblivion. Not that I don't like the feeling of being inspired. But I need to have focus. I need to see the important. Every time he's around, I lose my mind. I need the Lord to help me overcome this feeling, for I know if there's really nothing...it will be gone soon.
What could God be teaching me? I couldn't answer. Hazel was just as puzzled as I was. Still, I managed to analyze things and now before going to bed I finally realized this: Maybe I haven't been taking risks at improving what I believe I'm good at. Maybe I've become so lax and complacent that I stopped growing. Maybe, blaming a frustrated romance is just a way of denying the true problem. I've been trying to overshadow fiction with my personal struggles. The focus has shifted on me, not on my craft.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Betty La Fea
There's been buzz lately that Betty La Fea will finally have its Filipino adaptation. Good news for me for it has been ages since I marveled about the idea of Betty acquiring a completely Pinoy twist. It just really has to be worth all the wait. I mean, I've been seeing how Filipinos tend to make impossible twists to adaptations of foreign series. It can be absurd at times. Can they just stick with the story?
The original Colombian version is by far the best Betty ever. Actually, if the project really pushes through, only a few details will have to be modified to fit the Pinoy taste. All in all, the Colombian lifestyle is so much alike the Filipino's. We've both been influenced by Spain, that's why.
Here are the strong points of the series which I believe should be written well by whoever gets the job of re-writing the Filipino version.
The romantic premise: Ugly secretary falls for handsome boss in a fashion company. Well, not all of us fall for our boss. Some of us might even hate them. But this premise works so well because the handsome to-die-for guy also happens to be the nemesis in most cases. Oh wait, but there's more. The handsome boss who is whiny, bossy and prefers elegant women is also very much engaged to a beautiful woman.
The social premise: Ugly girl works in a fashion company where being ugly is...quite an irony. But what do we truly classify as beautiful? Is beauty universal? If so, do we have to conform to the "parameters" of beauty?
The setting: Corporate office with employees gossiping about fellow employees, bosses, etc. Not that I'm putting down our culture but yes, gossip in the workplace exists. And it's what made Betty La Fea even more hilarious. There's the barracks of average looking women who either complain about their seemingly average existence or find pleasure in knowing that even their bosses experience the same misery as they do.
The web of the story: I'm pretty amazed that the writers of the original version were able to create subplots that were all very relevant to the major plot. That's what I call good story-telling. You don't create a character for mere decoration. It has to be there for a reason. Even minor characters and plot have to be well-written with the ultimate goal of getting relevantly connected to the main characters without being accused as forced or stilted. With Betty La Fea, no matter how numerous the characters are, you never get tired of watching them. That's precisely because they are all well-characterized.
I think if the Filipino version will remain truthful to what the message of the original Betty La Fea conveyed, then there's no way this one would miss. Lessen the tragedy, lessen the melodrama, focus on character development...Ultimately, be faithful with the original and you'll never go wrong. Again, it's not against our culture, but if you're making an adaptation and you put all these twists and turns, make sure it'll be better or it will naturally turn into a disaster.
And please, can they get a virtual unknown for the role? Wouldn't it be interesting to have people guess how Betty will look like if ever she gets a make-over? That would be even more exciting!
The original Colombian version is by far the best Betty ever. Actually, if the project really pushes through, only a few details will have to be modified to fit the Pinoy taste. All in all, the Colombian lifestyle is so much alike the Filipino's. We've both been influenced by Spain, that's why.
Here are the strong points of the series which I believe should be written well by whoever gets the job of re-writing the Filipino version.
The romantic premise: Ugly secretary falls for handsome boss in a fashion company. Well, not all of us fall for our boss. Some of us might even hate them. But this premise works so well because the handsome to-die-for guy also happens to be the nemesis in most cases. Oh wait, but there's more. The handsome boss who is whiny, bossy and prefers elegant women is also very much engaged to a beautiful woman.
The social premise: Ugly girl works in a fashion company where being ugly is...quite an irony. But what do we truly classify as beautiful? Is beauty universal? If so, do we have to conform to the "parameters" of beauty?
The setting: Corporate office with employees gossiping about fellow employees, bosses, etc. Not that I'm putting down our culture but yes, gossip in the workplace exists. And it's what made Betty La Fea even more hilarious. There's the barracks of average looking women who either complain about their seemingly average existence or find pleasure in knowing that even their bosses experience the same misery as they do.
The web of the story: I'm pretty amazed that the writers of the original version were able to create subplots that were all very relevant to the major plot. That's what I call good story-telling. You don't create a character for mere decoration. It has to be there for a reason. Even minor characters and plot have to be well-written with the ultimate goal of getting relevantly connected to the main characters without being accused as forced or stilted. With Betty La Fea, no matter how numerous the characters are, you never get tired of watching them. That's precisely because they are all well-characterized.
I think if the Filipino version will remain truthful to what the message of the original Betty La Fea conveyed, then there's no way this one would miss. Lessen the tragedy, lessen the melodrama, focus on character development...Ultimately, be faithful with the original and you'll never go wrong. Again, it's not against our culture, but if you're making an adaptation and you put all these twists and turns, make sure it'll be better or it will naturally turn into a disaster.
And please, can they get a virtual unknown for the role? Wouldn't it be interesting to have people guess how Betty will look like if ever she gets a make-over? That would be even more exciting!
Saturday, March 01, 2008
The bus that's headed the RIGHT direction
Think I posted this a few months back but let me post it again to constantly remind me of the right things to do. I can really be stubborn whenever I "think" I'm in love.
If men were like buses, how do you catch one?
Michelle McKinney Hammond
A more important questions is - how do you catch the RIGHT one?
Simple : You take only the bus that's headed the RIGHT direction.
So when you do gather facts, let us compare the process to clothes shopping:
1. Check out the fabric.
Is the person mate material? Does this man have an intimate relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ? Does he care what God thinks about his behavior? Is he accountable to God as well as another co-laborer in the faith? Accountability is an important factor. It is imperative to maintaining a committed relationship.
Furthermore, does he want to get married? If you want to be married and your dreamboat isn't interested, don't waste your time. Remember, women fall in love and get married. Men decide to get married and then look for a wife. Note the difference in order. So if a guy says he's not looking for anything serious, take his words seriously. If he's not going your direction, get off the bus & wait for the right one.
2. Does this man want you?
Is he pursuing you? The man who is right for you will pursue you and God's hand in the relationship will be clear. No guessing, no fleeces, no dead ends. Scripture says: "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord"( Prov 18:22). Note - who finds whom? THE MAN FINDS THE WIFE. From the beginning of time, God has transported men & women across the world in order to put them together. At the RIGHT TIME, He will bring that man on the scene and he will find you.
In God's perfect design, the man is the one who recognizes his mate. Adam has no problem recognizing that Eve was his missing rib. You do not need to strategically place yourself anywhere. You don't have to help a guy because he's shy. Men will do whatever they have to do to get what they truly want.
The man in your life should recognize you as the pearl of great price in his life and be willing to do whatever he must in order to gain your hand. If he is passive about gaining your affections, take it as a sign that he is not interested. Many a woman's mother has suggested that it is a good idea to marry a man who loves you more than you love him. As cold as that sounds, it actually might be scriptural if you stop to think about it : "We love him because he first loved us" (1 Jn 4:19).
Again - WAIT until the man voices his intentions. He should take the lead in establishing the relationship. You may have an inkling that he is the one, but God will use the man to set the tone of the relationship. Allow him the opportunity to woo you - this is your first act of submission. Jesus set the standard for all men to follow. They should love us first. And they should lead the relationship.
3. The man in your life should not desire to move into your house, only into your heart.
A man who prepares for your future has made his intentions clear. A man who is husband material has the means to take care of a wife. He is a responsible human being who understands he needs to have something to offer. In short, a man should have the means to be a suitable over for you.
4. Check out his buddies.
Everyone knows birds of the a feather flock together, yet most women fail to see the connection between a man and his friends. A man's pals tell you a lot about the person that you haven't seen yet. They reveal things about the guy's character that might be hidden when he is on good behavior. Everyone knows how to put his best foot forward. Don't stay focused on the foot, check out the rest of the body!
5. Check out his relationship with his mother.
How does he treat her? This is your preview of how he will treat you. There are lots of men who, because of a negative relationship with their mothers, really don't like women, yet say they do. Unresolved issues between mother and son continue between husband and wife.
6. Remember that a man's family reveals the cloth from which he's cut.
Take note and decide whether you want your future with the man in your life to look like his present family situation.
7. Check out the patterns of his life.
Do you see repeated cycles of drama in his personal kingdom? broken relationships? problems in making commitments? including the job market? mood swings? Is a problem always someone else's fault? Does he embrace responsibility or shirk it? Does he keep his promises? Is he a man of good reputation?
8. Does this man have a vision for his life?
Is running with that vision? Remember, God decided Adam needed help once Adam got busy DOING his assignment. As we saw Adam, a man doesn't need help until he is busy doing what he was created and called to do.
9. Complementarity.
Do your talents and gifts complement his? Do his gifts complement yours? What about your temperaments? Do you see the two of you as an effective team capable of bringing blessing to the lives of those around you? Do your futures mesh? Can you coordinate your gifts in an attractive and effective way?
When I go shopping always consider the fabric, the fit and what I already have in my closet. Will my next purchase be a complementary addition to what I already have? If I find that I am going to have to buy shoes and matching accessories to go with a new outfit, I leave it right on the rack. It is too expensive a proposition.
Is the person mate material? Does this man have an intimate relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ? Does he care what God thinks about his behavior? Is he accountable to God as well as another co-laborer in the faith? Accountability is an important factor. It is imperative to maintaining a committed relationship.
Furthermore, does he want to get married? If you want to be married and your dreamboat isn't interested, don't waste your time. Remember, women fall in love and get married. Men decide to get married and then look for a wife. Note the difference in order. So if a guy says he's not looking for anything serious, take his words seriously. If he's not going your direction, get off the bus & wait for the right one.
2. Does this man want you?
Is he pursuing you? The man who is right for you will pursue you and God's hand in the relationship will be clear. No guessing, no fleeces, no dead ends. Scripture says: "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord"( Prov 18:22). Note - who finds whom? THE MAN FINDS THE WIFE. From the beginning of time, God has transported men & women across the world in order to put them together. At the RIGHT TIME, He will bring that man on the scene and he will find you.
In God's perfect design, the man is the one who recognizes his mate. Adam has no problem recognizing that Eve was his missing rib. You do not need to strategically place yourself anywhere. You don't have to help a guy because he's shy. Men will do whatever they have to do to get what they truly want.
The man in your life should recognize you as the pearl of great price in his life and be willing to do whatever he must in order to gain your hand. If he is passive about gaining your affections, take it as a sign that he is not interested. Many a woman's mother has suggested that it is a good idea to marry a man who loves you more than you love him. As cold as that sounds, it actually might be scriptural if you stop to think about it : "We love him because he first loved us" (1 Jn 4:19).
Again - WAIT until the man voices his intentions. He should take the lead in establishing the relationship. You may have an inkling that he is the one, but God will use the man to set the tone of the relationship. Allow him the opportunity to woo you - this is your first act of submission. Jesus set the standard for all men to follow. They should love us first. And they should lead the relationship.
3. The man in your life should not desire to move into your house, only into your heart.
A man who prepares for your future has made his intentions clear. A man who is husband material has the means to take care of a wife. He is a responsible human being who understands he needs to have something to offer. In short, a man should have the means to be a suitable over for you.
4. Check out his buddies.
Everyone knows birds of the a feather flock together, yet most women fail to see the connection between a man and his friends. A man's pals tell you a lot about the person that you haven't seen yet. They reveal things about the guy's character that might be hidden when he is on good behavior. Everyone knows how to put his best foot forward. Don't stay focused on the foot, check out the rest of the body!
5. Check out his relationship with his mother.
How does he treat her? This is your preview of how he will treat you. There are lots of men who, because of a negative relationship with their mothers, really don't like women, yet say they do. Unresolved issues between mother and son continue between husband and wife.
6. Remember that a man's family reveals the cloth from which he's cut.
Take note and decide whether you want your future with the man in your life to look like his present family situation.
7. Check out the patterns of his life.
Do you see repeated cycles of drama in his personal kingdom? broken relationships? problems in making commitments? including the job market? mood swings? Is a problem always someone else's fault? Does he embrace responsibility or shirk it? Does he keep his promises? Is he a man of good reputation?
8. Does this man have a vision for his life?
Is running with that vision? Remember, God decided Adam needed help once Adam got busy DOING his assignment. As we saw Adam, a man doesn't need help until he is busy doing what he was created and called to do.
9. Complementarity.
Do your talents and gifts complement his? Do his gifts complement yours? What about your temperaments? Do you see the two of you as an effective team capable of bringing blessing to the lives of those around you? Do your futures mesh? Can you coordinate your gifts in an attractive and effective way?
When I go shopping always consider the fabric, the fit and what I already have in my closet. Will my next purchase be a complementary addition to what I already have? If I find that I am going to have to buy shoes and matching accessories to go with a new outfit, I leave it right on the rack. It is too expensive a proposition.
If the man you meet makes you feel that you need to completely reinvent yourself, something is wrong. This is where I ask you to consider the relationship in terms of cost. Is this relationship expensive spiritually, emotional or physically? Does your longing for a mate make you willing to forfeit who you are in the process? Or does he see you as the gift that you are?
The man in your life should consider you a rare find, a priceless jewel because of you he is getting ready to get blessed big-time! Any relationship that causes you to feel unworthy, unlovely, unacceptable, undesirable or that you have to work for love, is too expensive!
10. Does he have a healthy love & acceptance of himself?
Make sure the man in your life has taken time to heal from past relationships and has made peace with himself. How he cares for himself is how he will care for you.
10. Does he have a healthy love & acceptance of himself?
Make sure the man in your life has taken time to heal from past relationships and has made peace with himself. How he cares for himself is how he will care for you.
A man's relationship with God is crucial here. His love for himself will only be as strong as his love for God. This is not something that you can impart. You cannot be his savior or teacher. That is out of spiritual order. In his rightful place as your personal priest, he should be leading you to a richer relationship with Christ. If he is causing you to compromise your faith and destabilize your walk, if he is leading you into sexual sin or causing you to be distracted from your commitment to Christ, the relationship is too expensive. Offending the Lover of your soul, who promises you eternal love, is too high a fare to pay for a ride that has a limited run.
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