Simple Pleasures

Guess what I got for my birthday?  My score card from the JLPTs.  And just as I expected, I didn't pass.  I failed on the listening part of the exam.  A whopping 35 out of 100. 

Now I'm back to square one.  Nihongo Elem 1 and 2 for me to prep once again for the December 2007 JLPTs.

Celebrated by monicai at 11:59 AM ~

Ever since I have done travelling, I always have this bad habit of doing my packing on the night prior to my trip.  I know some of you might think it is sound crazy but I would always stay late at night and even not sleep to finish packing.  This always happen whenever I go on overnight out-of-town getaways or long out-of-the-country trips. 

Days prior to my trip, I would usually think of the stuff I'm going to bring in my head and start listing them so I can just stuff in my luggage.  Honestly, I hate to start packing days prior to my trip because I would always forget what I have already put inside.  At least, packing them all together in one go keeps me track of the inventory of stuff in my suitcase. 

Celebrated by monicai at 2:10 AM ~

It doesn't hurt if you cry a little.  A little emotion doesn't make you less of a person.

It doesn't hurt if you complain a little.  You can only do so much and anything more can break you.

It doesn't hurt if you express your opinions.  Who knows you might have a bright idea tucked inside that head of years.

It doesn't hurt if you play the devil's advocate because there is always two sides on every coin.

It doesn't hurt if you love yourself a little.  Simple pleasures can sometimes bring out the best in us.

It doesn't hurt if you hate a little.  Shows that you have some principles inculcated in you. 

It doesn't hurt to be human.  We have our strengths and weaknesses and it is best that we know our boundaries and maximize what we can do to live the life we live.

Celebrated by monicai at 2:22 AM ~

In ten minutes, I'll be in a phone call from a guy who may possibly change my life.  My nerves are tensed up and my palms are sweaty at this anticipation of things that I've been praying for the longest time.

And if all turns out a-ok after the call, I still need to consider the timing of the things that I have to do.  Either I make it gracefully or break the ties that binds my ever sentimental soul.

Dear God, if this is meant for me then so be it.  If not, I will patiently wait for the things to come whilst hoping that this deal is better than this one.

Celebrated by monicai at 10:21 AM ~

Is it just me or are there a lot of couples breaking up lately?  

Why is there an increase in death toll amongst people in their twenties within 3-4 degrees in my network of friends? 

Is it also strange why my favorite cab is always not available on request for pick-up these days unlike a few years ago? 

And why most of the guys I get fixated with always starts with the letter "J"? 

Why do I always end up sitting with an exhibitionist maniac in theaters when I least expected it? 

Why are there things that aren't supposed to be connected to each other found its way of linking itself? 

Weird!

Celebrated by monicai at 2:10 AM ~

As I laid down on my bed, trying to sleep whilst caffeine still running in my veins, something bigger than I has consumed my consciousness.  I suffocated and gasped for air.  My heart was racing.  I couldn't scream.  It's like seeing a invisible monster, out to get me and swallow me alive.

As it turns out, I was having an anxiety attack.  I was stressing about my pending trip to Singapore, my deadbeat career, being single at almost 28 and never-ending family obligations.  I haven't accomplished anything in the 5 year goal that I have set 7 years ago.  I feel so stuck.   My wings are clipped for me to prevent me to soar high.  Instead, I'm like walking on a death march to a less ordinary life.

Then I snapped out of it.  I'm just having a bad case of birthday blues. 

Celebrated by monicai at 8:11 AM ~

I overheard Manny Pacquiao on the radio while riding a cab going to work having his live phone interview in DZMM with Ted Failon and Korina Sanchez early last week about his interest in running as Congressman of South Cotabato.  Below are the points discussed during the interviews:

Round 1

He was asked about his training for his upcoming fight this coming April if it will affect his campaign efforts.  He said it won't as he will allocate a month to train for the event.  Personally, I think he is spreading himself too thin.  If one politician once had his arm casted for waving too much during campaigns, what more can Manny do to campaign with his next fight looming closer by the day?

Round 2

He was asked about legalities on his contract pertaining to his commercial endorsements to be shown during his fight in April as opposed to the ad ban policy mandated by Comelec.  He said one company has agreed that they will not show his commercials and will instead support his election campaign.  Heck!  That is one company.  What about the "other" commercial endorsements.  I remember there are quite a mouthful once uttered in one breath.  Ted pointed out one incident back then when he signed two contracts from two different promoters at the same time.  How can he be so sure these companies will let him off the hook this time?

Round 3

He still have until by late March to decide whether he wants to run for Congress or a Mayoral position in Gen Santos city.  As Ted asked him why he is considering to run for Congress instead of being Mayor, he said that being mayor of GenSan, one has to focus on the needs of the people and the city whereas there are lesser "pains" being congressman since you only pass laws in Batasan.  But as Ted Failon pointed out, being congressman will still have similar burdens as being mayor.  People will still run to you for help on charitable causes nevertheless. 

He was even asked the difference between the legislative and the executive and as usual, he doesn't even know what it means.  Korina has to explain to him what it means.  If only airtime would have allowed it, she should have given him a crash course on Philippine Political System for idiots.

KO by points favoring Ted Failon/Korina Sanchez

He made a futile attempt to make a speech of his people crying for change.  He wanted to help the government facilitate changes in his hometown to make things better. 

However, Ted Failon made a low-blow when he mentioned that Manny once said that he united the country when he wins every fight but his intent to run for politics will create division among his countrymen because there will be competition against his opponent running for the same position, of whom I feel may have a better experience in dealing with politics. 

Towards the end of the interview, Manny Pacquiao didn't dominate well during the interview and instead eaten alive by journalists who knew better than supporting someone who is clueless about politics.

Related Articles: Manny Pacquiao And Politics?

Celebrated by monicai at 4:00 PM ~

My friend and I were crossing the street towards "Esquinita" to grab a quick drink before our rendezvous in a nearby club in Timog when a car stopped by.

Guy in car: "Sa Esquinita kayo?"

My friend: "Oo"

Guy in car: "Sama kami sa inyo"

My friend: "Sige"

Guy in car: "Promise?"

My friend: "Promise."

*car drove away to look for parking*

My friend:  "Kilala mo ba yun?"

Me: "Hindi.  Kala ko ba kilala mo yun?"

My friend: "Hindi eh."

Me: "Ayos."

Napick-up kami ng wala sa oras.  Ok lang.  Masaya naman eh.

Celebrated by monicai at 1:00 PM ~

An interesting question was thrown my way during one of the interviews I had before:

"What drives me to wake up every morning and do the things I do?"

I have forgotten what I had said that time.  But now when I start to rethink what motivates me to do the things I do these days, I couldn't think of a straight answer.

Maybe if I'm doing things differently probably waking up in a pit of crocodiles, I'll be compelled to fend for myself to keep myself alive. 

But seriously, it will take inspiration to keep me going or, at least, doing that one thing I love doing.  That will drive me to reach new heights.  Inspiration could be anything.  A beau.  My team.  A challenge.  A project.  A new learning opportunity. 

Things that I love to do?  It could be anything.  Standing in front of people and make them laugh would be a very satisfying career but my jokes are not in the same caliber as the ones you hear at your local comedy bars.  So I resort to coding, blogging, photography, sports or anything that I always do every single day.

So tell me, what drives you?

Celebrated by monicai at 1:12 PM ~

One wrong move made in front of 600 people during our song number "Limang Dipang Tao" and I am marked for life.

What's worse?  People, who I don't really know personally, has come up to me demonstrating that signature "para" move   Tangina!  My fans pa ako. 

I felt like I was in grade school doing school plays.  Ano ba itong pinasok ko?  Buti na lang leave ako ng Friday.

Celebrated by monicai at 12:13 PM ~

Tomorrow will be the Takbo Para sa Kalikasan Run by DZMM and I'm not there.

On the 25th, it will be the Philippine Marathon run and I'll be in La Union for surfing lessons.

On the 11th, it will be the Adidas run and I'm still in Singapore by then.

And as of today, I gained almost 3 lbs since last month.  Probably muscle mass but I'm just as equally frustrated.  Even though I have gone stronger from strength training 2x a week, I still need to lose 20 stubborn pounds. 

Starting next week until I leave for Singapore in March, I have to burn 1000 kcal daily.  I have to if I intend to reach lose at least 10 lbs by March 25th.

Celebrated by monicai at 11:49 AM ~

Mary Rose and I went to Manila Penn last night for our impromptu Valentines date.  She needed a friend to unload her woes and I needed company to keep myself from being lonely.  The thing about being alone is that sometimes you had no choice but to be alone and there are times that you cannot choose the company you want to keep.  Luckily, Mary Rose is fun to be around and I missed her a lot. 

We walked in "The Bar", where it was free from those sickeningly-sweet couples commemorating Valentines.  We drowned ourselves in alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, ice cream and each other's woes.  Perhaps some patrons in the bar could have been mistaken us as a lesbian couple.  I fed her potato chips in memory of what we did in Puerto Galera 5 years ago: I fed her lunch while she was trying to beat a foreigner male friend in chess, whom she was making pacute.  And all the while, he thought we were uhm.....a couple.

Hell no!  I am straight and a great lover of men even though some of them are scum enough to deserve a kick in the arse.  Seriously.

Sometimes, I miss having single friends to tag along with and hang out with in bars and restaurants.  I would usually hang out with them 4-5 times a week that the bartender already knows my usual and call me by my first name.  Nowadays, they are either married and/or with kids.  I am already running out of people I can drag around. 

But for Mary Rose, despite her being a single mother raising her 2 month kid, I'm glad she took some time out with me.  Thanks to her, my valentines day didn't turn out to be bad at all.

Celebrated by monicai at 2:33 AM ~

I had this interesting reply on my post "It's Over" in 43things.com about "Getting Over Someone" as a priority list.

----------------------------------------------------------

It sucks. You will never be able to be friends afterwards. I did it and
she hurt me and now I can't have anything to do with her as I'm trying
to heal. I removed her email, phone number, everything. She begged lets
be friends. You can't do it.

----------------------------------------------------------

Having read that with an entirely different mindset, I'm glad to say that I have gone past it.  Honestly, I miss the friendship more than the relationship.  Yes, I have been a sissy for 5 months crying and grieving.  Loss needs to take its natural course in order to recover from a heartbreak. 

Now I am relieved with the fact that I can face him, drink a beer with him, share stories and not being his girlfriend.  Though some of my friends are against the idea of me getting friendly with an ex who used to be my best friend, there are some things that you just cannot give up.

Celebrated by monicai at 3:17 AM ~

Found this link from the MTBabes mailing list,  something quite useful on how to maintain your bike.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/cycling/get_involved/4250522.stm

God I miss the trail.  I need to work on my confidence training.  I still haven't biked the whole Barangay BF alone.

Celebrated by monicai at 2:51 AM ~

Despite of the misapprehensions reported on this blog regarding the whole CubaoX closing down, I still relieved to find out that Bellini's, one of my favorite italian restaurants, is still operational and looking at the possible expansion while the location is being renovated to give way to Manhattan Garden City, an Araneta Group & Megaworld Condo Project.

Four of the artsy vintage shops namely Chucky Far Flung, Future Prospects, Bespoke and Kuquada were the only ones that has been closed due to rumored irreconcilable differences with matching "sulsol" hoobaloo between the new management and its store owners.

As long as Bellini's and that customized boots shop is still there, I got no complaints. 

Celebrated by monicai at 10:25 PM ~

I just learned this morning that my investment in a cooperative, initiated by a group of employees of the Office of The Press Secretary, has 1.8M pesos worth of funds unaccounted for.  All transactions were put on hold for audit and further investigation

Upon hearing the news, I was almost close to tears.  I was close to invest some savings for our supposed wedding plans with my ex-fiance, otherwise I could have cried a river.  I should be glad I'm already out of an almost binding pact and a potential embezzlement scam.

Now I'm no longer sure if I will be able to get my money back.  My ex-fiance wanted to pay me for the amount that I have invested.  I'm also not sure if he is telling me the whole story as he said that the news was just released a week ago. 

I'm just so disappointed that my money went poof.  Mamatay sana kumurakot ng pera ko.

Celebrated by monicai at 11:59 PM ~

My phone was ringing like a singing madman.  I fumbled around half-asleep until I found it.  The call was from Mia telling me there are already in Mall of Asia waiting for the race to start.  I cussed under my breath and asked for the time.  It was already quarter to 6 and I was still in bed in my pajamas. 

I quickly jumped out of the bed and grabbed top and shorts for the marathon run.  Dad stepped out of their bedroom and noticed the commotion I'm making.  "Where are you going?".  "To the marathon and I'm so late", I said.  He said he will dressed up to take me there.  Mom woke up as well and also decided to join Dad for the ride.

I arrived in Mall Of Asia at 6:15am, 15 minutes after the race started.  It was a good thing I already stretched in the car.  When my dad dropped me off near the Start line, I darted towards it and ran off like I was really late for an important meeting.

While running, I have bumped into some of my colleagues who also joined for the run.  I said me hellos and continued running.  I intend to catch Mia and run along with her.  A passed a couple more of my colleagues who are just taking it easy.  In between the 2km and 3km mark, my stomach start to hurt so bad that I walked.  It was nothing related to a sidestich but more of like pre-menstrual pains I have during the first day of my monthly cycle.  It eventually wavered off and I ran again.

On the last turn towards the finish line, I tried to make a strong finish.  But it was still around 200 meters away, so I walked for 30 seconds and ran off again.

The time when I clocked in the finish line is 45 minutes.  Minus 15 minutes for being late, I finished the whole 5k in 30 minutes and no sign of Mia.

After surrendering my number, I walked to the parking lot and looked for her.  Mia was seated with two of our officemates and she was surprised to see me.  She said I was fast.  She was sitting for about 10 minutes after I showed up.  I told her, "That happens when you are late."

Celebrated by monicai at 4:41 PM ~