Have yourself...

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Now here's Judy Garland...It's worth watching. =)

In a Daze

I really have been in a daze the past week. It's all because of the Christmas rush, exams, work, and just plain old stress. I really didn't realize how much I cared for Sam also. I really do miss him.

This is what stress, loneliness, and anxiety can do to your bed:


I ended up wrapping everything last night. I bought my Mom lots of stuff and my Dad just books and a new showerhead, 'cuz that's what he wants. I bought my friend Janny a little something from LV and my coworker Jacqueline some Chanel makeup.

I really wasn't in the mood to shop for myself even though I have gift cards for everywhere. I'll probably shop after the Holidays like I always do. Plus I loathe crowds.

I Always Catch My Breath

I dropped off Sam early this morning at the airport. He'll be spending the Holidays with his family in Thailand. The night before, I baked him brownies (of the Betty Crocker variety) to take with him. Yes, I'm corny like dut!

We spent the night together and he was ever so sweet and repeated how much he was going to miss me. I didn't say I was going to miss him too. Too mushy mushy since he's gonna come back in January anyway.

As we neared the airport, he held my hand, squeezed it tight. He didn't let go 'til I pulled over in the terminal. He leaned over and kissed me tenderly and said "Thanks."

I just said take care.

On the drive to work, I bawled like a two year old. Yes. I miss him.

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A Hundred

This is my hundreth (is that a word?) post. I just want to thank everyone who visit and read my ramblings and I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to those who comment.

I didn't start this blog for money or for fame. It was an outlet for me, to share my thoughts and my secrets with others. It's really been quite a fulfilling experience and the intrinsic rewards are priceless.

This Christmas I wish you all great joy, happiness, and laughter.
So cheer up, do some shopping, and smile. We're all fabulous!

If not then this link should do the trick.

Or try this one.

claws or claus? peep or pip? you choose! :P

Winter Wonderland?

Sorry these pics are a bit blurry. I used my cameraphone which isn't the greatest.
This is St. Petersburg's North Straub Park all dolled up for the Holidays. Of course it pales in comparison to New York, Chicago, etc.

I guess the 80 degree weather here just marginalizes Christmas.

A Boring Post

I'm sure no one wants to read another post about how busy I am and all the exams etc. etc. blah blah blah. Well it is boring. It really is.

Anyway, I decided to tackle an age-old problem and someone decided to give me an early Christmas gift.
It's a diet book.

The Karl Lagerfeld Diet.

At first I was hesitant, but I think I can follow this one. It means absolutely no rice, sugar, cakes, juice, etc. I've done this type of diet before and I did lose lots of weight on it. But I just don't have the discipline. It really is all about the discipline. I have to program myself to not eat those types of foods. I really have let myself go, so much that it has started to affect my emotional being. Worst of all, my shirts which I bought from H&M are getting a wee bit tight *and* forget about wearing a Thomas Pink slim fit shirt.

It's time to wage war. Yet again.

"One's diet is as boring a subject of conversation as illness! Fitness is as boring as sickness."

-Karl Lagerfeld

I'll shut up now.

Butthash

Just what is butthash?

Apparently, it's shit and piss mixed together and fermented in the sun. The methane gas is captured through a balloon. You then inhale the methane gas and get high.

You read it correctly. You would get high off your own feces.

Of course, THE REDNECKS, TRAILER TRASH, AND PO' WHITE TRASH of Florida would come up with this.

You think I'm kidding?

Watch this:


The stuff is also called Jenkem.

Sadly enough, I am not shocked about this. Just incredibly amused.

The Twelve Months

This tag is wayyyyy overdue and comes by way of Empress Maruja.
!

What to do:
1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth.
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it!

Like the Empress, I too was born in September.

Careful, cautious and organized- I tend to over-analyze things.

Quiet but able to talk well- I observe before I speak.

Calm and cool- I hardly stress or panic.

Must control oneself when criticizing- Yes. I definitely have to do this especially with my bosses.

Fun to be around- Of course. Who doesn't have fun with me?!?!

Loves leisure and traveling- I love to travel and don't mind the hassles. I would love to travel around the world in luxury of course. Backpacking's not for me.

Hardly shows emotions- I'll admit that I do have intimacy issues. In fact, my entire family does. We're very stoic. Very British, No?

There you have it.

The Twelve Months

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

Where Are the People?

I've heard this question several times before, especially from Chase.

This is in reference to the photos of St. Petersburg which I post in my blog. Well, let me explain and hypothesize. St. Petersburg is a small city (a little over 200 thousand) which means crowds are not a problem. Also, it can be called a 'commuter city' since most people (like yours truly) live in the outlying suburbs. Furthermore, most of the city residents are the elderly and stay indoors most of the time. I also believe that since Florida can be called "Death's Waiting Room", they just die off. Therefore, there aren't many people in St. Petersburg.

This problem is currently being addressed by the City Council by trying to revive the city through art projects and building condos that many people can't afford.

Next time, I'll try to take a picture with people in it.

I promise. :)

How to Plan a Coup.

"Do you know of any other countries where coup attempts are staged from luxury hotels?"
-Jessica Zaffra

I first heard of the attempted coup/mutiny/incident while reading Reyna Elena's blog.
My first thought was "why do something that FAILED the first time again?" I was there in 2003 when the same Trillanes took Oakwood while I was staying at the Intercon. I thought I would have to evacuate and run screaming to the Embassy. Anyway here are some tips for future coup plotters...

1. Make sure you have more than 30 men. In fact, make sure you have over half of the military on your side.

2. Ousting the President would actually mean physically extracting her from the Palace. This means that you and your men have to leave the luxury five-star hotel and march across Mendiola into Malacanang Palace.

3. Be articulate. Not like this:

Trillanes: “Like soldiers, we’re going to face this.”
Reporter: “Sir, how are you going to face this?”
Trillanes: (after a beat) “Whatever.”
From the McVie Show

4. Make sure you have the successor, ie. the Vice-President on board, make sure you have Cabinet Members, Congressmen, and the Middle Class on your side.

5.Have an actual plan.

6.Be prepared to die if necessary

7. Did I mention leave the luxury hotel?

Well, following these simple rules should allow for a successful coup. Remember it's easier to have a coup than to actually govern. If you should fail to meet any of these criteria, I suggest not starting a rebellion.

It's just my opinion.

Politically Incorrect

Only Mel Brooks can get away with this.


This:


This:


And This:


LOL. You can laugh. It's OK.

Hahaha!

This movie is amazingly funny! I saw Blazing Saddles the other night and just loved this song. It's hilarious and it's performed by Madeline Kahn.



This is another Madeline Kahn clip. I imagine this is how Reyna Elena chooses dates. LOL. J/k lang Reyna!



Have a fun weekend!

Table with a View

I love studying at my school's library. It's quiet, secluded, and bright because the walls are all glass. The best part is the view. I gaze out the window in between studying. It really helps me to clear out my head and digest the things which I'm learning.


I can also see the marina with yachts docked. It's really fantastic, especially during sunset.


Where's your "quiet place"?

the Florida Home

I just love these townhouses in downtown St. Petersburg. They're close to the Mahaffey Theater, AL Lang Field, Tropicana Field (where the Rays play baseball), and of course my school.




They're expensive though. One of them will set you back about half a million dollars. But in the current credit crunch, I think you can ask for a discount.

Unfortunately, none are for sale.

Thanksgiving

Every fourth Thursday in November, an annual holiday here in the US takes place called Thanksgiving.

"The U.S. Congress in 1941 split the difference and passed a bill requiring that Thanksgiving be observed annually on the fourth Thursday of November, which was sometimes the last Thursday and sometimes (less frequently) the next to last. On November 26 of that year President Roosevelt signed this bill, for the first time making the date of Thanksgiving a matter of federal law."

-Wikipedia

It's a day when people are suppose to slow down and reflect on their lives, be thankful for what they have, and rest before the Holiday Season. It's really much more than just eating Turkey, watching the Macy's Parade, and pardoning Turkeys. It's about reconnecting with families, friends, and with ourselves. My Dad (Stepdad) loves Thanksgiving and it's his favorite Holiday.


This year I cooked, yet again.

I made Turkey, stuffing, glazed carrots, sauteed peas, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, asparagus with Hollandaise sauce, gravy and even baked my special pecan pie. The recipes were handed down to me from My Grandma Elie and her sister Aunt Jeanie. Their cooking was to die for. I make everything from scratch since I don't like the taste of store bought food and of course, tradition.

One of these years, I'll go to Manila on Thanksgiving and celebrate it there with friends and family and even cook...with the help of a maid of course!

Now here's the most powerful man on Earth...pardoning a Turkey...


Now if you excuse me, I believe my turkey's cooked.

Thankful

First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank all those who emailed me offering their condolences. I am very touched. Thanksgiving this year has been a special one to me. I realized the important things in life--things we often take for granted.
I am so blessed with family and true friends that are always there to support me. Distance is not an obstacle to friendship.
I thank God for having been blessed with so much.

~~
When I was young I remember my Lola telling me how you have to pray the rosary for someone's soul every night for a year so that they can get into Heaven. She did it for my Grandfather, and since I don't trust my half-brother and half-sister to do it, I'll take on that responsibility. Now it's my turn to pray for her soul.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Orchids

My Aunt Hilda and Aunt Maria attended my Grandmother's wake in my stead. I instructed them to buy a wreath of orchids which were her favorite.

Once they got there, my Aunt recounted how the flowers were overflowing around my Grandmother's casket. There was no more room for my wreath.
Someone suggested that it be placed by the door.

My Grandmother's sister, Auntie Dee, intervened.
She said, " Hindi pwede. Galing yan sa paborito nyang apo. Alisin nyo yang bulaklak na galing kay Estrada. Ilagay nyo sa harapan nya. Importante yun para sa kanya."

When I heard about it this morning, I cried. My Grandmother always took pains to include me in the family even after my Dad left me and my Mom. I know I'll always have a place in her heart.

The Death of a Lady

Whenever my Grandmother would walk into a room, the scent of gardenias would fill the air. She wouldn’t dare leave the house with her hair fixed, her clothes ironed, and her half-slip in place. I recall playing with her numerous shoes hen I was a boy and then rummaging her closet in search of her exotic folding fans. When I used to live with her, we would go to mass every Sunday and I would stare in awe at the ceiling of San Juan del Monte Church. After mass, we would dutifully walk to the back of the Church where the cemetery is located. She would light a candle and place it on my Grandfather’s grave.

But don’t get me wrong. She wasn’t serious all the time. She loved to laugh and to joke around. Her infectious laughter would reverberate through the rooms in her house. She took cleanliness seriously and scolded untidy maids who didn’t keep the floor well polished. She had a way of charming those around her. My Grandmother carried herself with dignity and possessed an undeniable air of aristocracy which naturally shone through her demeanor. She was not haughty or snobbish and was always graceful.

Every morning, the daily delivery of Magnolia milk would be at the gate. Fresh pandesal would be waiting at the table along with Anchor butter. Birthdays in her house were celebrated with tables full of food. Christmas and New Years were marked with double effort. It was one of the happiest times in my life.

When I first heard the news of my Grandmother’s death, I was shocked. I didn’t know how to react. At first, I denied it and didn’t believe it. I thought to myself that she’d be in her house in San Juan as always, just waiting. Then I called my Uncle who confirmed the news. I couldn’t hold back the tears. I remembered her smile and her laugh. I remembered the best memories.

Perhaps my biggest regret was not calling her more often or staying in her house during vacations in Manila. I just always thought she would be there and I would do all those things next time. Now, there is no more next time. I can no longer call her, talk to her, and hear her laughter.

She was a lady in all sense of the word.

Someday, I’ll see her again.

C'est une La Tour!

It's Saturday night and I'm alone. At home. Not at Sam's apartment.

Anyway, I'd just like to share some of my favorite paintings. Yes, I used to only like old impressionist saps like Monet, but several art appreciation classes ago, I was introduced to Georges de La Tour.


The Dream of St. Joseph


The Education of the Virgin


Nativity

This is one of my favorites. Since it's close to Christmas, I use it as my desktop image. It's called The Newborn Christ. It's religious, but not overtly religious. It shows simplicity and complexity at the same time. Notice the candle and the hand that shields the light emanating from it. Notice how most of the light is centered upon the newborn as if anointing him. This effect is known as Chiaroscuro. Good stuff eh??

Timing is Everything

Where'd the TIME go? Next week it'll be Thanksgiving and after that Christmas. Thanksgiving really kicks off the star of the Holiday Season here in the US. In fact, the Friday after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday. It's when there are really great sales early in the morning. Only hardcore shoppers--like my Mom--are the ones who really go. She did get great bargains though like a great digital camera for less than a $100 and a laptop for less than $300.

I really should've started my Christmas shopping already and began the process of sending cards. I also have finals, term papers, and a pseudo relationship to juggle. I've been spending way too much time with Sam, and not enough with my Accounting books. Hence, I bombed my last Accounting test. Then there's also work which has kept me oh so busy.

I wish there were 48 hours in a day.

I gotta go and write my paper now about International Financial Institutions and how they act as an informal World government.

But right now, All I can think of is snuggling up next to Sam.

Wish me luck.