Are you a fanatic?

Okay, I know I wasn't supposed to write again before I fly to Bangkok but this blog, by Les, made me want to join the bandwagon.

Basically, it just asks you for ten things you've ever been a fan of in your whole life.

So here's mine:

1. the o.c. (I don't really have a crush on anyone in it. But the whole package is just addicting. Downloaded music played in the series, etc.)
2. one tree hill (chad michael murray... bryan greenberg... yada yada; downloaded the music too.)
3. n*sync (Wwhen I still used to think JC Chasez was cute. But I realized later one that Justin's the hot one! I'll definitely watch their concert if they go on tour!)
4. F4 (Like les, I was late too. Blame it on my summer job then.)
5. Will Friedle (from Boy Meets World...hahahaha)
6. Paolo Santos (Better believe it! During those acoustic days...)
7. American Idol season 4 (sorry Les if I'm sounding like I'm copying you but we ARE from the same era hehehe)
8. Dawson's Creek (before the oc and one tree hill)
9. Bob Ross (from i channel... I would buy the same paint brushes he had and painted while watching him... hahahah)
10. VJ Utt!!!

This great! What a way to reminisce!

vacation mode

It's an hour and a half till I can officially leave the office to prepare for my flight this afternoon. And I'm in such a vacation mode already that I know I won't be able to finish the work that I was supposed to do today. But it isn't urgent. Just one of those "better-to-be-finished-fast" things, but I failed to finish it. Anyway, enough about work.

I'm such in a vacation mode that I already booked (just an hour ago) my flight for my friend's wedding in August! I know it sounds crazy, but blame it on the can't-miss promos of the budget airlines that fly to Manila. Screw them for pressuring me to organize my leaves for the year at such an early stage. I already have one planned for May (just waiting for another promo by the budget airlines to book my flight haha)

The office is already in quite a festive-lazy mood. It's not really festive for me since I'm not Chinese and I don't celebrate the Chinese New Year. I'm more of, well, lazy. Hahahahah. Doesn't surprise you eh?

By the next time I write I'll have tales from my shopping and bumming expeditions in Thailand.

Cheers everyone!

it won't be the end of the world...

If I choose not to renew my contract during the middle of the year... it won't be the end of the world.

Even if they cut me off now... it won't be the end of the world.

I can try looking for other work in this city. But if I don't find any other opportunities here that would interest me... it won't be the end of the world.

I could just come home... that's where a chunk of my world is anyway.

The Office Bitch Strikes!

My officemate, a bitch from hell, is at her worst this week. She's rushing for two submissions which should be settled by the end of the week.

Unfortunately, I'm one of her victims since I work with her on two other projects (not those she's rushing for). So I'm getting bitched at for no particular reason, and somehow everything I do is wrong. Or that's just how she's making me feel right now. She made my day start so badly, and I just wanted to cry. I was complaining to my office friends, that one of them even gave me chocolates after lunch, hoping to make me feel better.

I guess I was that bad.

I do hope she doesn't attend the two meetings we have tomorrow. As of now, she said she isn't, but our office planner still says that she's scheduled to go. The last thing I want right now is to spend time alone with her. It will give her more time to deflate my ego.

I'm sorry not all of us can be as great as you, ma'am. If being as great as you would make me turn into something remotely close to how you are now, no thank you.

It's the very first time I just want to curse at someone in the office.

So help me God.

I'm Officially Just an Office Speck

I had two meetings today. One before lunch, and one after. The first was a big-deal meeting since the three CEOs of the three parties involved attended. I don't really know why. The discussion was all the usual anyways.

The meeting ended in time for lunch. I thought everything was going so well. My colleague was supposed to drive home to change while I would go back to the office first. I wanted to change shoes since my next meeting would be on site. But I didn't have to. So one thing led to another and our CEO invited me and my colleague (a superior too) to lunch. So I can't turn them down right? And to think I was all set in not eating lunch today to follow my detox plan.

So during lunch our CEO and my colleague were just talking (as if I wasn't there!) I was just there enjoying my food, pretending I was interested in what they were talking about. Then someone who know our CEO came over to our table and our CEO introduced us... And that's when I realized he didn't know my name! Oh geez! How embarrassing is that? I'm sure he knows me by face. But by name, well, I guess it's because I never worked directly with him. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I guess CEOs don't really get to know everyone right? There are indeed 120 of us in the office. Oh well.

no, i just yawned

My officemate (who'se actually my flatmate) caught me teary-eyed in the office. I quickly replied that I just yawned. Hence, the watery eyes.

My fault. I was emailing an old friend, and we were talking about our nephews. I was telling that old friend that it's so hard that every time I flight home, my nephew doesn't recognize me. It would take him a few hours to get used to the sight of me before he comes to me to be carried.

Which, of course, is inevitable. He is just a baby anyway. But it sucks, you know? You spend months missing the people that matter to you. Then you try to hold a strong face. Well, that's just me. But it won't help if I break down and cry right?

I remember during my gradeschool days, I tried playing this game with a classmate -- who can cry first by force? I never won. But maybe if someone takes up my offer for a duel right now, I would definitely win.

lazy bones

I remember when I was younger my siblings used to call me "mantika" (meaing "oil" -- I don't know where that term came from but it's pretty common in the Philippines I think ) because I kept on sleeping (now I wonder if that was the reason I got tall) or that they had a hard time waking me up. I wasn't also the most hardworking among us since I abhorred doing chores. And they knew it. We would be at war (and I got scolded) for hating to do chores. I've always told myself I'll earn enough in the future to make sure I could hire a domestic helper. It's funny that when I was very hardworking in school (I would usually do all the work for groupworks), I rebelled when it came to house chores.

And until now I stall when I should clean my bathroom. And when my housemates say we should do general cleaning in the apartment my mind is saying, "Damn."

Some people don't change I guess.

And funny thing is, I admit it. Haha.

The thing is, no one can dictate what I should do. I make my own time. And I work best when I just have myself as a boss.I guess after all these years I've realized this about myself.

No wonder this corporate setting isn't my thing.

things i'd rather do

This is another one of my "what if" entries, as I am in another of those daydreaming moments in the middle of a workday.

The "what if" is "if" I have reached a point that I can forego the 9 to 5 job through early retirement (meaning, I've already saved enough for a very comfortable life -- which realistically could take me years or even decades if I remain single) or if I marry someone who earns enough for our family.

So first case scenario is if that happens here in Singapore. Here are the things I would do as a tai tai (a high-society lady):

1. Write a novel
2. Take up a culinary course
3. Join a yoga or a pilates programme
4. Spend my days (and money) in Borders, Kinokuniya, Takashimaya, IKEA, and HMV. Forget the National Library... I'll build my own collection!
5. Meet up with fellow tai tais in hotel coffee shops, Marmalade Pantry, Bakerz In, or whatever cozy places that aren't crowded by teenagers. (Now I sound so old!)
6. Frequent a country club for good food, sports, swimming and other activites.
7. Be active in my kids' school programs (if and when I do have kids)
8. Do freelance interior design and residential architecture.
9. Do freelance commercial interior/ display design.
10. Dabble on furniture designing.
11. Dabble on fashion designing.
12. Fly home to Manila AT LEAST every other month.
13. Fly to different parts of the world, alternating with flying home to Manila.
14. Learn another foreign language (like Mandarin or French) AND have a refresher course on my Spanish.
15. Learn how to drive and get a car.
16. Put up a business of something very Filipino here in Singapore, yet caters to all nationalities. Not just the Lucky Plaza crowd!

Okay, second case scenario. I'll be in Manila. A lot of things may just be duplicates of what I wrote above, but somehow the setting changes things.

1. Write a novel. I don't know how to come about writing one of those Summit Books, a few of which have been written by Maya Calica and Abi Aquino. But I'll settle for those types first!
2. Take up a culinary course. Then maybe put up a small-scale catering service with my sistahs.
3. Join a yoga or a pilates programme, or just join a gym.
4. Spend my days (and money) in Page One, Power Books, and Furniture Stores.
5. Meet up with friends in cafes close to where we/they work/ live.
6. Frequent a country club for good food, sports, swimming and other activites.
7. Be active in my kids' school programs (if and when I do have kids)
8. Do freelance interior design and residential architecture.
9. Do freelance commercial interior/ display design.
10. Dabble on furniture designing.
11. Dabble on fashion designing.
12. Fly to different parts of the world, averaging 6 times a year AT LEAST.
14. Learn another foreign language (like Mandarin or French) AND have a refresher course on my Spanish.
15. Learn how to drive and get a car.
16. Put up a business or more.
17. Renovate our Katipunan home.
18. Look up for properties to buy.
19. Save up to franchise IKEA in Manila.

Sigh. Many of these are quite unlikely. It's just nice dreaming. I should blame it on my continuously interrupted sleep last night. Gah.

the case of the annual bonus

I have been expecting it for the past few days. The whole office knows that the annual bonus comes before the Chinese New Year office shutdown.

And I'm quite glad. I received more than what I expected. My boss hinted before anyways that last year was a good year. So of course I was slightly hoping that it would be more than expected.

But I spoke to my seatmate, a guy draftsman. He was a tad disappointed. I know he's been here for years now (definitely longer than I have) and I'm quite sure he works harder than I do (I think the whole office works harder than I do! But then again, hours logged in doesn't necessarily mean more work done right?). It just sucks that I get a bigger bonus (or I just assume) because of my title as an architect, while he's a draftsman.

Oh the hierarchy of real life! Or rather, the corporate world. Unjust, it definitely is.

So to make them feel slightly better, I'm treating a couple of them for cakes by the end of the week or maybe Monday. Maybe to lessen my guilt of not being as busy that I should be. I know that I could do much more.

i wish...

I was reading someone's blog last night and I couldn't help but envy that in six weeks she was able to go to Corregidor, Laguna, Boracay, Sydney, and New York. Can you imagine? If I had that freedom (and money!) to do just that. My planner now has the map of the world, and one day I'll mark out all the places I want to go to. I also checked out the three main budget airlines that fly to and fro Singapore. There are a few destinations they reach that I wish to go to someday.

Which is hard you know? Right now, I am limited to traveling during Chinese New Year (where traveling is more expensive!) and Christmastime wherein I would just want to be with my family. But then again, maybe this year I could ask my family if they want to go somewhere in the Philippines huh? That would be something quite different. When we were younger we used to go to Baguio every December (aside from the summer Baguio trip) and ever since the earthquake, that dwindled down. I miss it actually.

I know I haven't been maximizing my chances of traveling. Has to do with my lapses of homesickness, and my other financial obligations. Maybe once that is settled I can loosen up a bit huh?

Who wants to join me in being a jetsetter?

concerts i wouldn't miss

For the past couple of days I was toying with the idea that I wanted to watch the Backstreet Boys concert. But I got turned off by the tickets prices, knowing that it was almost three times more the ones being sold in Manila.

So I just settled in buying a ticket (watching a gal friend) for Westside Story which is still this April, but the tickets are limited. It was quite a good deal. We got the cheapest but it was almost half of the cheapest tickets for BSB.

I started daydreaming a while ago on whose concerts I wouldn't want to miss, given the chance they would do a show here:

1. Maroon 5
2. Coldplay
3. N*Sync (wahahaha)
4. Aqualung
5. The Fray
6. Jimmy Eat World
7. Sarah McLachlan
8. Gary V (even if I've already watched him before)
9. Lifehouse
10. Death Cab for Cutie

I do hope a couple of them would do a show soon!

when the mood strikes

[Background music: "This Year" by Chantal Kreviazuk]

I know I included in my resolutions for this year that I'll be less selfish. But it's tough, you know? There are just times that when someone pisses me off I become selfish towards him or her. And that's until I cool down. Then maybe I can work on being more selfless again.

It's so hard to discipline yourself. Especially when you have to deal with your relationship with others (a thing I suck at I think hehe).

I think there are a few things I have to learn this year.

allow me to gripe

I was quite frustrated with my girl flatmate yesterday.

She was acting so childish and it was pissing me off.

I quite was glad she was out most of the morning, becuase of some church activities. But once she came back, she was irking me on and on.

I guess I can blame it on the newly installed cable television. Since there are more shows to watch now, I spend more time out in the living area, instead of being a hermit in my room.

So anyways, I was happy enough watching a Filipino show. (nothing like being an OFW to appreciate Filipino channels -- a slice of home hehe... but mind you, technically I'm not considered as an OFW by the Philippine government as I'm already a permanent resident here)

Then I suddenly heard her screaming and crying loudly in her room. Our other flatmate and her fiance, was in her room with her. Flashbacks of the other years passed my mind --- memories of them fighting, screaming at each other -- so I thought it was back to those days again.

So I shut out her sobs while I watched my show. Then the guy came out of the room and called me. He asked me if I can help. I was thinking, "Oh shit, now they want to bring me into this?"

Then I saw her lying on her bed crying.

And you know what was making her cry? A minute wound on her eyelid. So okay, it was bleeding a bit. My bruise last December was a hundred times bigger than that, with blood that seeped through my jeans. And I never cried. More of cursed for my being a klutz.

I tried to console her, telling her that ice was all she needed. (When my brain was screaming 'You dragged me out for this???')

So there, I left them after a while then returned to the living area.

An hour or so later they both come out. Everything was okay already I think. Then they prepared their dinner. They ate in front of the television. Then she started making comments about the Filipino actors and being sarcastic saying, "Ey, we're now part of being TFC subscribers!"

What's with all the comments? I was already shutting her voice out as I continued watching. What do I care what she thinks? First thing, it was only her fiance and I who wanted the friggin channel. We told her she didn't have to chip in for it. But she said, she might as well. Then now she makes comments?

Geez, a year or two more of bearing this.

i could be such a dork

I was taking a tea break this afternoon, trying to answer a puzzle in a weekly free magazine, named I-S Magazine. It was the second time for me to try solving one, and I was quite successful the first time. If I remember right, I solved the first one at the midst of my boredom during my budget flight home.

But this second time, I couldn't quite seem to get it.

After approximately 15 minutes of answering it, I realized that the puzzle was flawed. Check it out:

When it clearly stated that each 3x3 box should contain the numbers 1 to 9 without any number appearing twice, NUMBER 8 APPEARS TWICE IN THE FRIGGIN 3x3 BOX I MARKED!

So there, I wasn't able to solve the puzzle.

In my frustration, I emailed the people behind the magazine. I just told them to be more aware so I can solve it again next time.

Yes, yes, I'm a number dork. So shoot me.

self-confessed shopaholic

I only realized it when I got here. I spend an average of five to six days a week stepping into a mall, although sometimes just in transit (When I can very well avoid it!) I don't really splurge much. I don't buy branded items (unless they are electronics). In fact, I just tag myself as a bargain hunter.

Like I would research online what sales there would be for the coming weeks, see if there would be any expo coming up, and if I travel, shopping is one of the main criteria!

I find every reason to shop. Even if it's for someone else. Even if it's out of the way. Bring it on, baby!

reflections

Yesterday was a holiday. I spent the morning with an old friend, then for the afternoon it was my friend/housemate's birthday celebration. In between I had time for myself. Talking to my old friend I was explaining to her that I considered looking for other work, which had smaller-scale projects -- ones that I enjoy more. As my work now is just at most times boring, I have to admit. Or maybe it's just my wrong frame of mind. Oh I don't know.

But looking for such work would definitely mean longer working hours, a possibility of a more competitive atmosphere, or colleagues that I won't get along with. Of course the third reason doesn't have much bearing. I don't have to be buddies with all my colleagues. There should be at least a few I would like. It's the first two I'm worried about.

But then again, I haven't really checked out other opportunities.

The first lady who was sent to work for this company under the same contract left after the two-year contract. But she had a valid reason. She was getting married to someone based in Australia.

Sometimes I have that crazy idea or wish that I would find someone (or that someone would find me) who would just save me from these decisions.

The topic also came up during the birthday celebration wherein someone commented that we, at our current company, are so loyal. We reasoned that we're already used to the people and the system. That same person mentioned that there was an opening in Malaysia for a higher-paying, but less thought-intensive work. But my friend/housemate/colleague said, where would be the career growth there?

And that leads me to my question. I've always informed people that I'm not a career-oriented person. I don't find that it's a career that would define me. I prefer family, relationships. So does that give me an excuse to not really care where my career is going?

My work now is just a job. I consider it just a paycheck to finance my future goals. And for survival of course. My current job allows me to do sideline jobs, get to leave the office early (for most days), not work weekends or holidays too often. I've even thought some time ago that if all else fails and I still want to stay here, I can just go into marketing or some job that isn't 100% related to my degree that would offer me the same paycheck.

I guess this shows how I am really as a person. People could hate me for wasting such a good opportunity. I'm sorry for that. But can you blame me? Holler if you think there's a flaw in my way of thinking. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Reviews 4

Let me go to my default topic whenever i absolutely have NOTHING to do. I can't believe I'm being paid for doing nothing. I was even pulled out from one of the projects since my two then-prenant colleagues who were also in the project have both given birth and can pick up from where they left off. Dunno if it's good for me. My boss would soon find out that I'm not doing anything. I COULD ask him for more work, but I know there's some competition project they'll be working on the next two weeks so I don't want to let them know I'm available!

So going back. Review time! After my holiday home (DVD marathon!) and a couple I watched during the past week, let me go through them:


MOVIE #1: Chicken Little

I actually found it quite pathetic. The only cute thing in it was the fish. Really. It was just a little over an hour. And the storyline wasn't so fantastic.



MOVIE #2 Sky High

Now this is much better. Quite a fun movie! And Steven Strait is a hottie! Compelled me to buy the DVD of his other movie, Undiscovered. When I first saw the posters for these movie, I was thinking, "What the heck? Where did this come from?" Then my sister recommended for me to get the DVD and I enjoyed it!


MOVIE #3 Undiscovered

I don't know if it's Ashlee Simpson's first movie, and I won't bother to research online, but I bought this cuz of Steven Strait. It's an okay movie. One of this Friday night movies.


MOVIE #4 In Her Shoes

A fun chick flick. Cameron Diaz is adorable. But I can't believe her sister is supposed to be the "fat one". Hello, if she's fat, what am I? But I guess anyone placed beside Cameron Diaz IS fat.


MOVIE #5 Elizabethtown

There's something about Kirsten Dunst that's so endearing. She's very plain looking, but she comes out in the movie so fresh and just so likeable. And Orlando Blooom is such a hottie! I was never really a fan of his during the Lord of the Rings days, but he's very adorable in this film. The movie gives me the same feeling as other Susan Sarandon movies -- Anywhere But Here, Banger Sisters (did I get the title right?). They're those learn-your-lessons type. A must watch cuz of the two lead roles.


MOVIE #6 The Perfect Score

I just saw this among my sisters' VCDs. Quite a cast -- Bryan Greenberg, Scarlett Johanssen, and Erika Christensen. Bryan Greenberg was still young but was already very cute! It's entertaining because of the forever-stoned Asian dude. A teeny version of Ocean's Eleven I guess.


MOVIE #7 Prime

Another fun movie. Bryan Greenberg and Uma Thurman make such a cute couple! I just love their getting-to-know you phase. Very romantic! Definitely the best phase for all relationships. A must-see I must say!


MOVIE #8 Spanglish

Paz Vega shines in this movie. A movie about motherhood indeed. And I didn't know Tea Leoni could be so funny! First time to see Adam Sandler not funny. A good film because of Paz Vega indeed.


MOVIE #9 If Only

I actually had high hopes for this movie. But it was still a good watch -- or better yet, a good cry. Jennifer Love Hewitt is still adorable. The guy is darn cute. It was more of what the guy did for her that makes the movie great. A must-see for guys who wanna win a girl's heart!


MOVIE #10 Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants

A nice movie. Made me wish I were so tight with my high school girl friends. Guess it just doesn't work for everyone. Another movie that tugs at your heartstrings. A girl bonding movie!


MOVIE #11 The Happy Campers

Another one I found among my sister's VCDs. Quite a stupid movie actually. But I was surprised to see Brad Renfo not so cute anymore.


MOVIE #12 Phantom of the Opera

Just found the DVD at home. Just nice listening to the lovely and timeless music once again!


BOOK #1 Sam's Letters for Jennifer

After reading Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas, I had to read this book. Thank goodness for a dicsount voucher from Borders, I invested in the book. It is the same melodrama as the previous novel. Written in James Patterson's simplistic ways, it comes out more heartfelt. The characters are very lovable. I read it in one sitting. Aside from it being relatively short, you just couldn't put it down. Or if you do you'll yearn to continue.


I didn't realize till now how much movies I watched over the past few weeks. To think I also watch one or two Korean and Filipino movies. Could have been more, but the other DVDs were defective. Sigh.

The Businesswoman in Me

I blame it on growing up with parents who didn't have the usual 9 to 5 jobs. I treasured that they were always there, not having to wait till the evening to see them. Their careers were their kids, us, and their sidelines were the small businesses that they had.

And somehow I picked up from my dad the business-mindedness. As early as gradeschool I was selling different stuff to my classmates -- chocolates, cards, perfumes... anythign worth selling. There are even some stuff I would rather not mention. Hahaha.

My ultimate goal for myself is to free myself from the 9 to 5 (in our case, 8 to 6, or 8 to whatever) career life and have the flexible time to tend to things that matter more -- family, friends, myself.

This I'll work on.

dreaming...

Since I haven't done anything remotely related to work for the past 3 and a half hours (no kidding). I was daydreaming about different things, one of them having my own property. And I realized that I would need to work for more than ten years to achieve that. Actually much more then that. It would just be too depressing to say the actual number of years. But of course that's if I remain single and depend on my own earnings.

Cuz I'm not just talking about a lot. I'm talking about a lot with a creation of mine to be constructed on it.

Sigh.

I could just dream right now.

and to top it off...

Mmy colleague (superior to me) had me write an email to the authorities. Okay, fine, I've done that before. So okay. As if I had a choice.

Then just now, I guess after she read what I sent, she told me that next time I send an email out to the authorities, I should send her a draft first. She was polite about it, unlike her usual scolding ways, but nevertheless I felt bad. I haven't been doing anything right these past few days. Sigh.

I just have these tendencies sometimes that I feel like I'm worthless. I guess I'm being too hard on myself. I guess everyone makes mistakes. But my friend/ colleague once said that the company should be lucky to have all of us who are in the same program (There are six of us now. Should have been seven but she left after a couple of years. ). There's actually another Filipino in the office, a few months so far. But supposedly ten years of experience but he's been fouling up since he started. I don't know how or what. But his superior keeps on scolding and screaming at him. I really feel for him. I haven't been screamed at (just an almost-scream hehe) but as my friend/colleague said, the office must be seeing the difference between him and us who are part of the program, since SUPPOSEDLY we are one or two of the better ones of the graduating batch. Which maybe true. Maybe. We're pretty fast learners I guess.

But sometimes I wonder, am I really qualified? There are still so much stuff that I haven't picked up yet. Sometimes I feel like I'm just a glorified secretary. I am, anyways, just an architectural assistant. But as my boss told me, forget that title. We're all equal, according to him. Yeah, right.

I just hope this is just some quarter-life crisis thingie.

eeekkk!

I was quite stressed today when I found out my sister couldn't find an available lodging for our Bangkok-Phuket trip. When it's just a few weeks away! I've been pestering her for months now to book but she said it was too early. I tried calling an agent while I was home, but the girl said I'd have to wait till first week of January. They're a friggin travel agency! Don't they know Asian hotels get booked over Chinese New Year?!?

So I've made a few reservations online, will find out tomorrow if any is confirmed. Don't know how much it would cost me.

But I have a few last, last-last, last-last-last resorts, if I won't be able to find lodging:

1. For Bangkok, just go there and backpack around finding available accommodations. My colleague advised me to do this. He said I'd even get it cheaper. Good thing I'll be arriving at Bangkok a day before the rest (namely, my mom, dad and sister)

2. Also for bangkok, have my whole troup bunk in with the parents of my friend (also my sister's friend) who are based there. We have to be thick-skinned to do this hehe.

3. For both Bangkok and Phuket, my sister and I can hook up with gorgeous guys (VJ Utt look-alikes?) and bunk in with them. Hahaha.

4. For Phuket, just tent along the beach. If possible.

So there, in my moments of stress I came out with this list. I do hope everything works out just fine!

my song for the moment :)

Where Are You (Justin Roman and Natalie)

[Justin]
(I know you are out there baby...somewhere)
There is someone out there for me
(I know there is somebody out there)
I know she is waiting so patiently (yeah)
can you tell me her name?
(Somebody tell me her name)
This life-long search is gonna drive me insane

How does she laugh?
How does she cry?
What's the color of her eyes?
Does she even realize I'm here?
Where is she? Where is she? Where is she?
Where is this beautiful girl?
Who is she? Who is she?
Who is gonna complete my world?
Where is she? Where is she?
Where is this beautiful girl?
Who is she? Who is she?
Who is gonna complete my world?

dadadadadada dadadada dadadadadada
(where are you?)

[Natalie]
I'm staring out at the sky (I see you baby)
Praying that he will walk in my life
Where is the man of my dreams (right here)
yea-yeah
I'll wait forever, how silly it seems

How does he laugh?
How does he cry?
What's the color of his eyes?
Does he even realize I'm here?
Where is he? Where is he? Where is he?
Where is this beautiful guy?
Who is he? Who is he?
Who is gonna take me so high?
Where is he? Where is he?
Where is this beautiful guy?
Who is he? Who is he?
Who is gonna take me so high?

dadadadadada dadadada dadadadadada
(where are you?)

[Justin]
There is someone out there for me
(there is someone out there for me)
I know she is waiting so patiently (so patient)
Can you tell me her name
(can you tell me his name)
This life-long search is gonna drive me insane
(that's right)

[Natalie]
How does he laugh?
How does he cry?
What is the color of his eyes?
Does he even realize I'm here?

[Justin]
Where is she? Where is she? Where is she?
Where is this beautiful girl?
Who is she? Who is she?
Who is gonna complete my world?

[Natalie]
Where is he? Where is he? Where is he?
Where is this beautiful guy?
Who is he? Who is he?
Who is gonna take me so high?

[Together]
dadadadadada dadadada
(yeah) dadadadadada
(I know you out there)
dadadadadada dadadada
(yeah) dadadadadada

[Justin Talking]
Where are you??
I'm going to look all over the world baby
'Cuz I know you are out there
I know this might sound crazy,
but I think I love you
dadadadadada (that's right)
dadadada
dadadadadadadadadadadada
dadadada
(yeah) dadadadadada

Where are you??

over the holidays...

NOTE: This entry was written over the past few days.Starting from my flight back to Singapore, and a little in my apartment for the past two days.

I don’t know why I didn’t think of this during my flight home. I was bored stiff then, not usually being able to sleep during my flights. But thank God for technology. Technology makes flying budget airlines much more tolerable. After this, I have several movies stored in my hard disk to choose from.

Anyways, more than three weeks have passed since I last wrote in my blog. I should blame it on the terribly slow dial-up internet back home. It’s tough once you get used to high-speed unlimited internet. So I’ll warn you that this entry might not be coherent. Somehow it’s hard compressing three weeks into one blog entry.

I was home for the Christmas break. And more. It was a little over three weeks. I know I won’t be able to take such a long leave again. It took discipline not to take any other leave during the year, making do with medical leaves and taking advantage of special leave to not use up my annual leave. It does pay to accumulate all your leaves in one go. I remember reading in one Singapore daily an article wherein the author was justifying why he chose to use up all his leaves during the end of the year, even if it meant he would be missing his family. I remember he mentioned that he treasures the holiday mornings that he wakes up with his kids. That was how I felt. Those days I was woken up by the cry or the laugh of my nephew. Waking up to breakfast that you didn’t even think of preparing. Just ready for you to feast on it. Not having to think about chores.

Some of my friends have observed (something I knew about myself for months now ) that I’m not used to going out, that I would rather stay home. And that’s what I did most of my time. Imagine that, more or less three weeks, but I just went out with friends, like what, 5 or 6 times? I don’t regret not going out more. I had my share of it. I saw the vital people. That’s what matters. I also suddenly just gave up on the idea to have friends introduce me to their guy friends. I thought it’s better not. What if I meet someone interesting? Wouldn’t that make leaving home harder? So better not knowing them for now. I’m still a believer of destiny.

Just to give a lowdown of my vacation, It seemed like I never got tired of shopping in Singapore as I went from Makati, Market Market, Megamall, Galleria, Araneta Center, and even to Robinsons Metro East and 168 in Divisoria! Imagine that! I don’t think I bought that much though. I guess sometimes the Christmas rush just dampens your feel for shopping due to the hassle of traffic and cramped malls. I was able to go to several ukay-ukay stores though and managed to find great bargains!

I went out with several groups of friends, The only regret was not seeing a couple of my high school friends who were also home for the holidays. Oh well, I always blame it on Boracay since they keep on spending most of their vacation there. It also doesn’t help that transportation is still my problem. If only public transport in Manila was as convenient and safe as in Singapore.

One thing I noticed was that I survived those three weeks with just checking my email or let alone logging into the internet just a few times. Not like here wherein I feel something’s lacking if a day passed without my checking. Goes to show that my internet addiction is relative to homesickness maybe? Most likely.

Then another observation was that Singapore commercialism is slowly entering the Philippine market. In food I was surprised to see Fish & Co. (but I've been told beforehand already) and Nan Ban Tei, both in Greenbelt. Then there's the Kopi Roti which is most probably of Singapore/ Malaysia decent, aside from the passe Bread Talk. With clothes, gosh it's come in bulk! For shoes there's Charles & Keith (been a while now), Pretty Fit, VNC and URS. For clothes there's iora, yin & yang, and the internation brands which just entered manila after I saw them in Singapore -- Dorothy Perkins and Zara. It's just a bit weird seeing all these in the philippine malls. Oh well, I guess it would make it easier for me to adjust from one to another.

resolutions

I know it's been a while since a while since I last wrote in my dear ol' blog (relative to my usual rate, haha). But flying home for the holidays and all, and the terribly slow dial-up internet connection back home, I just wasn't able to write an entry. I have a half done one in my laptop though, which I started in the plane, during my trip back here in SG. I'll just post it another day. It's more or less just a lowdown of my holiday.

Anyways, going back to my entry title.

Yup, yup, here I am again with my resolutions for this year. I do hope I get to follow them!

1. Practise a more healthy lifestyle. Take note, I didn't write "diet". I want it to be more long-term than my past diets. So far, I've been very good since the 31st of December. So I'm hoping since I didn't eat much during the first day of the year, the rest would be good. I'll cross my fingers!

2. Be more honest. A bit vague, but I'll work on this.

3. Travel more. Starting the end of this month. Instead of flying home (a bit too early to fly home again anyways) I'll be flying to Bangkok and Phuket. I've booked my tickets. My folks and sis will follow suit. Hopefully everything goes well!

4. Be more generous. Be less of a stickler.

5. Be more disciplined when it comes to shopping.

6. Be more organized.

7. Find more rakets. (haha)

8. Keep it touch more with my friends.

9. Be more serious about putting up a business (or more), hopefully by the end of this year.

10. Be more sociable. I know, with us signing up for Cable TV and unlimited internet I'll be doomed. But I'll make some more effort to go out.

There. That sounds like a good list. Let me see which ones I'll be faithful to!