family ties

Congrats Tonette for graduating! :)

I know I'm hard on you sometimes, but I would like to think you'll understand why sooner or later :)

Di pa puwede magka-boyfriend, helow, 30yrs old ka pa puwede magpaligaw. That's the rule, hija. No exceptions.

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I posted a picture of me and my dad in Friendster a couple of weeks ago. I really didn't think much about it; it was just one of our recent pictures together - nothing special, no nothing. Then, last week, my sister told me she told my dad about it (crap!) during one of their uneventful rides home from the office. And as the story goes, when they got home, my dad immediately asked for the laptop and checked my profile. Yes, my 52-year old dad was surfing Friendster and looking at his kids' immature profiles. Grrrreeeaaat (not!). If I had a picture of myself being cozy-wozy with somebody, he may just have died in shock. Great, I can't post pictures along that line anymore. Sucks. Hahaha =)

So back to my Dad. When he saw the picture, kinilig daw. Both my sister and my mom confirmed it. Syet. Gusto ko tuloy tanggalin sa Friendster.

Seriously, I felt a mixture of emotions when I learned of the incident.

I was embarassed that he had to see it, I don't know why.

I was also happy that he did see it. Yes, I know, I'm talking nonsense. I'm happy that he saw it if that meant he felt special. My mom once commented that we were all growing up (25, 23, 20, and 12) and that they sometimes only have each other to spend weekends with because we all have other plans. And I'm really not the touchy-feely type when it comes to my family. So if for just one moment, he felt that he was special (and he really is, of course), then I'm happy.

I was also ashamed that he has to go to such "great" lengths para kiligin sa'min. I know my parents don't ask for much, I know that, yet I can't even text them everyday (because when I get home, they're already asleep and I'm still sleeping when they leave for work, so I really don't see them all that often) to say take care or I love you.

So now I want to find a picture of me and my mom..

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P.S.
Tonette probably feels she's "old" now that she's officially out of Grade School. We all felt like that, right? =) Pag Freshman sa High School, wow, High School na. Pag naka-graduate na sa High School, feeling natin bigatin na tayo =) Funny when you think about it... They haven't even seen or felt what the real world really feels like. I'm just starting on my own journey, actually. And I'm freaking 23 years old. And my parents would probably laugh at me and say, that's just the tip of the iceberg, baby.

Hay, life =)

Ang sarap mabuhay! =)

ikaw, batang kalye

A text message:
Proofs that you enjoyed your childhood..

1. Nagba-byebye sa eroplanong dumadaan.
2. Naglaro ng Chinese Garter with the Golden Rule "Dead Mother, Dead Lahat."
3. Naglaro ng langit-lupa, pog, tex, bangkang papel, dampa...
4. Kabisado ang kantang Batibot.
5. Nakipag-bahay-bahayan.
6. Ayaw matulog nang tanghali.
7. Nakipagsuntukan o sabunutan sa kaaway, tapos tatayo nang matapang at aawitin ang kantang.... "Nyenyenyenye, hindi naman masakit!"

Tawa ako nang tawa. Bigla ko tuloy na-miss yung mga araw na yun.

At di ko maintindihan kung bakit wala na masyadong naglalaro sa kalsada ngayon. Lahat na lang nakakulong sa bahay, busy sa TV o di kaya sa computer. Naiintindihan ko kung bakit sila nag-e-enjoy dun pero kung puwede lang sa kanila sabihin na yung mga yun, puwede mo pa rin gawin kahit matanda ka na. Yung maging batang kalye, minsan lang sa buhay dadaan. Kung puwede nga maging batang kalye ulit =)

-ooo-

Hugs are one of the most under-rated things in the world.

It's not even to draw strength from another; it's just knowing that someone understands you're going through something and is willing to carry half of your burden. Sometimes you know you're the only one who can help yourself, but a warm hug reassures you that yes, you can do it. And I want one of those.

Even if it's from my 12-year old sister whose idea of a "problem" is whom her crush danced with during their Bequeathal Ball, I don't care. She might even ask "Bakit ka umiiyak?" not because she's genuinely concerned but just so they have something to gossip about during dinner.

You cry because your mind is begging you to do it now, but in your heart you know it WILL take time. You cry because you so desperately want it to happen, to forget, to accept, but it's not something you can do overnight. You cry because you realize some things won't wait for you forever. And that maybe, when you finally find it within yourself to make things happen, it will be too late.

That's when a hug could have been nice :)

uhumpf

Blah blah blah. Nahihiya ako. Hahahahaha.

mantra

LOVE YOURSELF. Keep repeating it until it actually gets through your head.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN YOUR OWN WAY. Say it, say it. Until you actually believe it.

unravelling the mystery

Who here has, at even one point in their lives, wondered what makes a man and a woman tick in a relationship? *raises hand*

I mean, really, men and women were created very differently, and it boggles my mind sometimes how a relationship is nurtured through the years. So anyway, I came across these helpful articles over at Yahoo! I am not sure if these are blog entries or formal articles, but some of them are pretty enlightening.

One article is entitled "What's the Difference Between Flirting and Cheating?" Now, isn't that an interesting question? Guys tend to flirt incessantly, all the time maintaining innocence and claiming that they're just making new friends. Yeah, right. Hahaha. Before you think I'm this maniac of a woman who goes berserk when my guy just so much *glances* at another girl, let me assure you, I'm not like that. Well, if he practically salivated, it might be an issue, but if it's just a casual glance, it's perfectly fine. And I'm not going through some kind of I-think-I'm-being-cheated-on type of thing either...

Here's an excerpt of that article:

My last blog entry raised the question of why
men cheat, and thousands of you weighed in--not just on the whys of
cheating, but on what, exactly, constitutes cheating. In fact, one woman said
she considers it cheating if her man so much as looks at another woman. Huh? You
mean he's not even allowed to scope, peek, glance, admire, or notice another
beautiful woman? Now, it's one thing to hold a man's words, actions, or nether
regions to a high standard. But his eyes, too? That seems to make about as much
sense as our societal obsession with Britney's apparently empty underwear
drawer.

Link to the whole article here:
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/menlovesex/6165/whats-the-difference-between-flirting-and-cheating;_ylt=AvBvuiLXnH_dIaK8dcX4ZQqrJNIF

I browsed through the comments, and this particular one struck me the most:

Hmmm... First thing. Why is the article automatically about men? Women cheat
plenty. I am a married woman of 12 years BTW. Flirting isn't cheating if it is
accepted by both partners as okay. I would say if my spouse had dinner with
another woman and hid it from me that would borderline cheating just because he
kept it from me. I have a lot of male friends and we go to dinner and for walks
and to the movies and my husband doesn't think I'm a cheater. Neither do I. We
are also both openly flirtatious but the plain and simple fact is we trust each
other and we love each other. I used to be a jealous person because I had an ex
who was controlling and jealous, without merit. I think as long as it's open,
honest and genuinely in good fun their is no harm in flirting. As for looking at
someone else. Girls get over it, we all look and just because you are married or
partnered with a person doesn't give you ownership over their thoughts. I would
be more threatened by an emotional bond stirring than I would be a passing
glance at another beautiful human being. Bottom line if you can't trust your
mate you shouldn't be in a relationship with them at all even if that means all
of the trust issues are your own. Deal with them first and then move on to a
relationship!!!

I so agree. The key here is her statement "Flirting isn't cheating if it is accepted by both partners as okay." Like I said, we were created differently - something might be okay for me but not okay for another person. You just have to agree on certain boundaries that's acceptable to both of you - never mind if other people deem it unacceptable; what matters is how you two who are IN the actual relationship perceive it. If your partner does something that offends you the slightest bit, talk to him. Talk talk talk. Make sure that you both understand why it offended you and possible "solutions."

It's just a bit refreshing to read "guy" articles every now and then, don't you think? :) We know how we girls think, that's a given. And I think it's a bit unfair when we, girls, fight with guys every single time and not even attempt to understand why they act the way they do.

inspiring..

A text message I came across with:
"Always remember that God wants nothing more than your own happiness, in fact, He wants it more than you yourself want it! Isn't that so awesome?"

It is awesome. If God Himself is in your side, what can you possibly not accomplish? If God longs for your happiness, what in the world can stop you from achieving that?

at the other side of the world

I recently read somewhere that the last quarter of 2006 was forecasted to be a period of big changes. And that 2007 will see the start of new things. I am not that keen on horoscopes or any other form of panghuhula, but this particular forecast was right on. For me, at least.

I've been to an unfamiliar place and back. Hay, New York. To some, it's the city of dreams. To some, it's just an over-hyped city somewhere in the East Coast. Before I went there, I was leaning towards the latter. I really didn't understand what could be so special about NY. If the city in question is Paris, I'd understand. But New York? Nah. All that's changed now though. Walking along the streets, you'd feel the excitement. The life. It ain't called the city-that-never-sleeps for nothing. But alongside the thrill and the buzz, the city exudes romance. Yes I know, quite unexpected, right? But I'm absolutely sure you'll agree with me when you get a chance to visit. It's precisely this stark contrast that makes New York, well, New York. Imagine Central Park and the high-rise towers of downtown Manhattan, romantic dinners for two amidst the blinding lights of Times Square. And the New Year celebration that's made New York infamous - hundreds of thousands of people, fireworks every hour, confettis, lots of woohs and aaaahs, and yet when the clock strikes 12, the greatest pleasure is being in the arms of someone you love.

Said goodbye to a love that once upon a time, defined my happiness. I grew tired of holding on when his fingers always wanted to let go. Thank you though for sharing your life with me - it was not all roses but good memories still. I say goodbye to you a bit scarred - nothing major that can't be fixed. For that, I'll be eternally grateful.

Started a new job that felt like actual construction work the first few months. It was when I felt the lowest of lows and questioned myself if I am good enough. Had I not been surrounded by an awesome group of people, I would have cracked. Thank God for wonderful friends!

2006 was anything but ordinary. All the feelings one could possibly feel, I may just have felt. Love, hurt, anxiety, joy, surprise, anger, amazement, jealousy, regret, fear, rejection, self-doubt, pride, excitement, guilt, sadness, comfort, embarassment, assurance, reassurance :), strength, conviction, longing.... Ano pa ba kulang? :)

I'll always look back to the year that was as a pleasant reminder that I AM growing up. Time to finally let go of things not meant for you, accept whatever life throws at you (and just throw a a good one back :)), and embrace LIFE, both the good and the bad, with arms wide open. I may have been hurt, but I was also loved. I may have been tested, but I was given the courage to stand up. Nobody really said it was easy, noh? But I wouldn't have it any other way too.

And just like that magnificent widescreen TV in Times Square kept on flashing: CHEERS TO 2007!

waking up

My last entry is dated November 20, 2006. Blast. So much has happened since then, I don't even know where to start :)