Pretty Please

Warning: Possible incoherent thoughts ahead.


Just when I thought everything would be smooth-sailing at work, I got a customer complaint that I'm rude. FYI, I'm only rude when provoked. Hahaha!


The problem with a people-pleaser like me is accepting the fact that we can't please everybody. That's probably why I often find myself disappointed with little things. Everyone's different and we have to adjust with each varying personality. A shallow comment for one might be offending to another.


Speaking of disappointments, there's this someone whom I try to rely on but often disappoints me. I'd like to tell myself never to make someone my priority when I'm just an option for them. I just need to please and it sucks.

Quiz: 38% stressed?

Your Stress Level is: 38%

You are slightly prone to stress, but generally you keep it under control. You know how to relax and take things as they come, even when your worlds seems to be falling apart. Occasionally, you do let yourself get stressed out, but you snap out of it pretty quickly.

How Stressed Are You?

Missing Sunday

Out of the 24 hours yesterday, I slept for about 18 hours. I didn't plan to sleep an additional 7 hours. I was supposed to go to UP Diliman to attend the NWA pictorial for the con. But my monthly cramps literally cramped my style. It was so painful I had to lay down and sleep it off. I don't take painkillers coz this happens monthly and my body might become immune to medicine. So, I just wish this doesn't happen on the con itself.


The 4th Annual Philippine Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention


Dates: July 15-16, 2006 (Sat-Sun)
Location: Rockwell Tent, Powerplant Mall, Makati City


The New Worlds Alliance (NWA), in cooperation with Fully Booked and the Rockwell Powerplant Mall brings you The 4th Annual Philippine Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention entitled "A Dream of Infinite Realities".


Join us as we celebrate imagination, creativity and passion through the various TV series and movies that we all love. Help us usher in a summer of wonder as we toast the winners of the first ever Philippine Graphic and Fiction Awards. Stretch the boundaries of your world by joining us as we explore worlds that are strange yet familiar.


All this and many more await you on the 15th and the 16th of July at the Rockwell Tent. Hours are from 10am to 12 midnight each day.


I hope this is gonna be it. It's gonna be on my birth month (again, like the Gaiman event). Hope to see you there!

Anansi in the House

This is interesting. I usually take long baths and the one I had this morning was even longer than usual. I nearly had a heart attack when I saw this crawling near the faucet.



taken using my old Nokia 6610i


I don't know what the scientific name is. I just know that this is a common household spider and it's not poisonous. I don't think I have arachnophobia too. Nevertheless, I didn't dare touch it. It's not yet fully grown coz I've seen bigger ones but it still creeped me out. So knowing this, I doubt Ron Weasley is ever gonna visit our house... ever. Hahaha! I hope next time it's gonna be Spiderman (Tobey Maguire?) hanging out in our bathroom. Hahaha!

Balance

I just realized that when something (or someone?) seems to be missing in one aspect of your life, God (or Fate if you wanna put it that way) finds a way to make it up to you by filling other aspects of your life. I felt it today. I'm grateful for it.

I'm flattered!

According to this:

CANCER:
Recent changes have given you more responsibility. Don't be worried -- be flattered! Flattering situations have been popping up all over the place, although they haven't all been terribly obvious. Today take a second look at recent events and see them for what they really are -- proof that you rock! Added responsibility is a sure sign that you are making a strong, positive impression on the right people. All you need to do right now is stick with your routine and channel any nervousness into positive energy. Believe in yourself -- everyone else does!

Geez... I never expected it. It actually weirded me out being the top of about 122 operators. Who would've thought? I guess hard work really pays off. Hard work plus inspiration, that is. I'm just grateful for the blessings-- my family, friends and all the lessons learned. This somehow gives me more motivation to work harder. Smile.

The Da Vinci Code

[SPOILERS]
[SPOILERS]
[SPOILERS]


The movie did not disappoint me. Not at all. I guess having read the book a long time ago helped coz I didn't get to compare each nitty-gritty detail to Ron Howard's adaptation. It was long and winding and boring for some, especially during slow-paced conversations but for me, that was the most important part. Maybe "Angels and Demons" (another Dan Brown book) can be an action-packed, fast-paced one, but this book is more on giving out information. That's what I expected and that's what I got.





While watching the movie, there were times when I think about "A Beautiful Mind", another Ron Howard Academy Award winning masterpiece. I guess it's because of the special effects used like when Robert Langdon decodes the message or deciphers the symbols. I like that and I like the flashbacks too. Oh and not to mention Paul Bettany's presence. Speaking of Paul Bettany, I applaud him for his Silas portrayal. I pity him they way I pitied Silas in the book and I guess that's one way to know if an actor did a good job. His death may be abrupt but those moments of pain from memories and self-flagellation are very moving. At least now I see Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon (not just because of his Mickey Mouse watch mind you), although I still wish they would have "improved" his hairstyle. Audrey Tautou is very pretty indeed and is physically perfect for the role but I think the role needed more of her acting skills. Maybe that's why they complemented each other. Tom has the acting skills and Audrey has the beauty. Haha! Now, Sir Ian McKellen as Sir Lee Teabing is perfect. I can't think of any other actor who can play Teabing better. He brings a mix of drama, innocence, comedy, evil and sometimes gay moments (which I love) all rolled into one superb performance.





I wish they focused more on Bishop Aringarosa (played by Alfred Molina) and Bezu Fache (played by Jean Reno). The movie seems hurried that's why the ending is not as loyal to the book as we would have liked. It could have been more dramatic if Neveu found her brother and grandmother and Jacques Sauniere remained to be her grandfather, not just the grandmaster of the Priori of Sion and the curator of the Louvre. But like most movies based on books, time is of the essence. They can't cram everything in one movie. What they showed me is enough for me to hope that if they make another Dan Brown book adaptation, I'd still want Ron Howard to direct it.

Quiz: Ocean Blue

You are Ocean Blue

You're both warm and practical. You're very driven, but you're also very well rounded. You tend to see both sides to every issue, and people consider you a natural diplomat.

What Color Blue Are You?

Da Vinci Weekend

Why do I tire myself by being awake for 24 hours straight after my Friday shift despite my mother's worried reminders? Because I love the feeling when I finally get to sleep at night. (I work the graveyard shift.) I miss sleeping when it's dark so I treasure that moment when I finally rest my head on my pillow and my aching body on my very own bed and everything's dark and our stars in the ceiling are glowing. I love it!


Today is family day. I have saved some money and already reserved tickets for "The Da Vinci Code" tonight. We are going to the movies as a family again. The last movie we saw together was "The Passion of the Christ". I am going to treasure this day as well.


I have heard several movie reviews about DVC. I even have an officemate who fell asleep during the movie! It was after her shift and she hasn't read the book so maybe those are two of the reasons why. I didn't finish rereading the book because someone borrowed it. It's ok, I am just looking forward to watching it.

My Ideal Pet?

Your Ideal Pet is a Cat

You're both aloof, introverted, and moody. And your friends secretly wish that you were declawed!

What's Your Ideal Pet?

Hmmm... and I don't even like cats.

my deepest sympathies

To Mama Gene (her family and loved-ones) for the passing of her beloved mother. May your mother's soul rest in peace.

Quiz: Type A- Personality

You Have A Type A- Personality

You are one of the most balanced people around Motivated and focused, you are good at getting what you want You rule at success, but success doesn't rule you. When it's playtime, you really know how to kick back Whether it's hanging out with friends or doing something you love! You live life to the fullest - encorporating the best of both worlds

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

Mama's Day

To all mother's out there, Happy Mother's Day!


Here's my own Mama and the gifts we bought her for her day.



taken using my good ol' Nokia 6110i


We bought her indoor plants as she requested. She and my father have green thumbs. We have lots of plants outside our apartment. I think I didn't get that skill coz even mongo sprouts die in my hands. Haha!


Here's another shot:



taken using my good ol' Nokia 6110i


Glad she loved them! :)

Ice Queen Meltdown

Contrary to popular notion, I am no ice queen. I am quite easy to please. Just give me attention, time, sincerity, honesty and a good conversation over free food (hehe!) and I'll crumble into pieces. I'm ok now. We're ok now. The first rain of May poured yesterday. Despite marking the end of summer, the rain doesn't depress me. It's refreshing actually. Better day sleep for us night owls. It is still raining now and I'm looking forward to a long weekend for me.


P.S.
So when will the MTRCB rate The Da Vinci Code so we can start reserving tickets?!

Quiz: She-brained

Your Brain is 67% Female, 33% Male

Your brain leans female You think with your heart, not your head Sweet and considerate, you are a giver But you're tough enough not to let anyone take advantage of you!

What Gender Is Your Brain?

keeping it together

I took this quiz a few months ago...



Karen Kristie, Having Alone Time renews your spirit
In our fast-paced, round-the-clock world, we often forget to schedule time with the most important person of all: ourselves. And for free spirits like you, alone time is the precious commodity you need to relax, refuel, and rejuvenate. Whether it's a leisurely walk around the block or a cup of coffee at a quaint cafe, a solo outing is sure to refresh your outlook and renew your spirit. It also makes the return to daily life and other people that much sweeter. So, what are you waiting for? Make an appointment for some quality one-on-one time!


I'm still here in the Cafe. I needed a few moments on my own. I'm sipping hot capuccino although I know I needed something to calm my nerves. I nearly got hit by an SUV earlier. I was crossing the street with another woman. I don't know why there are drivers who accelerate despite knowing that there are human beings crossing in front of them. I also don't know why policemen still direct traffic despite the traffic lights. It just makes life more complicated than it is. Alright, so I'm glad I'm not in the hospital ER or dead. The woman just told me people like that driver deserve bad karma. I couldn't agree more.


I am still confused with whatever is happening to my so-called love life now. We still haven't seen each other because we cannot agree on a schedule to meet up. Then today, I learned that his uncle died and he might be going to Davao one of these days. So much for wanting time together. So much for making a decision.

To Singlehood?

This is the probably the longest argument we've had in three years. I don't like him pretending everything's fine when it's not. If what we have isn't worthy of an effort, what's the use of keeping this in the first place? I know at my age I shouldn't be shooing men away. But if they disappoint me like this then might as well be single.

What goes around...

...comes around. Truly. I hailed a cab on my way home. The tax driver waved at me as a signal that he was waiting for me to get in. I was about to open the back door (driver's side) when he signaled for me to stop. He didn't want me to get in. I was confused and realized why when I glanced on the opposite passenger door. A couple of foreigners wanted to get in as well. Since, I think, they were Mormon missionaries, I gave way. There were lots of cabs around since it was rush hour at about 9AM in Makati. I didn't mind.





It didn't matter that I was the one who hailed the cab. What I didn't like was the fact that the driver was frantically hand-signaling me to stop opening the passenger door because he obviously preferred to have foreign passengers, probably thought they'd give him a bigger tip or if he's lucky, give him foreign currency. What an asshole.


Good thing the other foreign guy saw me and realized what happened. They didn't ride that cab as well. They hailed another one. In the end, that greedy prick of a driver didn't have any passengers. Hah!

Are You Hot?

You Are More Mild Than Wild

You're confident, and you really aren't concerned with how "hot" you are. Other people's ideas of what's sexy don't concern you. And this is exactly what makes you attractive.

Are You Hot?

Bitchin' About the Beach

I tried to send another mobile blog entry last Sunday but it seems like my mobile email service provider isn't working right. I should have trusted my instincts. I knew something's gonna happen. I was glad it was not really bad (from my point of view), but it was something I wanna forget. I just wanna remember the good stuff from that outing. I wish I could but I know it's gonna be an infamous one.


Let me just say, after getting lost and going through a very dangerous path, we were led to a place that was way below our expectations. Everyone was tired and hungry and sleepy, especially those who still came from Friday shift. I promised myself I don't want to rant about the specific things that happened. I'm gonna keep that promise.


I just realized a few things. The beach has always been a haven for me ever since I was a kid. Growing up in Bacolod City and visiting to relatives in Iloilo and Negros Occidental, my family often go to the beach during celebrations like birthdays. I would always look forward to that especially during summer vacation from school. Kids always have fun. Why? They don't expect much. They see happiness in little things and have fun in many different ways. They don't think about the problems that go with planning a trip-- expenses, travel, time, food and yes, even companions. Children don't care what other people think. As long as they can play, they're happy. As adults, we tend to make everything perfect. If things don't go our way, we get mad. We find ways to blame someone or anyone. Sometimes, things get out of control. So tell me, what is the purpose of complaining about the things we cannot control? Why don't we find a way to make the best of what we have? Why can't we throw away the sarcasm and look at the brighter side of things and at least enjoy the moment? In the end, we just end up getting more wrinkles on our faces and more bitterness in our hearts. That's why I miss being a kid. I miss that time when little things make one happy.


At least I can say I got great pics and I am still happy I was able to go to the beach. I know I won't be bitching about that. Click the picture to view online album.