One Call for Alcohol

Some people drown themselves in alcohol to forget about problems. I heard before in school that there was a scientific study about the presence of alcohol in the brain. The study showed that alcohol would actually help make the brain remember more. That's why people who drink alcohol would actually think more of their problems and remember more memories and therefore, make them more depressed. I can't remember that study's title, but it's probably true. I mean, why would people still cry, shout and swear (and sometimes shamelessly sing out of tune) when they're drunk? Oh well. It's the sharing of thoughts and stories, the venting opportunities, the bonding moments and the company that really matter.



cheers!


I am an occasional drinker. I haven't been drunk in my life (I promise!) and it took me about 3 or 4 tries of tasting mixed drinks and/or light beer way back in college to finally let my system get used to it. I got alcohol allergies and it took time for my skin not to feel itchy and show red blotches.



mga tomador


Last Saturday, a couple of college buddies and I drank 2 whole pitchers of Zombie. I was surprised I wasn't even tipsy. I guess it was a bit mild. Yesterday, I met with some friends from the office, ate brunch and drank a glass of Zombie (again) while they got drunk on Weng Weng and Red Horse/San Mig Light. I am sick and am sane enough to limit myself to just 1 glass because I wanna go home alive and sober. Haha! It was fun though. That drinking session was after our shift so we were all drinking alcohol between 9 AM to 1 PM. Haha! Yeah, we, night workers, have a weird schedule to keep. We need that sometimes just to break the boring cycle. A few of us didn't mind the hangover. I guess it was worth it. Some of us have our own "issues" to share and I guess having alcohol in the system makes one a bit more daring to open up. I am not a beer drinker. I just drink up to 2 bottles of San Mig Light and that's all. I still prefer mixed drinks. No, I am not becoming an alcoholic. I just thought this deserves a blog entry because I've been drinking for the past 2 Saturdays now (and will probably drink again during Sponge Cola's gig on Wednesday in Malate). It's a record-breaker.



inuman na!


Glad it's my day off and I'm going to get some much-needed sleep. Have a great weekend everyone!


Click to view online album.

Snape's Worst Memory

Just wanted to share this to fellow Harry Potter fans, especially those who haven't seen them yet. Hehe! Remember that chapter in the book when we realize there is a reason behind Prof. Snape's "dark and brooding" persona and why he "hated" Harry a lot?




Young Snape and his book




Young Marauders
(Guess who?)


Gaah! I can't wait for July!

Hibernate?

You Can Change Your Life

You've probably already improved your life a great deal, and you're no stranger to change. You're able to make very difficult changes in your life. It's all about state of mind. And even if you have some trouble changing, you're smart enough to get support or take a different approach. So go ahead and dare to make things better. You know you can do it!

Can You Change Your Life?

What if humans can hibernate? Imagine just sleeping like 2 or 3 months off and then waking up and going back to the usual routine. Wouldn't that be great?! I'd probably lose weight despite the non-activity. There won't be work too! Woohoo! Oh well, if only time is not essential. This is a fast-paced world. I don't know if it's because technology gives us a lot of things to do or because I'm in my 20's that's why my calendar is always almost full. *sigh*


It just goes to show man's lifespan is not long enough for God to allow human hibernation. I'm rambling here. Forgive me for not making sense. I just feel tired. I guess I need that change now.

Grounded

You Are Pretty Happy

You generally have a happy, fulfilling life. But things could be a little better, and deep down, you know it. Maybe you need more supportive friends or a more challenging career. Something is preventing you from being totally happy. You just need to figure out what it is!

How Happy Are You, Really?

Am I happy?
Maybe not
But I never want to lose what I've got
I wouldn't trade it
For anything dear to my heart*


I have always believed that being with friends who love me for who I am makes me stay grounded. I don't have to pretend to be someone I'm not. I don't need to create lies or exaggerate stories just to impress them. I don't need to make an extra effort to belong because being with real friends gives me a sense of comfort and a feeling of being "at home".


I have a set of close friends at work. They make the long, grueling hours of my shift worth it whenever we get to share some stories and laughs at the end of the day. They are the ones who can listen to me when I need to rant and vent about issues concerning work and family as well. A good thing about my friends at work is we get to know the real person behind the character we show in the office. I miss out of town trips with them too.



"Bear family": Welcome to the Black Parade
More pictures here.


I also have friends in my "geeky circle" in NWA where I am a part of a lot of groups. People call us weird, nerds, geeks or whatever but when we get together during conventions or meetings, I feel I belong. These friends understand why I have to squeal or sigh everytime my fave sci-fi/fantasy hero comes on screen or why I can't wait for the next episode of "Lost" or next installment of a certain movie. They understand why I need to discuss events in a book or a movie or a TV program or why I call my collectibles and books "my preciousss". They understand and they don't judge. That's why I'm looking forward to the next NWA Sci-Fi and Fantasy Convention this July. NWA Events photo albums here.


Sometimes the weather can be rain
Now when will there be sunny again
Behind the clouds on the line
It's just another sunny day...*


Change is a part of growing up and getting old. The good thing about keeping friends is that whatever changes I go through and whoever I become, they'll accept me for who I am. Last month, I met with a couple of close friends from college. I can say they are two of the people who knew me when I was growing up and struggling with the toxicity of college life in UP-CAMP. I'm glad to say they still know me now that we're nearing our 30's... Aaack! Time flies fast! We plan on having this mini-reunion every month and I hope this pushes through. Right now, we hope that we'll get to have some bonding time out of town just to escape the rat race in the city.



after 2 pitchers of Zombie
More pictures here.


I am always grateful I have friends, wherever they may be and whatever they may do.


The pop of the cork and
The clink of the glass
We toast to the future and
We drink to the past
It might not be easy but nevertheless
These are the best days of our lives
These are the times that we'll never forget
These are the best days of our lives.*


* "Best Days" by Juice

Barenaked Launch

Ten minutes of being on stage in his birthday suit, Daniel Radcliffe makes news again according to this article. Well, I do wish Daniel all the luck. Let's not judge the actor, he's already of-age to decide which characters he would love to play and his choice to be a part of the "Equus" play is a brave thing to do, IMHO.


Equus Photoshoot album updated.



pic taken from Daily Mail


Hogwarts Philippines will be having a Book Launch for the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" on July 21, 2007 in Fully Booked, The Fort. Book reservations will be accepted starting Monday, 19 February, 2007. Rough estimate cost of the book is P1,700. Reservation fee is P500. Reservations will be given a discount. Probably 10% but not sure yet. Reserved books can be claimed at 7:01 AM in Fully Booked, The Fort and other "launch points". Please wait for further announcements.

Music and Lyrics

This movie is sweet and funny. The plot is simple and a bit predictable, but Hugh Grant's and Drew Barrymore's tandem is quite refreshing in the romantic comedy department. I knew Hugh can dance but I can't believe he can sing! Drew Barrymore is as charming as ever. The songs are catchy and I like "Way Back Into Love". So, single or not, if you're a bit of a romantic and are looking for a simple, funny, feel-good and "kilig" story, this is a must-see not just on Valentine's Day. =)

V-Day Thoughts

I got no time for blogging lately. I've been doing most of the housechores since Mama left and it's too exhausting doing them after work.


Work's been a pain in the ass lately. Aside from the usual stress-triggering nature of some calls, my headset got stolen. They said I lost it but I knew I didn't misplace it. I've had that for about 2 years now and every operator on the floor has his or her own headset. Who would have thought leaving it in the pantry would tempt someone to steal it? I would want to think that it was mistakenly used by another operator but I never thought being too trusting would make me pay. Literally. They want me to pay almost P8,000 (salary deduction) because of that. I was so mad I cried. it's not a cheap price to pay. I hated that. I guess I just need to get a breather (again). This too shall pass.


On the lighter side of things, I had a lunch date today. Yay! Go me! Actually, I never thought I'd be up and about on Valentine's Day because I believe it's too commercialized and overrated (especially in the malls). It was actually a surprise from someone special. I didn't even have a gift. Haha! Oh well, I can give gifts any time I want and not just on Valentines, right? Maybe once the flowers get cheaper. Haha! I don't wanna get mushy-mushy over it although I have to admit it was really touching. I wish to experience more of those simple joys.





I just remembered, way back in high school, I imagined myself to be married at age 27 or 28. Geez... I'll be turning 27 in the next few months (hint if you need one: when Harry Potter hits the bookstores and cinemas). I cannot... again, CANNOT imagine being married in the near future. I'm too young (at heart) for that! Oh well, it goes to show perceptions and plans change. Don't get me wrong, I have someone special, boys who are friends, crushes and all that. I still wanna grow old with someone one day but I don't wanna get hitched yet. I'm keeping an open mind. I mean, I haven't even (seriously) introduced anyone to my parents yet. I know conservatives out there would ask why and I have many reasons but the main thing is I am not ready for marriage yet. I will only introduce a man to my parents once I know he is the man I wanna spend the rest of my life with.


As of now, I'm ok with where I am. I am not in a rush to get married. I still have time before I go through menopause. Haha! My biological clock is not ticking yet. I have so many things I wanna do first for myself and for my family. I don't see marriage as an end goal but a beginning of a new chapter in life. I guess I am enjoying this chapter too much for me to take my time and not hurry up. As long as I know I love and am being loved by a lot of people, yes, including my friends, family and relatives, I'm happy. That's all that matters right now.


Happy Hearts' Day everyone!


P.S.
work+play photo album updated.

The Love Month

I don't know if it's just the time of the year. Maybe February gives this sort of weird feeling in the air. Maybe it's the cold weather. I don't really know. Lately, I kept reading and hearing (and even listening to rants) about love. That 4-letter word has been given a lot of definitions in the English language-- both good and bad. Some say love, like life, is unfair. Some say it's the most wonderful feeling in the world. I say it's all a matter of perspective. It can make us stupid. It can make us numb. It can make a strong person cry and a proud person crawl. It can break hearts and tear relationships apart. Some brave mountains and seas to find it. Others bare their souls to keep it.





But why do we still long to love and be loved? Maybe because it's what makes us real. Maybe because it helps us know who we are and what we are capable of. It may sound cliche but love can make or break a man. No, I am not just talking of romantic love. I'm referring to love in general. We can either let love step on us, bury us underground and ruin our lives or make us stronger, wiser and better persons. It's all a matter of choice.


So, single or not, I hope you all have a happy (and not-so-commercialized if we can avoid it) Love Month!

Read Together

We went there yesterday and we had a lot of fun. We attended the NWA lecture in the afternoon and practically hung out near the NWA booth the whole time. It was really nice seeing all those familiar faces again. I can't wait for the next con. I heard it's gonna be in July. Whoopee!



New Worlds Alliance


More pics here.

Dan Bares It All

Due to insistent public demand, here are the "Equus" photoshoot pics. For those of you who don't know what "Equus" is. It's a stage play Daniel Radcliffe will play a part in. No, he won't be Harry Potter-y there. He's all grown up. He's a man. Oh yeah! More info here and here. All photos taken from this group's album. Here's a sample:



dontcha wish you were a horse?


Oh and it's official. JK Rowling announced that "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", the 7th and last book in the Harry Potter series, will be released on July 21, 2007. The last time we're gonna take a glimpse into this wizarding world. *sniff*


The movie "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" will be shown on July 11, 2007 (a day after my birthday!) Don't you just love July and 2007? Hehe!