The Rise of Nine

The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

WARNING: May contain SPOILERS.
WARNING: May contain SPOILERS.
WARNING: May contain SPOILERS.

I have read three books of the Lorien Legacies and so far, this is the book I really want to see being adapted into a movie. I started reading the book and even though its pace is fast and the story is action-packed, I couldn't help but procrastinate. When I got to the middle part though, I couldn't let it go. I wish I could read straight up to book 6 and know who indeed is Pittacus among all the Garde and who would end up killing Setrákus Ra.

I like the way the author does not forget that these are alien kids who are similar to human teenagers. They probably have hormone rushes, too. I like the way Seven kissed Eight and then said, "There's no time like the present!" I like the way Four finally found Sarah. I hope they also find Sam, so Six can have her share of the love bug. I am also interested who Nine would end up with and how they would be able to find Five. Is Five a he or a she? Is there still a living Cêpan left to help them?

The thing about reading a book series is that there is a possibility for the author to lose his grip on the story. There are instances when a reader gets lost in a lot of useless information and unimportant characters. I hope this author would keep the momentum going and would formulate an ending that would not be a disappointment. I have high hopes for this series. As long as the books maintain their being unpredictable, I believe they will remain appealing to its readers. =)

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Big Bang Alive Galaxy Tour 2012

Fan-girling after the concert.

I got a week off work. From all the weeks this year, I chose this week because October 24 is Big Bang day. I saw four of the five boys July of last year during the Korean Music Wave Singapore. Seeing them again did not make the experience less enjoyable. It was actually a memorable one because (1) they are complete, (2) they are in my home country, and (3) I was able to share this experience with fellow Pinoy VIP's.

Since words cannot explain how I felt before, after and during the concert itself, below are my favorite memories captured in photos and videos.

Two of my favorite shots from the Big Bang Official Facebook page:

Big Bang opening song

Filipino VIP's at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

Here is the official encore video from the Big Bang Official Youtube page from Seungri's point of view:

My fantastic babies! 
Seungri's panda gift at 00:03 . Little dragon at 00:36 . Half-naked and dancing YB at 01:03 . Choom TOP at 01:38 . Jiyong kiss at 01:59(mwah!). Wet Daesung at 02:53 . I think I saw a blurry me at 03:12 (OMG!!!). "Salamat" and "Mahal ko kayo" at 03:59 .

This is the "Cafe" video my sister took:

Last but not the least, this is one of my favorite "goosebumps" moments during the concert. All my feels just happened. T_T
[Note: This video is not mine.]

Filipino VIP's don't do fan chants. We sing the whole song! ^^

If you are a friend on Facebook, my sister uploaded an album of the shots we took. Please click this link to view the album. Yes, I am grateful to the people who made this possible. You know who you are. =)

Crying Over 501

I bought a pair of these a few years back. It was a tight fit but since I swore to lose weight, I still bought one despite it being pricey for my income. I saved up. If there is such a thing as a "dream jeans", this is probably it. Button-fly. 501. Levi's.

I've lost a few pounds for the past months and I have been able to wear this pair (even with a belt) and I couldn't have been any prouder. I love the fit and the comfort. I love the style.

A couple of days ago, by some mean circumstance, this pair ended up in my brother's closet. It was probably misplaced. Due to a lapse of judgement on his part, my brother thought this was my cousin's old pair of jeans. My cousin used to live with us but he has been away for a long time. Without asking anyone, he went to the local tailor and cut my pair of Levi's so he can wear it as a below-the-knee shorts (sort of board shorts for his highly-anticipated beach vacation a few weeks from now). Since he has been busy in the gym for his beach escapade, he was able to fit his waist into my jeans! Without knowing the pair is mine, he flaunted the shorts and I was aghast! No, I really can't imagine how I felt the moment I laid my eyes on the pair I know so well. There was a moment of panic, then silence, immediately followed by a severe headache. I can see his reaction when I tried to explain it to him-- those are my pair of dream jeans! I would never be able to get something like that again. Ever. I know he was sorry, but I can't help it. It was his birthday a few days ago and I was thinking of something positive like giving the jeans to him as a birthday present but no...

I cried. I spent my entire Sunday thinking about it. I cried and cried until I fell asleep and I dreamed about Levi's jeans.

P.S.

I hope blogging about it would help me get over it. That happened a couple of days ago. I get similar reactions from my friends-- pity combined with giggles. I even got the same reaction from my mother! Either I am overreacting or they just don't get what it means to have something I wanted and worked hard to get. =(