Friday, February 24, 2006

Kingdom Anime-lia

Last Saturday, I drove my sister to UST and became her "julalay" (as one of the organizers of the Tomasinotaku cosplay coined the companions of the cosplayers). I was an all around driver, yaya, P.A., as much as I hate to admit it... to put it simply, a julalay.

We were set out to bake in the sun as we waited for the cosplayers only to find out that the cosplayers were sent to a death march. Under the midnoon sun, they were asked to parade around UST, wearing their leatherette costumes and colorful wigs and heavy make-up portraying the anime characters they so loved as they marched. I admired their immense dedication. They did this without complaining. While our brains got fried both from the glaring sun and the host basking in the coerced attantion we give him.

The event was poorly organized. They did not know how to handle the big number of cosplayers and the participants as well. Some of the organizers from Hero TV were very rude to the cosplayers. The contests were poorly organized particularly the Fan Art contest.

The event started at 9am for us and ended at half past seven. The bands were not good enough for my sister and so we left.

I am very impressed with the founder of Tomasinotaku as he demonstrated leadership by example. He was very visible throughout the event and he also cleaned the area himself. I marveled at the structures that they have there. The comfort rooms wreaked but the gazebos and the comfortable and cozy surroundings made up for it.

I was very exhausted but I was happy that my sister had fun. In spite my immense exhaustion and lack of sleep, I agreed to meet up with my beau who was also very tired since he was coming from Calamba, Laguna. We had my already favorite... Ice Monster... I love their Strawberry Ice and hung out. We saw the band and took some pictures of random objects and faces.

We were also together the night before. We saw Brokeback Mountain... forgive me... but I did not find it interesting. Apparently I was not the only one... the couple in front of us were making out with a capital M... Maniacal... and a capital A... animalistic... I did not know people really did that in cinemas! They did not finish the film. I cannot say the same for the couple beside us who were lovingly stroking one another... oh I forgot to mention... they're both anatomically, males. 70% of the people who watched belonged to the third sex.

So there... My back is hurting really bad so I think I will end this first. I don't know what is up with my body... Am stressed... why? I will reveal in a few more blogs.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

The Road Less Never Travelled

Growing up is inevitable. The only comfort that I find in doing so right now is that I do not have to do it alone. I have an amazing companion. It helps to know that I am not alone in the decisions that I face. Though in the end, the decisions are still mine to make, it helps to have someone right behind you, cheering you on. Trusting that someone will catch your fall is difficult but I think I have learned to do that.

Last Tuesday, I have decided to put on my hiking boots, packed my backpack and started hiking up a trail I am unaware of. I wanted to explore and find out if I can make it on my own. I wanted to know how freedom felt atop a mountain with no conveniences of modern civilization. I just, for once, want to experience it as others my age, are already beginning to. The climb won't be an easy one, the look of it, and the tales of the people who have been there are enough to scare me. Yet amidst the uncertainty of it all, I want to try. I would get scrapes, here and there, bruises even, a few slips, but I know in my heart, I will stand up.

As I was contemplating on the journey I was about to take. It was a load off my shoulders when somebody tapped my shoulder asking if a companion might be welcome. I was more than glad to have a hand I can hold on to when the path may seem too slippery, or the rocks may look so dangerously sharp or the climbs overly steep. Having someone along will make it more worthwhile, adding fun to an otherwise arduous exodus.

And so as we begin our first few steps into the unknown, I lift up to the Lord our unsure steps, that He may guide us to where we should go. May we not stray from the path He has so lovingly prepared for us. Bless this journey Lord, for this journey is for You. You can see more up there so it will help us if you can coach us every now and then. We'll be tuning in on you. I am praying fervently that we have everything we need to reach the mountain top. Whatever we may lack Lord, please provide for us as You always do.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Another Day in a Dream Called Life

My eyes were still swollen after having come from a bad spat with my mother when he texted me an instruction to peek in the peep hole. Seeing him was such a ray of light amidst my storm. He made me smile. He pulled me to the side after I stepped out of the unit. It was then that I saw the bouquet of flowers hidden. I let out a yelp because I was unexpecting the flowers. I just came out of a spat and right then just a hug would have done the trick.



Valentine's Bouquet Posted by Picasa


Indiscreet Valentine's Bears Posted by Picasa

I guess I was unable to show my appreciation much because he thought I did not like the bouquet that much. Truth be told, I loved them, they were a bunch of gerberas and roses and a couple of bears hugging each other tight. It was the cutest bouquet I have ever gotten. It was unfortunate that I failed to take a nice picture of them.

He wanted to give me the flowers when the clock struck twelve! Isn't he the sweetest? He hasn't had any dinner when he delivered the flowers.

The following day, my eyes were so swollen, my students thought I had a bad break up the night before. I was able to get through my only class... after which I had to head home to prepare my surprise for him.

The surprise never materialized though... Oh well... Maybe next time. I had to rush to the nearest mall to remedy the boo boo that I did. We met up at around thirty minutes past seven to go to their house and get his car. It was his color coding day and so we had to get his car first.

While in the bus, he brought out a gift wrapped in bond paper. He made me promise first not to laugh. It seemed like a CD so I was wondering why he was so worried that I might laugh. I opened the gift and true enough, it was a CD. It said...

Serenades From My Heart

You
Hero
Ordinary Song
Naaalala Ka
Wherever You Will Go
One in a Million You
Closer You and I


These are the songs that he sings to me at Videoke sessions. I was flattered. I proceeded to open the jewel case curious of the inlay card. Inside, there was a picture of the two of us from our 9th month celebration. I then diverted my attention to the CD. A line caught my eye, Sing Like a Pro!!!. I wondered... I thought that was unusual for a blank CD to say... and then I looked at the bigger label... Karaoke King! It took me a split second to get all giddy and excited! I could not wait to hear the CD! He is soh cute!!! I can't believe how creative he was. How many guys can come up with such an idea? How many guys can muster the courage to do this? And then I thought about how people would gather around the booth everytime somebody would sing... I cannot imagine what he subjected himself into. The risk he took so he can come up with such a thoughtful gift. This is definitely going to my iPod.

I got to listen to the CD when we were at his house. Every part of me wished that every word is indeed how he feels about me.

We proceeded to West Gate after we got his car. We saw his former boss at Amkor with his new team. I saw a grade school classmate with her parents, a yaya and a toddler. I wondered if that was her kid. My boyfriend thinks that was her kid. I was amazed at how she has a kid already. I wondered if I could have one of my own too and if I could manage to take good care of a child.

We got to eat a lot... Darn. I must shed some extra pounds. We were serenaded by a group after we ate. It was really nice. What makes it soh nice is that I was with my baby! After dinner we headed to Starbucks to hang out for a while. We talked about what we have observed about Valentine's Day and I told him about how much I loathed the day before.

I had a great time! Yesterday was the best Valentine's Day! Then again, everyday seems like Valentine's Day with my baby around.

Thanks love!

Ordinary Song
Just an ordinary song
To a special girl like you
From a simple guy
Who's so in love with you

I may not have much to show
No diamonds a glow
No limousines
To take you where you go

But if you ever find yourself
Tired of all the games you play
When all the world seems so unfair
You can count on me to stay
Just take sometime to lend an ear
To this ordinary song

Just an ordinary song
To a special girl like you
From a simple guy
Who's so in love with you

I don't even have the looks
To make you glance my way
The clothes I wear
May just seem so absurd

But deep inside of me is you
You give life to what I do
All those years may see you thru
Still I'll be waiting here for you
If you have time
Pls lend an ear to this ordinary song

Just an ordinary song
To a special girl like you
From a simple guy
Who's so in love with you..

One in a Million You
Love has played its games on me so long.
I started to believe I'd never find anyone,
that could try to convince me to give in.
Said you can't win.

But one day the sun came shining through.
The rain had stopped, and the skies were blue.
And oh, what a revelation to see...
someone was saying "I love you" to me.

One in a million, chance of a lifetime.
Life showed compassion,
and sent to me a stroke of luck called you...
a one in a million you.

I was a lonely man with empty arms to fill.
Until I found a piece of paradise to call my own.
And life is worth living again.
For, to love you, to me, is to live.

Wherever You Will Go
So lately, I've been wonderin
Who will be there to take my place
When I'm gone, you'll need love
To light the shadows on your face
If a great wave should fall
It would fall upon us all
And between the sand and stone
Could you make it on your own

[Chorus:]
If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go

And maybe, I'll find out
The way to make it back someday
To watch you, to guide you
Through the darkest of your days
If a great wave should fall
It would fall upon us all
Well I hope there's someone out there
Who can bring me back to you

[Chorus]

Runaway with my heart
Runaway with my hope
Runaway with my love

I know now, just quite how
My life and love might still go on
In your heart and your mind
I'll stay with you for all of time

[Chorus]

If I could turn back time
I'll go wherever you will go
If I could make you mine
I'll go wherever you will go

You
You give me hope,
The strength, the will to keep on;
No one else can make me feel this way
And only you
Can bring out all the best I can do;
I believe you turn the tide
And make me feel real good inside.

You pushed me up
When I'm about to give up;
You're on my side when no one seems to listen
And if you go,
You know the tears can't help but show
You'll break this heart and tear it apart;
Then suddenly the madness starts

CHORUS:
It's your smile,
Your face, your lips that I miss,
Those sweet little eyes that stare at me
And make me say,
I'm with you through all the way.

'Cause it's you
Who fills the emptiness in me;
It changes ev'rything, you see,
When I know I've got you with me

You pushed me up
When I'm about to give up;
You're on my side when no one seems to listen
And if you go,
You know the tears can't help but show
You'll break this heart and tear it apart;
Then suddenly the madness starts

CHORUS:
It's your smile,
Your face, your lips that I miss,
Those sweet little eyes that stare at me
And make me say,
I'm with you through all the way.

'Cause it's you
Who fills the emptiness in me;
It changes ev'rything, you see,
When I know I've got you with me.

It's your smile,
Your face, your lips that I miss,
Those sweet little eyes that stare at me
And make me say,
I'm with you through all the way.

'Cause it's you
Who fills the emptiness in me;
It changes ev'rything, you see,
When I know I've got you with me.

Hero
(Whispered) Let me be your hero

Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
Would you run and never look back
Would you cry if you saw me crying
Would you save my soul tonight?

Would you tremble if I touched your lips?
Would you laugh oh please tell me these
Now would you die for the one you love?
Hold me in your arms tonight?

(Chorus)
I can be you hero baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away

Would you swear that you'll always be mine?
Would you lie would you run away
Am I in to deep?
Have I lost my mind?
I don't care you're here tonight

Chorus

I just want to hold you (2x)
Am I in too deep?
Have I lost my mind?
Well I don't care you're here tonight

Chorus (2x)

You can take my breath my breath away
I can be your hero

Naaalala Ka
Kay sarap ng may minamahal
Ang daigdig ay may kulay at buhay
At kahit na may pagkukulang ka
Isang halik mo lang limot ko na

Kay sarap ng may minamahal
Asahan mong pag-ibig ko'y tunay
Ang nais ko'y laging kapiling ka
Alam mo bang tanging ligaya ka?

Sa tuwina'y naaalala ka
Sa pangarap laging kasama ka
Ikaw ang ala-ala sa 'king pag-iisa
Wala nang iibigin pang iba

Oh, naaalala ka
Sa pangarap laging kasama ka
Ikaw ang ala-ala sa 'king pag-iisa
Wala nang iibigin pang iba...

Closer You and I
Hey, there's a look in your eyes
Must be love at first sight
You were just part of a dream
Nothing more so it seemed
But my love couldn't wait much longer
Just can't forget the picture of your smile
'Coz everytime I close my eyes
You come alive

The closer I get to touching you
The closer I get to loving you
Give it a time
Just a little more time
We'll be together
Every little smile
That special smile
The twinkle in your eye
In a little while
Give it a time
Just a little more time
So we can get closer
You and I

Then could I love you more
So much stronger than before
Why does it seem like a dream
So much more so it seems
I guess I found my inspiration
With just one smile, you take my breath away
So hold me close
And say you'll stay with me now

The closer I get to touching you
The closer I get to loving you
Give it a time
Just a little more time
We'll be together
Every little smile
That special smile
The twinkle in your eye
In a little while
Give it a time
Just a little more time
So we can get closer
You and I


Friday, February 10, 2006

Who Moved My Cheese?

Who Moved My Cheese?

Have you read this book? You probably have read this already months ago, but I only got to read this yesterday. I can't say it's something new because I have been doing just what the book states. Not because I already knew of the story of the mice in the book but because of a text message that I got when I was so down.

When God asks you to put down something, it's because He wants you to pick up something greater.

If anything, the book explained to me why I love my boyfriend so much. He would not allow me to wimper or whine for too long. Sure he lets me complain but he also reminds me that I should get going and keep on working towards the goal I want to achieve. Though he understands how forlorn I already am, he refuses to accept that I am too tired to make it to the finish line.

Incidentally, perseverance and faith was also the topic of the homily yesterday. The gospel was about the mother who had a daughter with an uncleaned spirit. The mother persistently asked Jesus to heal her daughter and when the mother got home, her child was healed. The priest said in his homily, that we should never lose hope. There is always a reason for everything. In the meantime that things are not going as we want them to, we should still keep on trusting the Lord because he has a plan. We should always see the big picture.

Coincidence of coincidences, in my FORMDEV class, the students built a tower made of index cards. During the activity, they are not supposed to talk to each other. I enjoyed observing my group. It took them a long time before they got to building. In fact, almost all groups have already built something before they began. I have six people in my group. One of the members, the one whom I believed to be the most creative one came in late. I was a bit disappointed that he was going to miss the exercise. One of them immediately began to work while the other one started his own tower. The other two sat on the sidelines to watch the other two. After seeing that the other person is making progress, the other person started to get to work. When teh group noticed that the other two were making progress, they joined in. Though one of the members kept on sneezing and coughing (intentionally, making the tower collapse) the group did not mind. They just kept on building.

Finally, the tower was finished after one collapse after another. The final tower was strong, strong enough to carry a FORMDEV booklet. I even took a picture of it. The facilitators tried to fan it down but it remained standing and then the other person pretended to hit the tower with a bottle of One iced tea, failing to catch it with his hand, it landed on the tower, causing it to topple down.

The group after letting out a scream, started building again. I was amazed. They were the least bit frustrated. They just kept on building. They won the contest.

After which, they decided to hit it with a paper plane made of index cards. It did not fall right away, but two seconds after the plane hit the tower, it trembled and then collapsed. I caught it on video. I will upload it here, when I find the time.

Truly, lessons abound whenever we look hard enough to see them. All we need to do is to look more intently an to listen more attentively.

Monday, February 06, 2006

Lucky Nine

The morning I have been waiting for finally came. It was odd because when it did, I was so groggy... Nonetheless, I picked up my phone and rang my boyfriend. To no avail... He was still in dreamland. I gave in to my urge to sleep.

A couple of hours later, my phone rang. My boyfriend, said hello in his hoarse voice which I find really cute. I knew right then that I had to wake up. I had an exciting day ahead of me.

He was taking me skating that day. I have not skated in two years I think. I loved skating way before I fell in love with swimming so you can just imagine what a treat the day was. He got to our house at 11 in the morning I think, and we drove to The Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life (I referred to this shrine as Shrine of the Child Jesus), at Macapagal in the hope of being able to hear mass there but to no avail. So we decided to go to the Sea Wall instead. Instantly, memories came flowing. I remember the "walk" vividly and when he first put his arm around me. I was frantic not knowing how to react. It was a joy to see how we are now with each other.

He brought his D70S and we had an instant pictorial then and there! It was fun! I got to take some shots too but I really need more practice, it takes me forever to focus. I want my own camera!!!

A ton of pictures and two really tanned faces later, we were on our way to Krua Thai of Blue Wave. I got us some Ice Monster desserts while he waited for our order at Krua Thai. I had Ice Strawberry and he had Ice Mango and they were both yummy. He brought along his D70S and took more pictures. I wanted to take pictures of our food and the restaurant but the manager did not allow us for fear of infringement. We had to respect that of course, it was just a shame that we couldn't take nice pictures.

Krua Thai Posted by Picasa
After that, we were on our way to CCP where we spent most of the day. We strolled first and had another round of picture taking by Manila Bay in front of Dencio's. After which, I finally was able to skate again. I was amazed when I saw the contents of the trunk. It had a mat, a picnic cloth and other things. He really planned for us to have a picnic, unfortunately, we had to settle for just having some snacks at the side as we took a break from riding the bike and skating. Picnics were no longer allowed.

Rolling my skates again was fun though I have forgotten how heavy it can be on my foot. Then again, maybe I secured my boot too tightly. I ended up with two small burns because my socks were too low. All my skin injuries on my legs are always brought about by skating. I forget pain when I'm having fun hence, the burns that I always tend to get. Save of course, the two instances when I fell on the ice and scraped both my knees, resulting to a burn also.

He rode the bike as I skated. I got to try the bike too, though I cannot fathom how he was able to maneuver that bike, I am roughly nine inches smaller than him and I was having trouble riding it becaue I felt the bike was too small. It's been quite a while too since I last rode a bike and I must say, I had fun riding it too. Hmm... Wonder when I can ride a horse again? :)

We heard mass at Macapagal afterwards and ensued another photo session, this time the subject was the church building.

The day was fun. It would have been fun regardless of what we did because I was with him. It is quite a joy to be next to him and to be able to look into his eyes and breathe the air he breathes. To feel his warmth and to hear his laughter is a joy beyond compare. I have found contentment in his arms.

Thank you baby for the nine months that we have shared and I thank you in advance for more months that we are yet to share still.

Each day we are together, we lay a foundation for our future. As I see how much we have done so far, I cannot help but raise up a prayer to the Lord for thanksgiving and continued guidance and blessings for without Him, I know our walls will come crumbling down and with Him, our walls can withstand the test of time. Though we are lucky, I feel luck has nothing to do with us finding each other. I honestly believe, you are my answered prayer.

Reunited

My brother has come home after two weeks in Hong Kong. It might have been two weeks but it seemed like two months! I missed him while he was gone and so I along with my mom and sister excitedly waited for him at the International Airport.

It was such a joy to be there waiting and expecting alongside most other people who are anticipating and waiting for their loved ones. It touched my heart every time a reunion occurred. The joy in their voices was unmistakable. The longing in their eyes said how they have counted every minute until they have in their arms, their loved ones once again.

I do not want to exaggerate, but I am glad he's back.

I missed his jokes, sarcasm and his presence.

It was weird not seeing a figure in front of the computer.

Friday, February 03, 2006

Big Apple

I just finished reading (yet again) a technical paper that I have already read last week. It's true what my professor said, read a technical paper for the first time to get an idea of what it is about. Read it the second time to understand what the algorithms are and the significance of the paper. Read it again and again until finally you understand what it means and you have dissected each part.

Surprisingly, I enjoyed reading the technical papers I was able to find. Could it be that I have always been in the research area where I should be? Am I really a fan of distributed computing? I do hope so because I have been dwelling on distributed computing too much. Now to be able to express myself in the most unambiguous way is another story. How can I limit myself into using indices, subscripts, qualifiers, sets? Oh well... push the envelope further, I must!

For now, let me just savor the little bite from the big apple of research. Now if you'll excuse me, I still have much chewing to do!

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Providence

He will provide.

As is written in the Bible.

As we are always reminded.

As He has always made true in my life.

Thank you Lord for all the blessings You continue to shower upon me so generously. I know I cannot thank You enough but I am trying anyway. You always come to my rescue whenever I feel cornered and down in the dumps. You send me whatever it is that I need, sometimes, even before I realize it you already grant me my necessities and much more. Truly, you are the oasis of this life that can sometimes be a desert. You fill my cup with happiness and joy. You nourish me and You keep me growing. Keep me always in Your care for I know You will never forsake me.

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Flats and Spikes

toot...toot...toot... So goes my ECG for a life...

Last night was one of my low points. I had a pile of INTROSE papers to check. It was taking me forever to check each paper because errors abound and I wanted papers this trimester that were good. Added to that, I submitted a paper to a conference and I was supposed to get the feedback yesterday afternoon but no feedback was in my inbox. I checked again at six in the evening and it was right then that I knew it was not going to come.

Who was I kidding?

I did not tell my boyfriend about it because I did not want to feel embarassed if it never got through but in my bout of immense disappointment, I told him about it.

I was glad I did.

He comforted me as always and tried his best to make me feel better in spite his own worries at work. He has a deadline today and left the office late last night. Thanks baby!

It also helped that there were supportive people in the faculty room telling me that things will be alright and that they were sure my paper got in and that the feedback just took a long time.

This morning, I emailed the organizers to check on the feedback as suggested by one of my colleagues. As I read my last email to them, I realized that I typed in my contact information incorrectly, they sent the confirmation to the wrong address!

A few minutes later, I got my acceptance letter! :D

I was soh thrilled! It was like I won an award or something! Now all I have to do is to write the actual paper because we were only asked to submit an abstract!

The first person I texted about the good news? My baby! I knew that he would share the same joy I was overflowing with!

It's nice to have someone whom I can share my sorrow and my joys with. Thank you for never ceasing to believe in me love!

toot... toot... toot...